For most people the train journey, especially one long haul on a long trip, is enjoyable, indeed the best way to travel, especially with a window seat or at least a lower berth. Unlike air travel, you cannot directly select a seat on the train. When purchasing or booking your ticket, you can indicate a seating preference (lower, middle, upper berth) but you may be issued as an upper berth on your ticket. Using a few simple tips you are able to improve your potential for a good seat. The Indian Railway uses a fully-pioneered computerized automated solution to allocate a purchased ticket into a seating assignment. The main consideration is consistent to seat passengers into available compartments in the train. Everything related to an assignment for a travel seat is an overall random process, but knowing some helpful advice can be a benefit.
Strategy 1: Book Multiple Tickets
This method may look a bit costly or strange, but it can work well in emergencies. If you really need a lower berth or window seat, you can book three to four tickets for the same passenger using the same name and details.
How to do it:
While booking, enter the same name and age for all tickets. Give different seat preferences like one lower, one side lower, and one middle berth.
Result:
Usually, you’ll get at least one lower or window seat among them. Once you get your preferred seat, cancel the other tickets.
Note:
You will have to pay cancellation charges for the extra tickets. The charges vary for sleeper and AC coaches. Use this trick only when it’s absolutely necessary.
Strategy 2: Use Senior Citizen Quota
If there’s a senior citizen in your family, this is the easiest way to get a lower berth.
Eligibility:
Men aged 60 years or above and women aged 45 years or above can use this quota.
How to do it:
While booking, select the ‘Lower Berth/Sr. Citizen’ quota instead of ‘General’.
Result:
In most cases, you’ll get a confirmed lower berth if seats are available in that quota.
Strategy 3: Use the Reservation Choice Option
IRCTC offers a special option to help you get a lower berth. You’ll find it in the ‘Other Preferences’ section during booking.
How to do it:
Select “Book only if at least one lower berth is allotted.”
Result:
Your ticket will be confirmed only if a lower berth is available. If not, the ticket won’t be booked, and your money will be refunded within 3–4 working days.
Strategy 4: Choose Trains with More Seats Available
If you book tickets on trains with more available seats, your chances of getting your preferred seat increase. The railway system can then easily match your seat preference since there are more options open.
Tip:
Always check the number of available seats before booking your ticket. The more seats available, the higher your chances of getting a lower berth or window seat.