An Edinburgh passenger has told how his 71-year-old mother-in-law had to sit on the floor of a train corridor for four hours and was unable to access a toilet.
Alexandre Viana, 43, and his family were on a once of lifetime trip from Brazil visiting relatives in London who recommended they come up to Edinburgh for a sightseeing break.
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The tourists were excited to experience the beautiful Scottish capital but sadly were left shocked and disappointed after being "treated like cattle" on a packed LNER train despite booking and reserving seats in November.
Alexandre was alarmed that his 71-year-old mother-in-law had to sit on the floor for four hours in a space so cramped she was unable to go to the toilet.
He feared what would have happened if they did not bring their own refreshments on board as there was no chance to move on the train to purchase water.
The experience only got worse towards the end of the journey when a fellow passenger vomited next to the family in the carriage as they were unable to access a toilet.
One customer traveling with two young children in the next carriage described the trip as a "journey from hell" on Twitter and offered her sympathy to the tourists.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live he said: "We are a party of four people, from Brazil and we decided to visit our family in Guildford, London.
"Our family there suggested we go to Edinburgh. So, we bought the tickets in November with reserved seats trying to avoid any problems.
"My family got separated in different parts of the train, the journey was terrible.
"The departure had a delay of two hours and it took five hours instead of four and a half.
"They are treating customers like cattle. For the whole journey, we had to sit on the floor between coaches despite reserving seats, and there were other passengers in the corridors, as well."
He continued: "It was packed full and we were all squeezed in the corridors and between the coaches.
"My mother-in-law was seated on the floor on the bag during the entire journey. It was impossible to go to the toilet because the corridors were totally full.
"Fortunately, we brought some water, otherwise, the situation could have been so much worse.
"Not one staff member came to offer support or see if there were people in trouble, like my mother-in-law who is 71.
"Near the end of the journey, a teenager got sick and vomited near us too."
The family is now recovering from the experience and Alexandre says he will pursue a refund with the company but for now, are enjoying the sights of Edinburgh trying to get their holiday back on track.
LNER has been approached for comment.
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