Until my daughter's experience yesterday I was under the illusion that a standard class ticket holder could upgrade to First Class on board a train if she or he so wished and space was available. Apparently I was wrong!
According to the National Rail Conditions of Carriage (from 20th May 2012), Condition 12 (Restrictions on when you can travel):
If you have an Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket and board a train on which your ticket is not valid, you will only be charged the difference between the fare you have paid and the cheapest valid Anytime or Off-Peak fare for the service concerned. The same principle will apply if you wish to transfer to first class accommodation. This rule does not apply in designated Penalty Fares areas, where you may be required to pay a Penalty Fare.
LondonMidland operates a Penalty Fares scheme and does NOT allow the purchase of a First Class upgrade on the train Monday to Friday (you can, of course, upgrade at a booking office prior to departure). This is to prevent abuse of the First Class accommodation.
The Weekend First upgrade on LondonMidland is available on-board Saturday and Sunday (or again by purchase at the booking office prior to departure).
Virgin Trains does not operate a Penalty Fares scheme so you should be able to upgrade on board, and, of course, Weekend First is available.
Chiltern Railways don't offer First Class but where Business Zone is available an upgrade can be purchased on the train.
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