Getting a train from Reading

[SouthbanKen]

My GF is travelling down by train on Thursday from Reading. Is it best for her to book train tickets in advance, or has she missed the boat already?

[balti-pie]

The problem is that they’ll be starting from Paddington, and they’ll likely be pretty full - I’d expect to be standing surrounded by everyone’s stuff. First class is often decommissioned when it’s rammed too, so you couldn’t even shell out a few quid for a ‘guaranteed’ seat. 

Though I did see that they’re putting on loads of extra trains compared to ‘17, so hopefully it’ll be quieter ?? 

In summary: I’ve not really helped,  sorry