UK train with declassified first class coach due to overcrowding – any recourse for 1st class ticket holders?

6/9/2018 9:52:38 AM

A couple of points
1 – unlike in France and Germany it is FREE to reserve a seat when you buy your ticket. No additional cost. If you do not get a seat you have reserved you can claim a FULL refund. The cost of your ticket therefore DOES INCLUDE A RESERVED SEAT. it’s just down to you to actually reserve it
…

2 – The National Conditions of Travel are the MINIMUM standard and what all train operators have to apply. Most train operators go well beyond that and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t refund the difference in cost for first class passengers travelling in a declassified coach.

3 – yes it’s a form you need to fill put but how else would you do it? it’s like saying you want to return a dress and getting arsey because they want you to take it back to the shop.

2/18/2016 11:51:27 AM

I agree it’s very annoying, as the main reason to purchase first class is a bit of extra space and some peace and quiet.

Rule G 38 suggests you may be entitled to the fare difference between first and standard class, if one interprets “declassified” as meaning “no longer first class but just another standard class coach”.

G. TRAIN ACCOMMODATION AND RESERVATIONS

  1. Travelling in standard class accommodation with a first class ticket

    If you have a first class ticket (or the equivalent) and the
    first class accommodation (or the equivalent) shown in the National
    Rail Timetable is not available in any train you travel in, you may
    claim a refund of the difference in price between the first class and
    the standard class ticket for the relevant part of your journey.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/content/NRCOC.pdf

This rule does not apply to season ticket holders.

Virgin Trains also explicitly provides this guarantee, although disingenuously they suggest it is their idea: https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/customer-service/seat-guarantee/

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

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Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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