VTWC Missing Weekend First online fares

[Furrball]

Sort of following on from the TPE thread re advertising one thing and offering another (on cheapest Advance fares)

We probably all know that VTWC advertise Weekend First online as follows

The easiest way to upgrade is when you’re booking your ticket online. If you select a Super Off-Peak/Off-Peak ticket in First Class, the cost of the upgrade is already included in this ticket price.

https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/experience/first-class/weekend-travel

But for Anglo-Scottish routes not via West Midlands this does not ring true.

Glasgow - London. Shows OK S/B but coming back, hmm, no!

Preston to London, the return is even worse

Anyone else had correspondence with them regarding this error?

 

[Paul Kelly]

I'm not sure it's an error, just that that web page is leaving out a crucial detail - isn't Weekend First technically subject to availability, so it's just that they've decided in advance not to offer it on some trains (perhaps those that they are anticipating being very busy)?

 

[Starmill]

Yes. As you can see you have selected trains where no Advance tickets are available. When Advance tickets reach a certain price (which I don't believe they make public), the option to book Weekend First online is removed.

You can get around this by booking the Standard class walk-up and then asking for weekend first and a First seat reservation at a station though.

 

[Furrball]

Yes. As you can see you have selected trains where no Advance tickets are available. When Advance tickets reach a certain price (which I don't believe they make public), the option to book Weekend First online is removed.

You can get around this by booking the Standard class walk-up and then asking for weekend first and a First seat reservation at a station though.

But that is not what Virgin's website says is it? There is no mention of subject to availability.

 

[Starmill]

I agree but that is how it works. Presumably they want people to purchase the more expensive First Advances or First Anytime Single.

 

[Furrball]

Goes back to the whole TPE advance fare thing....nothing will come of it but when I am bored for 10 mins may report to ASA. I know that if anything at all, all it will result in is a * (Subject to availability) appearing on the website