Disruption - Will my advance ticket be valid on an earlier train?

[poshfan]

I have booked a journey from Stamford to Penzance in July using three separate tickets but all under the same booking reference. Stamford-Peterborough 08.00, Peterborough-London 10.10 (advance ticket) and London-Penzance 12.07. Since I made the booking, the departure time of the 12.07 from Paddington has been brought forward to 11.33 but still arriving at 17.07. Apparently the train is now going via Swindon due to electrification works on the Newbury line. The connection in London is now very tight especially with luggage to drag along so I would feel safer on earlier connecting trains. Can I just take earlier trains and take a print out of the booking for proof, or is there a more formal process to go through? I tried phoning east coast but could not get through and no answer to my on-line enquiry via the web site either. Advice appreciated.

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

Assuming that the 10:10 PBO-KGX was/is scheduled to arrive at 11:01 on the day you booked it, then you are absolutely fine no matter what happens. You left 66 minutes for the connection and the minimum connection time at that time is 15 minutes at each London terminal and 15 minutes for the Tube transfer, a total of 45 minutes. Thus it isn't your problem that they changed the time of the 12:07 - if you catch it at its earlier time, that's fine. Otherwise you can catch the next train compatible with your Advance's route/TOC restriction (likely 'GREAT WESTN ONLY' or 'AP SLOUGH'), which is pretty much any train to Penzance from Paddington.

Being allowed to do this at the barrier line may not be uncomplicated, however, so you may wish to contact GWR or whoever you booked your ticket with to ask them to advise what you should do, given you had already booked other tickets.

Obviously you can change the time of your tickets, which may cost up to £10 per ticket or per booking depending on the site used, plus any difference in the fare, but I would be very disappointed (though not surprised!) if you were told this was the only option.

 

[robbeech]

There’s no reason why you’d be charged an admin fee change the PAD to PNZ ticket given they have changed the time of the train after you have purchased it.
It depends how you want to play it really, if the next Penzance train has advances at the same price then you should be able to change it with no fee but you’d likely be sent round the houses to get the right person to do it. If advances are more expensive then you’d be better off with your original itinerary and the NRCOT rules that state you’re entitled to take the next train. Again, you’ll likely be challenged but you are entitled to do this.

It’s not a frighteningly short amount of time to do King’s Cross to Paddington but as you say, luggage will slow you down. If you’re in STD class you’ll also have a longer walk from the gatelines at each which can be critical. Be prepared to use the lift and bridge at King’s Cross and the overbridge at Paddington.

 

[Merseysider]

If you contact GWR they should be able to change your reservation to the next train from Paddington without charging a fee, if you explain that the new departure time is unsuitable for you.

Kings Cross to Paddington shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes on the tube so I wouldn’t worry too much either way.

 

[MikeWh]

Reading between the lines of the OP I'd say that the key element here could be the arrival time in Penzance. In that case you should be able to contact the seller and get them to change the earlier advance tickets. If the seller won't do it, try contacting GWR as they have caused the issue.

 

[arb]

FWIW I've done King's Cross to Paddington in 30 minutes, with luggage, and on a day when the Circle/Hammersmith+City lines weren't running, so I had to use the Metropolitan Line to Baker Street and then make an additonal connection to the Bakerloo line. I was sat as far forward as I could on my train into King's Cross for a quick exit into the tube station (via the entrance outside the front of King's Cross station, avoiding the new ticket hall), and I am happy using stairs even with luggage, so didn't have to queue for lifts.

I appreciate none of that answers your actual question, and nor does it help with the concern of not making the adjusted connection on the original tickets if you get even a small delay into London.

 

[Haywain]

For all the confidence others are expressing, I wouldn't like to rely on getting from a train ariving at King's Cross to one departing from Paddington in as little as 30 minutes. It can be done, but that certainly doesn't mean you can rely on it. All it takes is a couple of minutes delay on your train from Peterborough and your connection is missed.

 

[Deafdoggie]

Personally I would try to move trains into Kings Cross to arrive earlier, but I have walked it in 40 minutes (without rushing, but admittedly without luggage too!) and I have done it on the bus (205) with luggage and children in rush hour in under 30 minutes, so if changing the train isn't possible, try not to stress too much, it could still be possible, if a little less relaxing, to do it!

 

[Mag_seven]

Kings Cross to Paddington shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes on the tube

Not in my experience - I would allow 30 mins.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Am I reading right that the only Advance is the middle one?

Is it therefore an option for you to simply travel later from Padd if you miss it?

 

[Haywain]

I have walked it in 40 minutes (without rushing, but admittedly without luggage too!)

You may think that walking at over 4 miles per hour is not rushing, but for most people that is close to impossible.

I have done it on the bus (205) with luggage and children in rush hour in under 30 minutes,

The 205 runs on an 8 minute daytime frequency, and has a journey time from King's Cross to Paddington of 27 minutes* (bus stop to bus stop). Yes, it can be done in under 30 minutes but it's not really realistic for the connection the OP is looking to make.

*Source: tfl.gov.uk

 

[Deafdoggie]

That is why i would try to alter the trains first. But it MAY still be possible...