Advance notice of cancelled train

[matthewjohnson]

I have just been informed by LNER that the service I am booked on this coming Friday the 8th has been cancelled, but I can take the next train. Was booked on the 18:58 Wakefield to Kings Cross. However, I would rather catch the one before the one I booked if possible so as not to arrive too late. Can I do this?

 

[bescot42]

I'm assuming it's an advance ticket? If so, you're only eligible on the train they offer which is usually the next available. You could then potentially claim delay repay depending on how delayed you are. You wouldn't be eligible to travel on an earlier train unless they have offered you this, but you could always ask. The other option is you could ask for a full refund and buy a ticket for an earlier train.

 

[robbeech]

Ask on social media, they’re generally quite accommodating. If they say no then the best thing you can do is turn up for the train before and ask the guard. Again, most of them are quite reasonable.

They won’t pay out delay repay anyway as the timetable of the day won’t have your train in it so unless the later train is delayed on the day then you’ll just be late with no compensation.

 

[matthewjohnson]

Ask on social media, they’re generally quite accommodating. If they say no then the best thing you can do is turn up for the train before and ask the guard. Again, most of them are quite reasonable.

They won’t pay out delay repay anyway as the timetable of the day won’t have your train in it so unless the later train is delayed on the day then you’ll just be late with no compensation.

Thanks, if that is the case I'll definitely turn up for the earlier one and see what the guard says. I'm not on social media but I'd rather get it "from the horse's mouth" before I board anyway.

I could go off on a rant about still being over half an hour later than I intended when booking, regardless of the new timetable, but it's too late at night!

 

[robbeech]

My thoughts with the asking the social media team is it’s another opportunity to get clearance to do it but certainly asking the guard should see you right.

 

[matthewjohnson]

On another note, what's the reasoning behind having to book another ticket before claiming a refund on an advance ticket? What if you decide not to travel at all, which I was considering?

 

[robbeech]

On another note, what's the reasoning behind having to book another ticket before claiming a refund on an advance ticket? What if you decide not to travel at all, which I was considering?

If your booked train is cancelled, its timings amended or you will not be guaranteed your seat reservation then you are eligible for a full refund on an advance. You don’t have to change your journey you can cancel it altogether.

 

[hkstudent]

Though the train is cancelled, OP can still attempt to book seat reservation of the previous train, through GWR account - my booking - seat reservation system. There's no need to enter the ticket details but still be able to reserve a seat.

 

[andythebrave]

Though the train is cancelled, OP can still attempt to book seat reservation of the previous train, through GWR account - my booking - seat reservation system. There's no need to enter the ticket details but still be able to reserve a seat.

You can do that on the lner site too with the advantage of having the seat picker.

 

[Deerfold]

It's also worth keeoing an eye on their website and Twitter feed - it's not uncommon for them to list cancelled trains on there, saying you can catch the train either side.

The next train is of course due to arrive at London Kings Cross, just *under* half an hour later.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Though the train is cancelled, OP can still attempt to book seat reservation of the previous train, through GWR account - my booking - seat reservation system. There's no need to enter the ticket details but still be able to reserve a seat.

Does booking yourself a seat reservation then automatically mean that your advance ticket for the earlier train is 100% valid (in the circumstances which are described in this thread, i.e. the originally booked later train has been cancelled?)

 

[Bletchleyite]

Does booking yourself a seat reservation then automatically mean that your advance ticket for the earlier train is 100% valid (in the circumstances which are described in this thread, i.e. the originally booked later train has been cancelled?)

No, it means you've got a standalone seat reservation which you need to use with a valid ticket. It has no effect on the validity of anything.

 

[800001]

You will be able to travel on the service before, or the service after your cancelled service.

Example below is taken from twitter tray regards a cancelled service. You will have no issue utilising your ticket on the train prior.

‘Due to flooding earlier today, 16:30 #LondonKingsCross to #Edinburgh due 21:14 will be cancelled.

Tickets are valid on the LNER service before or after this train.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to your journey today.’

 

[Wallsendmag]

Outside of industrial action if your train time changes you can click the link on the email and get a fee free change to an alternative train.

 

[robbeech]

Outside of industrial action if your train time changes you can click the link on the email and get a fee free change to an alternative train.

Indeed it is fee free, but you’ll still pay the difference in ticket price which may be significant if you booked weeks ahead originally but the change happens the day before.

 

[Wallsendmag]

Indeed it is fee free, but you’ll still pay the difference in ticket price which may be significant if you booked weeks ahead originally but the change happens the day before.

No you don't it's completey fee free