Advance SailRail Ticket - Ferry now Changed

[Portwood]

Hi, I’m hoping someone can help me with this, as I’ve been sucked into the complexities of the SailRail system! I booked an advance Sail Rail ticket sometime ago for Holyhead-Dublin through Transport for Rail. We were booked on the 14.10 departure with Irish Ferries Ulysees. However, the boat is now leaving an hour earlier at 13.15 (not that Transport for Wales has informed us of this!).



Our booked SailRail train leaves Chester at 11.15 and arrives at Holyhead at 12.52, which now leaves us no time to get the boat. What can we do? Surely, Transport for Rail should allow us to travel on an earlier train to catch the boat, even though it’s an advanced fair. Failing that, can we have a refund as the booked journey no longer exists?



Any help much appreciated, as I’m at a loss with this!

 

[Djgr]

Hi, I’m hoping someone can help me with this, as I’ve been sucked into the complexities of the SailRail system! I booked an advance Sail Rail ticket sometime ago for Holyhead-Dublin through Transport for Rail. We were booked on the 14.10 departure with Irish Ferries Ulysees. However, the boat is now leaving an hour earlier at 13.15 (not that Transport for Rail has informed us of this!).



Our booked SailRail train leaves Chester at 11.15 and arrives at Holyhead at 12.52, which now leaves us no time to get the boat. What can we do? Surely, Transport for Rail should allow us to travel on an earlier train to catch the boat, even though it’s an advanced fair. Failing that, can we have a refund as the booked journey no longer exists?



Any help much appreciated, as I’m at a loss with this!

Presumably you don't mean Transport for Rail?

 

[Portwood]

Presumably you don't mean Transport for Rail?

Transport for Wales!

 

[fishwomp]

Presumably you don't mean Transport for Rail?

That's those Train Truckers on TV?

 

[gray1404]

Right in this situation you are entitled to, travel on an earlier train to make your ferry connection. Alternatively if you travel on your original train you have to be accommodated on the next ferry service but this won't be a fast craft. Your third and final option is for a refund without any administration fee.

Strictly speaking checking closes 30 minutes before departure.

 

[AlterEgo]

Hi, I’m hoping someone can help me with this, as I’ve been sucked into the complexities of the SailRail system! I booked an advance Sail Rail ticket sometime ago for Holyhead-Dublin through Transport for Rail. We were booked on the 14.10 departure with Irish Ferries Ulysees. However, the boat is now leaving an hour earlier at 13.15 (not that Transport for Wales has informed us of this!).



Our booked SailRail train leaves Chester at 11.15 and arrives at Holyhead at 12.52, which now leaves us no time to get the boat. What can we do? Surely, Transport for Rail should allow us to travel on an earlier train to catch the boat, even though it’s an advanced fair. Failing that, can we have a refund as the booked journey no longer exists?



Any help much appreciated, as I’m at a loss with this!

What have Transport for Wales said? Have they offered travel on the earlier train?

 

[gray1404]

The OP is booked to travel on an Avanti service.

 

[Mainline421]

The OP is booked to travel on an Avanti service.

But the ticket isn't operator restricted so that doesn't make much difference.

Although it's only £6 extra to not have an Advance so well worth it in my opinion, especially on the return leg so you wouldn't have to wait around in Holyhead.

 

[Portwood]

Thanks all for the advice. I think in the future buying train / boat separately might be easier. SailRail looks simple on paper but is the most labyrinthian process in reality...

 

[fishwomp]

Thanks all for the advice. I think in the future buying train / boat separately might be easier. SailRail looks simple on paper but is the most labyrinthian process in reality...

It's really better to book sailrail tickets - and at a booking office is usually the best as they can put you on the train you want to be on more easily than the online providers.

The major reason for why I'd do it is that they are "CIV" tickets - which is an international convention that protects you when either part of the journey is messed up. The responsibility for getting you home/complete the journey is on the operator: if your train is late, you are put on the next ferry, you're not buying a new ticket. If you miss the last train of the day or ferry, they're taxiing or paying for/getting you a hotel (obviously not putting you in a water taxi!).

In terms of your current journey - I'd just go for the train that will make the ferry if you can't speak to someone first. If you're concerned talk to someone at a manned station or get someone on the first train to endorse your ticket.

 

[TrainTraveler]

I did sail-rail at the start of May.

If Irish Ferries have changed the ship departure time earlier, my guess (and it's just that) is that there is a good chance you would still make the ferry (the transfer is a coach inside the port and it was very efficient).

Could you get the retailer (or station) to provide a revised itinerary with the earlier train shown? I tried TfW for tomorrow and they now show the 10:53 as the suggested train.

One "top tip" is pay for the upgrade to "Club Class" on the ship (at the reception was the way I found to do it). It's well worth the money.

A really nice crossing.

 

[Mainline421]

Thanks all for the advice. I think in the future buying train / boat separately might be easier. SailRail looks simple on paper but is the most labyrinthian process in reality...

Just purchase a SailRail Standby ticket, this equivalent to an Anytime Single. There isn't any benefit but are many downsides, not least cost, to purchasing them separately.