Advance Tickets, when is payment made?

[Trainfan344]

Hi, I have brought advance tickets, but it now looks as though I may have to get an earlier train then booked on, but I haven't collected my other tickets yet, when do these get paid for, is it when I collect the tickets?

 

[Urban Gateline]

Hi, I have brought advance tickets, but it now looks as though I may have to get an earlier train then booked on, but I haven't collected my other tickets yet, when do these get paid for, is it when I collect the tickets?

No, payment is taken at the time of booking so the money will already be out of your account. If your Journey isn't today then it might be worth going onto the site you booked the Advances with and doing an "excess" to change the time or day, otherwise the tickets are pretty much lost. Changing them will cost an Admin fee (min £10).

 

[Trainfan344]

No, payment is taken at the time of booking so the money will already be out of your account. If your Journey isn't today then it might be worth going onto the site you booked the Advances with and doing an "excess" to change the time or day, otherwise the tickets are pretty much lost. Changing them will cost an Admin fee (min £10).

But that's the thing, the money hasn't left the account yet, which is why I checked, but I think I shall go and have a look at the admin fee.

 

[tony_mac]

Changing them will cost an Admin fee (min £10).

It is £10 plus any difference in the fares.

If the money isn't out of your account, it will be soon - you will get charged even if they are not collected.

 

[Urban Gateline]

But that's the thing, the money hasn't left the account yet, which is why I checked, but I think I shall go and have a look at the admin fee.

I forgot to mention that of course that you would also need to pay the price difference if you can't find the same or cheaper tier of Advance, in addition to the Admin fee, but I've done it several times and it's worth it not to loose the tickets entirely if it's for a long journey!

Not sure about the money issue though, that is strange, I always book through East Coast and they put a hold on the funds straight away and it shows up on my online banking statement a few days later!

 

[Tetchytyke]

Just one thing to add, in case it's relevant.

Southern do a "rainy day guarantee" on Southern advance tickets bought through the Southern website, which means you can get a refund. If you're in this position, don't collect the tickets!

http://www.southernrailway.com/offers/money-back-guarantee/

 

[Trainfan344]

Not relevant in this case, but thanks for the info Arctic Troll, very useful indeed. And Have paid the admin fee and difference and now have tickets which allow me to get the Earlier train.