All Line Rover questions...

[86229]

Hello all.

Me and a friend are planning to get 1st Class all line rovers soon and I have some questions about limitations of the ticket.

- I have read some posts about people who have been refused 1st class lounge access and 1st class meals/food because of the ticket, and was wondering if this is at fault of the staff, or is this a genuine limitation? I cannot see anything written on the National Rail info page for the ticket.

- If this is a staff error we were refused the 1st class perks, how could I prove that my ticket is valid?

- One night I'd like to travel on the GWR Night Riviera in the seated coach, but as we are both 15 will this be a problem? I understand the Caledonian Sleeper specifically states that 'children under 16 cannot travel alone', and am unsure if GWR have a similar approach.

- Due to our age would the person selling the rover ticket ask questions? And if they did would we be required to answer?

- Same as previous question but regarding train staff.

- To get between London stations via the underground (purely for connections), what would be the cheapest way to do this?

- I understand the Caledonian Sleeper website strictly says that children cannot travel alone, but would there be any chance of arranging this? I'd like to have a seat in the seated coach.

I'd be very grateful if people could answer these questions for me, as £372.50 is a lot of money to me and would require some substantial saving, and I'd like the trip to go as smoothly as possible.

Thanks.

 

[Qwerty133]

Hello all.

Me and a friend are planning to get 1st Class all line rovers soon and I have some questions about limitations of the ticket.

- I have read some posts about people who have been refused 1st class lounge access and 1st class meals/food because of the ticket, and was wondering if this is at fault of the staff, or is this a genuine limitation? I cannot see anything written on the National Rail info page for the ticket.

On board service should be provided, and unless the TOC limits first class lounge tickets to certain types of ticket (which some do) access should be granted

- If this is a staff error we were refused the 1st class perks, how could I prove that my ticket is valid?

Especially because of your age you probably couldn't

- One night I'd like to travel on the GWR Night Riviera in the seated coach, but as we are both 15 will this be a problem? I understand the Caledonian Sleeper specifically states that 'children under 16 cannot travel alone', and am unsure if GWR have a similar approach.

As fat as I know GWR have the same if not more restrictive rules in place

Due to our age would the person selling the rover ticket ask questions? And if they did would we be required to answer?

Possibly, and answering is the best way (if there is a genuine answer they are likely to agree to sell the ticket)

- Same as previous question but regarding train staff.

Once on board some staff may ask questions as to your plans (out of interest as some staff are also enthusiasts) but its unlikely that you will get anything about your age

- To get between London stations via the underground (purely for connections), what would be the cheapest way to do this?

probably Oyster

I understand the Caledonian Sleeper website strictly says that children cannot travel alone, but would there be any chance of arranging this? I'd like to have a seat in the seated coach.

No

I'd be very grateful if people could answer these questions for me, as £372.50 is a lot of money to me and would require some substantial saving, and I'd like the trip to go as smoothly as possible.

Thanks.

Answered in parts.

 

[221129]

As fat as I know GWR have the same if not more restrictive rules in place

Don't know where you got this info from but you are wrong.

 

[86229]

On board service should be provided, and unless the TOC limits first class lounge tickets to certain types of ticket (which some do) access should be granted

Especially because of your age you probably couldn't

As fat as I know GWR have the same if not more restrictive rules in place
Possibly, and answering is the best way (if there is a genuine answer they are likely to agree to sell the ticket)Once on board some staff may ask questions as to your plans (out of interest as some staff are also enthusiasts) but its unlikely that you will get anything about your age
probably Oyster
No

Answered in parts.

Thanks for your answers, they are appreciated.

Don't know where you got this info from but you are wrong.

I've looked on the GWR website and it's possible to book an unaccompanied child ticket on the sleeper, and as reservations are not mandatory, I assume there shouldn't be any issues.

 

[philthetube]

As far as the sleepers go, email and ask, the worst they can do is say no, probably worth sending emails to try and get official answers to all your questions, if you can produce evidence form the companies head offices that would help you a lot.

 

[Deafdoggie]

I had an all Line first Class last October, had no trouble getting into any First Class Lounge. If they do say no, just, politely, ask where it says you can't use it. For both sleepers, I'd email them and ask. Caledonian sleeper are very good at replying and quick. FGW will get back to you, but could be 2018. Best bet, is to reserve a seat at a ticket office once you have ticket. Depending when you go, it can get full even in the seated coach!

 

[bb21]

For some lounges, you need to be making a journey on the relevant TOC to be allowed in, so know which train you intend to catch and make sure it satisfies this particular requirement.

 

[Silver Cobra]

In regards to lounge access with a 1st class ALR, the only lounge I had any issues with was at Manchester Piccadilly (I used Piccadilly, Edinburgh, Glasgow Central, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Kings Cross lounges with my ALR). This was only because the member of staff manning the desk at the lounge had never seen an ALR before, so wasn't sure if it was acceptable. After consulting another member of staff, I was allowed into the lounge no problem.

A little off-topic, but the person manning the entrance to the Kings Cross lounge when I visited it was quite pleased to see the ALR, and said he "always salutes those travelling on rovers".

 

[86229]

As far as the sleepers go, email and ask, the worst they can do is say no, probably worth sending emails to try and get official answers to all your questions, if you can produce evidence form the companies head offices that would help you a lot.

I had an all Line first Class last October, had no trouble getting into any First Class Lounge. If they do say no, just, politely, ask where it says you can't use it. For both sleepers, I'd email them and ask. Caledonian sleeper are very good at replying and quick. FGW will get back to you, but could be 2018. Best bet, is to reserve a seat at a ticket office once you have ticket. Depending when you go, it can get full even in the seated coach!

Thanks, I'll email them soon. Regarding the reservations, is there any fee?

For some lounges, you need to be making a journey on the relevant TOC to be allowed in, so know which train you intend to catch and make sure it satisfies this particular requirement.

Will make sure I do, thanks.

In regards to lounge access with a 1st class ALR, the only lounge I had any issues with was at Manchester Piccadilly (I used Piccadilly, Edinburgh, Glasgow Central, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Kings Cross lounges with my ALR). This was only because the member of staff manning the desk at the lounge had never seen an ALR before, so wasn't sure if it was acceptable. After consulting another member of staff, I was allowed into the lounge no problem.

A little off-topic, but the person manning the entrance to the Kings Cross lounge when I visited it was quite pleased to see the ALR, and said he "always salutes those travelling on rovers".

I'll do a similar thing if any staff have never heard of it, and it's always good to meet staff such as the one at King's Cross.

 

[Deafdoggie]

I wasn't charges any fees for any reservations