London Midland to Birmingham - advance ticket question

[Billy Hicks]

Thought I'd take advantage of London Midland's sale and get an advance return from London Euston to Birmingham New Street for this Saturday, which with my railcard came to a bargain £6.70.

I live in North West London and I've noticed that not only do both trains call at Watford Junction, but the outward journey also calls at Harrow and Wealdstone, only a few stops from me on the Bakerloo line and much quicker - and cheaper - to get to there than going all the way to London Euston and back. Similarly if I alight at Watford Junction I can just touch in with my Oyster from there and hop on the Overground home.

Am I then able to use my London Terminals to Birmingham ticket starting from Harrow and Wealdstone for the outward journey, and alighting at Watford Junction on the return?

 

[bb21]

Short answer, no.

Long answer, on the return leg it would be virtually undetectable I imagine if you alight early and touch in on Oyster on the way to the DC Line platforms. On the outward it depends. If the guard had done a ticket check for the coach you are in before you get on, or noticed you boarding at Harrow or Watford Junction then you might encounter problems.

 

[itsjustmyjob]

Too risky. Don't.
'Travelling short' is directly against the terms and conditions of the 'Advance' ticket.

 

[Billy Hicks]

That's definitely a trip to Euston then! Thanks all, would rather pay the small Oyster price extra than risk a fine.