Manchester-Edinburgh by any route?

[LickeyIncliner]

A simple question, I hope: is it possible to buy a First Class Anytime ticket that's valid from Manchester to Edinburgh via either York or Carlisle, by any operator?

I'm looking for maximum flexibility (and relative comfort) on a business trip. But from looking at "other tickets available" on the National Rail site and the LNER app, it seems that all the Anytime tickets listed are valid either via York or via Carlisle. (And the RailUKForums seems to be insisting on split ticketing (despite my deselecting that option) which obviously means it isn't considering "any route" tickets.)

Any help appreciated - including how to buy the ticket I'm looking for if it exists!

 

[Gaelan]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I believe you're free to take any route available on a cheaper ticket. From the routing guide:

Where the fare specifies a particular route, there will be restrictions in the fare routes data that will affect the routes listed in the Guide which pass through the station shown in the route description. The National Routeing Guide may be used to find out how to reach the station shown in the route description. Where there are other permitted routes, these may also be used for the same journey provided the same or a lower fare applies.

 

[gnolife]

You can buy a via Carlisle ticket, then get it excessed to a via York at a ticket office.

 

[Bletchleyite]

As First Anytime Returns are normally (and are in this case) near enough exactly twice the single, why not just buy two singles, only buying the return one when you've decided your route?

You can also do an excess as others have said or just buy the more expensive one, but in both cases it's not unlikely that clueless staff will cause you some level of hassle.

 

[Merseysider]

I did a similar journey once. Warrington to Edinburgh is routed Any Permitted and last time I checked was valid whichever way (edit: still is valid, journey planners will sell it via Manchester then Carlisle or via York). TPE's first class is definitely not worth £428 though, nor is XC. I'd try and maximise the use of Avanti (if they turn up) or LNER.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2023 ==

As First Anytime Returns are normally (and are in this case) near enough exactly twice the single, why not just buy two singles, only buying the return one when you've decided your route?

This is probably the best option, providing the OP won't be rushing to buy a ticket for the train at EDB I'm fairly sure E tickets are available, anyway.

 

[reb0118]

[P]roviding the OP won't be rushing to buy a ticket for the train at EDB ....

Also, most conductors have no problem issuing first class tickets on board.

 

[Merseysider]

Also, most conductors have no problem issuing first class tickets on board.

True, that. I recall hearing ages ago (no idea if it was / still is true or not) that some conductors earn(ed) 5% commision on ticket sales, which of £430 is a decent twenty quid at least

 

[Bletchleyite]

True, that. I recall hearing ages ago (no idea if it was / still is true or not) that some conductors earn(ed) 5% commision on ticket sales, which of £430 is a decent twenty quid at least

Though there are slightly more gates at Waverley than there used to be, which means the LNER train could be behind them (though 8/9 still aren't gated). That said, there are TVMs all over the concourse, or yes, the OP could buy an e-ticket.

 

[LickeyIncliner]

Thanks all!