National Express airport services flexibility

[AnkleBoots]

Previously I understood that National Express drivers from airports were very flexible if your flight was delayed or early, ie letting you travel earlier or later without penalty.

It seems to have changed now and you need to pay an additional £5 each way to have that flexibility.

Does anyone have experience of how it works in practice if you don't take the £5 option?

Thanks

 

[Lrd]

It usually depends on the ticket you have. For most tickets, you were usually allowed on an hour before and an hour after but only if there was space.

For all cases you should, if possible, go to the ticket office beforehand to guarantee yourself a space but this will incur a fee.

You can ask the driver but it will usually be a no, especially if it is an airport service as they are busier.

 

[AnkleBoots]

Looking again at this, for a ticket from London to Stansted.

Fully Flexible
Unlimited amendments can be made anytime prior to departure without incurring an amendment fee, but an excess fare will be charged where a higher fare applies. Journey amendments can be made to tickets prior to travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/myticket, calling the National Express Contact Centre or visiting a National Express ticket office.

How much does it cost to change the date or time on a ticket?

In most cases you can change the date and time of travel on your coach ticket before the time of departure. Please check your tickets terms and conditions. Amendments cannot be made on cancelled or expired tickets.

All changes are subject to a minimum amendment fee of £5 and any excess fare which may apply.

It looks like they are not sure whether they charge an amendment fee or not on flexible tickets. Please can anyone comment?

 

[F Great Eastern]

On all tickets from East Anglia you have to pay extra to make your discounted ticket flexible in the case of flight delays, the only tickets that are flexible are the full price ones which are the same as on the coach and the highest price when booking.

Personally I don't like this practice, when I was in Ireland all of the operators had a policy that if a flight was late from an airport you can take the next bus free of charge space permitting.