Off peak ticket flexibility

[James268]

I am thinking of buying someone else a return ticket from Manchester > Spalding. As this is effectively a present, I do not know when they would be travelling, but it would be sometime within a week of the ticket purchase.

If I buy and collect an off peak return (£78.80) from the TVM and give them the tickets today, can they wait until say Tues 31/5 before using the outward portion? Even though the date on the ticket would be todays.

Forgive my silly question, i've only bought advances and walk up tickets previously.

I don't think i've worded the question quite right, so any details i've missed, just ask.

 

[najaB]

If I buy and collect an off peak return (£78.80) from the TVM and give them the tickets today, can they wait until say Tues 31/5 before using the outward portion? Even though the date on the ticket would be todays.

No. The outward portion of the ticket is valid on the date shown - the 'start date' and 'valid to' dates will be the same.

 

[Harpers Tate]

As an alternative, is this any use?
https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/special-offers/travel-savings/gift-vouchers/

Find out what the cost would be, buy voucher to cover, and tell them to buy their tickets on that site. Any train journey, regardless of TOCs involved can be bought.

 

[Paul Kelly]

There are Anytime Returns available from Manchester to Spalding - these are quite a bit more expensive but allow the flexibility of making the outward journey any time within 5 days from the date of purchase. There is then a further month available to make the return journey.