Possibility of first class ticket refund?

[ffcphone]

Hope this has been posted in the correct sub-forum.

Last week I booked a journey from Bolton to Lancaster on fTPE and opted for first class. I chose not to reserve seats as I did not perceive there to be an issue as my daily commute sees the 185 first class section largely empty at peak times.

It's slightly complicated by the fact I already have a season ticket for Bolton to Preston which entitles me to complimentary weekend first class use so for this stage of the journey I booked one first class ticket for my girlfriend. I booked a further two first class tickets for the Preston to Lancaster sector.

We opted for a 1833 departure from Bolton station last Saturday but on boarding noted that the train was crammed full and the first class compartment was full in both the standing and seated areas, as was the whole train.

We therefore stood until Preston whereupon we managed to get a seat in the first class section. However, the customer host (or trolley operator) spent the entire Preston to Lancaster time fiddling about with the trolley and plastic bags and other bits and pieces that we were not afforded the opportunity to take up our complimentary refreshments.

I booked first class to enjoy quieter and more luxurious travelling for the two of us and at seat complimentary refreshments and having paid a premium, feel somewhat cheated and wished I'd only bought standard tickets now.

I don't suppose I have any justification for requesting a partial refund?

It was not until after departing Preston station I overheard the guard informing the trolley operator that first class had been declassified and would "probably remain so until Lancaster". Certainly this was a private conversation I overheard. There was no formal announcement made via the public address system or from the guard addressed to the passengers, whilst I was onboard the train.

And yes the timing of the train was such that United fans returning north might well find this service attractive and indeed many were using it, myself and my girlfriend being two of them.

 

[yorkie]

Sounds like you got FC from Preston to Lancaster, so no refund is available for your ticket. But you should get at least a partial refund on the other ticket.

If FC was declassified you should get full refunds on the extra cost of FC, but if this wasn't announced and passengers stood in SC while there was space in FC after Preston, then this is debatable.

FC tickets don't guarantee complimentary food, it's just that you are entitled to it if it is offered so you can't get a refund on that basis.

It's worth writing to TPE about it. I don't know if they keep a record of which trains have FC declassified or not. If not they may have to take your word for it.

 

[googolplex]

Presumably the lack of refreshments could be mentioned with the OP saying they're disappointed at receiving none of that as it was one of the selling points of First Class - in the hope that fTPE offer some sort of compensation for that (out of goodwill).

 

[ffcphone]

Thanks for responses.

I've decided NOT to proceed with any formal complaint against fTPE. The difference between standard class and the first class tickets I purchased in hard cash terms is not something for me to get worked up about and I do genuinely enjoy travelling fTPE on the great majority of occasions I do. I far prefer their 185s over Northern Rail's older stock and I've almost always found fTPE staff to be friendly and approachable.