Reservations compulsory

[nicolaboo]

I've travelled around recently on trains with this requirement, and never been asked for proof (having made reservations).
I'm soon to be going on an East Mids 3 in 7 and would like the freedom to jump on whatever looks promising.
XC trains appear to all by compulsory as far as I can tell, and wondered, if space on the train permits, whether a guard would have a problem with me being on board with my valid rover ticket, but no reservation.
Travelling around in about 10 days, so I've plenty of time to make plans for trips.

If this isn't the correct place for a reservation query, then please move to the appropriate section.

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

This has been addressed many times recently. XC made changes to the timetable data so that their trains appear to be reservation compulsory. This is to control the sale of tickets online, as tickets cannot be sold that way if the itinerary includes a "reservation compulsory" train for which no reservation can be obtained.

XC have never suggested in their public-facing statements that their trains are reservation compulsory. They state that they recommend getting a reservation to guarantee being able to travel on your preferred train, but I have yet to come across any reports of people being denied travel for not having a reservation.

This is only ever likely to happen where there is exceptional demand - for example if they operated the Cardiff to Barry Island trains!

The only trains (apart from Caledonian Sleeper) where reservations are truly compulsory are LNER. Even there I have yet to hear of anyone being thrown off the train, I suspect again that would only happen in the case of severe overcrowding.

By all means - go ahead and get reservations where it's easy and convenient for you to do so. But don't worry if you can't do it, and don't feel like you have to give up the benefit of the flexibility a Rover offers you.

 

[Hadders]

XC Trains are not compulsory reservation, despite what they might say. That said it is sensible to have a reservation. It might be worth looking at this post from a couple of weeks ago.

Travelling by train - restrictions due to Covid

I have received extremely valuable advice on this forum in the past. I live in Devon and prior to lockdown I used to visit my mother in Warrington who is her 90’s ,lives alone and is disabled,on a regular basis travelling by train. My route is Honiton– Exeter – Birmingham New Street –...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[nicolaboo]

Thanks for the replies to this thread, as I couldn't see any other reservation queries or which section to look within.

 

[james60059]

I'm glad someone has already asked as I was wondering the same thing regarding XC. I'm planning on a West Midlands Day Ranger within the next couple of weeks

 

[Bungle]

On this note, I’m attempting to make a short-notice journey from Tamworth to Chesterfield on Friday (return same day.) Any train that’d be useful is “sold out” or ludicrous first-class prices so planning to buy from a TVM on the day. First time travelling by train since the beginning of the pandemic but relatively-seasoned traveller! Couple of questions:

1) Are the Turbostar Nottingham services doubled-up as well as the Anglo-Scottish services? Trying to assess my chances of being allowed to board the next service if I’m denied my chosen one.

2) Is there any prospect of platform access at Tamworth being denied without a reservation? (I’m unfamiliar with the station but it’s now my “local” one.) I’m presuming it won’t be a problem to board once you’re already on the platform!

Not concerned about the Derby-Chesterfield and return leg, just the Tamworth-Derby bit.

 

[Hadders]

I can't help with train formations but I doubt anyone will be checking reservations at Tamworth. The station is operated by West Midlands Trains and their trains don't have reservations at all so it's highly unlikely that their staff will be checking for reservations with another train operator.