Super off peak return - Manchester - London

[Chrisbolton]

Hi there

Im going to London from Manchester on a Virgin Super off peak return.

I have reserved seats, but would it be possible to get an earlier train, as it isnt an advance? I was going to look at going into first class anyway, just to try it really.

Cheers
Chris

 

[Techniquest]

As long as it's on a valid train, then of course

 

[bb21]

There is no Super Off-Peak Return between Manchester and London, unless you are going via Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Can you confirm how much you paid for your ticket and whether you have a Railcard?

 

[Chrisbolton]

Yeah, i thought it was called that, no railcard, £38.25 and includes travel in all London zones, Virgin only

 

[30907]

is it a Saturday day travelcard? if so you must use booked train to London . if not please say what ticket type.

 

[bb21]

Do you mean a Route Virgin Trains Only Super Off-Peak Day Travelcard?

No idea why it cost you such an odd price, because currently it costs £39.80 from Manchester. Did you buy it before 23rd December?

If it is indeed the Super Off-Peak Day Travelcard, your outward leg should have a mandatory reservation, so you are only valid on the train you are reserved on. You can use any train on your return leg.

(I am aware that the name implies that it is a fully flexible ticket, which this one is not.)

 

[Chrisbolton]

Yeah, I bought it on the 21st December, going on a Saturday so that will be the one. Not to worry, I am booked on the 7.40 back. I dont think there are many much later anyway, but at least I know Im not totally stuck if I do miss it
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I take it it is still possible to upgrade to 1st?

 

[bb21]

Weekend upgrade is available at £15 each way subject to onboard availability.

 

[Chrisbolton]

It shouldnt be too busy anyway should it? 10.15 am from Manchester on a Saturday.

 

[John @ home]

It shouldnt be too busy anyway should it? 10.15 am from Manchester on a Saturday.

To a large extent, that depends on whether there is a very large sporting event in London that particular Saturday.

 

[Muzer]

Do you mean a Route Virgin Trains Only Super Off-Peak Day Travelcard?

No idea why it cost you such an odd price, because currently it costs £39.80 from Manchester. Did you buy it before 23rd December?

If it is indeed the Super Off-Peak Day Travelcard, your outward leg should have a mandatory reservation, so you are only valid on the train you are reserved on. You can use any train on your return leg.

(I am aware that the name implies that it is a fully flexible ticket, which this one is not.)

You sure about that? On BRFares it says the same validity text for outwards and return:

Available for date shown.
Available by Virgin train
shown.

 

[bb21]

You sure about that? On BRFares it says the same validity text for outwards and return:

Yes. The full restriction text is available here.

 

[boyaloud]

Interesting, I didn't know about the existence of this ticket. How do I get it to appear on booking engines - trying on NRE and East Coast and it won't whatever zones i put in also not on BR Fares! And what times is it valid + is it only at weekends?

 

[John @ home]

How do I get it to appear on booking engines - trying on NRE and East Coast and it won't whatever zones i put in

If seats remain, East Coast will sell a £39.80 SATURDAY DAY TRAVELCARD MANCHESTER STNS to LONDON ZONES 1-6 Route VIRGIN TRNS ONLY if you enter origin MAN and destination 0035. Ensure both outward and return legs are for the same Saturday.

also not on BR Fares! And what times is it valid + is it only at weekends?

brfares describes the validity of a £39.80 SATURDAY DAY TRAVELCARD MANCHESTER STNS to LONDON ZONES 1-6 Route VIRGIN TRNS ONLY.

 

[Chrisbolton]

I bought mine on Redspottedhanky and used Tesco points.

I think I just put Manchester - London (I live in Bolton but this is always cheaper - advances etc), and this fare popped up. It does seem dependant on enough seats though.

 

[bb21]

I bought mine on Redspottedhanky and used Tesco points.

I think I just put Manchester - London (I live in Bolton but this is always cheaper - advances etc), and this fare popped up. It does seem dependant on enough seats though.

It will depend on seat availability as the outward portion is subject to a quota. If the quota on a particular train is sold out, this ticket will not be sold on that train. This does not apply to the return leg.