Using remaining boxes on FIP coupons after returning to the UK

[DLJ]

I have FIP coupons for Belgium and Germany, valid until 10.05.26 - I travelled to Frankfurt in February, but still have a couple of boxes remaining on each.

I'd like to travel St. Pancras - Brussels on Eurostar, then Brussels - Frankfurt on ICE tomorrow (and return on Wednesday), but I'm unclear whether the remaining boxes will be valid.

The Man in Seat 61 suggests that Eurostar still counts as an adjoining country, but goes on to say:

'So there is now no problem (for example) in using one or two boxes on an SNCF coupon in France, returning to the UK, going back to France a week later and using the remaining boxes.'

Does this mean coupons for both countries will be invalid? Or just the box for Belgium? And if the latter, would purchasing a ticket Brussels - Aachen make the journey compliant?

Thanks!

 

[Andrew1395]

I always thought that the rules were, that once you return to your home country FIP coupons cease to be valid for further trips. Not sure where it says that though. Of course, you have no chance to check with RSTL, before your trip.

But if Man at seat 61 is correct (and I cannot think why the website would be wrong), then it seems that since 2020, you can indeed go back to Belgium and then once there start to use your remaining boxes to Frankfurt. All you need to do is buy a ticket from the UK to Brussels.

 

[158801]

Not an issue anymore. You’ll be ok. The rules for the U.K. changed a few years ago

 

[DLJ]

Thanks both, appreciated.