VWC & Connections Ticket

[blakrob]

Hi,

I have just bought an advance VWC & Connections return train ticket from Birmingham International to Wadhurst. The ticket includes a mandatory reservation on the Virgin Trains section of the journey (Birmingham International to London Euston) and I realise that I have to travel on this specificed train - because this is an advance ticket.

However, for the London-Wadhurst section, no reservation is included. Therefore, do I have to travel on the "recommended" train (as stated by the journey planner and in my booking details) for this section of the journey?

For example, because the journey planner allows such a long 'cross-London' transfer time, am I allowed to catch an earlier train from London to Wadhurst if I get across London quicker and arrive earlier?

i.e. Because this is an advance VWC & Connections ticket, can I travel on any connecting service (within reason), as long as I travel on the specified Virgin Trains service?

Thanks a lot.

 

[mathmo]

Yes, Southeastern don't do reservations, so you can catch basically any train from London to Wadhurst, as long as you get the specified Virgin service. The cross-London times do tend to be a bit long if the relevant Tube line(s) is/are running so you could well make an earlier train.

If you have a return ticket then it's generally a good idea to get the recommended train as otherwise tube/original train delays could mean you miss your booked service and, having not left the minimum advised connection time, you may not be let on the next train.

 

[yorkie]

i.e. Because this is an advance VWC & Connections ticket, can I travel on any connecting service (within reason), as long as I travel on the specified Virgin Trains service?

That is my interpretation, yes.