Virgin Rail / Train companies in general [Merged]

[andyjenkins87]

My girlfriend and I went from London to Edinburgh to stay with friends a few weekends ago. I booked the tickets online, well in advance to get the best fare (C£40 each). We had reserved seats for both journeys. The tickets were posted to my house.

Unfortunately, once in Edinburgh, we managed to lose the return portion of the ticket. I called BR & Virgin and they both told me that the tickets should be treated as cash and would not be replaced. We went to the station on Sunday with a print out of the email confirming payment and were told the same thing. We had no choice but to pay £97 each for single tickets back to London on the day.

It does state that this is the case in the terms and conditions, so they haven’t done anything illegal, but it does seem very unfair. We had proof that we bought the tickets, and there must have been a record on their computer somewhere. I’ve written to them with no response so far.

I’m just wondering if I have a similar case to reclaiming bank charges here – i.e., just because it says you’ll get punched in the face for exceeding your overdraft in the Ts&Cs, doesn’t make it fair or legal when it happens.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Cheers

Andy

[lindens]

maybe you can claim off insurance - travel if you had it or even contents?

[Millie's Mum]

I know you have proof that you bought the tickets but how do the rail company know that you haven't sold them on?

[dmg24]

I’m just wondering if I have a similar case to reclaiming bank charges here – i.e., just because it says you’ll get punched in the face for exceeding your overdraft in the Ts&Cs, doesn’t make it fair or legal when it happens.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

If you lost cash, would you expect to walk into a bank with your ATM receipt and have it replaced?

No, this is not an unfair charge. It isn't even a penalty. You lost your tickets. You purchased new ones. Can't see anything unfair in that.

[Sam Bee]

When they said they should be treated as cash, I think they mean exactly that. Loads of people don't sit in their reserved seats, so there is no guarantee to them that you didn't sell them on.

[misscutiepie1984]

I work for the railway selling tickets infact.... and in the good old days they may have been more relaxed towards that ruling but in this day there are lots of dishonest people. We also need to satisfy our auditors we would be in VERY bad trouble if we just gave you a ticket with out some form of payment for our services.

We provided a service which you then pay us for, we have fulfilled our duyt to you. Also included in the ticket is an insurance ie if you get injured or trains are heavily delayed then you are entitled to compensation.

[GlennTheBaker]

I’m just wondering if I have a similar case to reclaiming bank charges here – i.e., just because it says you’ll get punched in the face for exceeding your overdraft in the Ts&Cs, doesn’t make it fair or legal when it happens.

That's why I use internet banking - I just get a virus sent by email when I go over my limit.

[andyjenkins87]

Hi

Thanks a lot for all the replies - good point about selling the tickets. I wasn't insured unfortunately, but at least I learnt my lesson!

Cheers

Andy