My reserved seat did not exist on the train!

Martin_is_my_hero

So I was left without a seat even thought I reserved one all the way from London to Newcastle. Does this warrant a letter of complaint/refund, voucher request? I just wondered if this happened to anyone else or if I have any right to complain.

I travelled on a return ticket Newcastle-London at the weekend and on my return journey there was an announcement to say they had used a different train model so seating was different. I was supposed to be in carriage F seat 57 (there was no seat 57 in F) so I was told my seat was in G- when actually the seat 57 in G was taken and the reserve card did not match my route.

Thanks in advance
Jo

Quentin

A complaint is warranted, and though you do have a right to a refund, this is only for the seat reservation fee (and these days it's free to reserve a seat).

They might send you a goodwill gesture.

McKneff

There are terms and conditions - even though you reserve a seat you are not guaranteed one.

That what it says Im afraid.

We went to London from Leeds - Coach D
7 coach train had broken down and a 5 coach train replaced it.
There was no Coach D or E.
It was a blumming free for all.
Have a look at the T & Cs and dont waste your time.

olympian

Actually....here are the T&Cs of East Coast's "Seat Guarantee Scheme". It's much better than other TOCs:

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/about-us/passengers-charter1/Seat-guarantee-scheme/

Compensation is for 50% of the price of your return ticket but, unless the guard endorsed your ticket at the time, you'll need to provide an explanation as to what happened.

If your East Coast train is ever 30 or more minutes late, for any reason, then "Delay Repay" is good too:

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/about-us/passengers-charter1/Delay-Repay/

Livingthedream

2nd what olympian states and get that Delay-repay/Seat Guarantee claim form in, use 'Freepost RRZG-ZZZX-LKXK' as the first part of the address for free postage.

Martin_is_my_hero

Thanks all for your help. I'll be getting that form sent tomorrow.
Will let you know what happens.

I'm booking another train trip to London for autumn so £30 back would be nice to put towards my travel then.