Strange rail ticket question

aramchek

What is the cheapest way of buying a return rail ticket, when you know that you will not travel and you know that you will want a refund?

I know it seems like a daft question, but bear with me!

I'm trying to avoid paying the £10 admin fee that seems to be in the National Conditions of Carriage. This appears to apply even to Anytime return tickets.

I've seen references on these forums to ticket offices being able to "do a non-issue" or something, but there doesn't seem to be any way of ensuring this outcome.

Anyone?

laird

Buy at the station in advance, then return it to the same station.
This usually doesn't result in the admin charge being made.

aramchek

laird wrote: »

Buy at the station in advance, then return it to the same station.
This usually doesn't result in the admin charge being made.

Thanks. The "usually" bit is a bit disconcerting though!

dzug1

If you know you are not going to travel, why buy a ticket at all?

The 'do a non issue' really only applies if you return the ticket virtually straightaway - before that office has done its accounting for the day or shift I would guess.

DavidHayton

dzug1 wrote: »

If you know you are not going to travel, why buy a ticket at all?

Because you can use the receipt (or credit card voucher) to support a claim for expenses.

Possible Scenario.
You want to travel from Manchester to London on company business. You buy the full price ticket and immediately get a refund. You then buy a deeply discounted advance puchase ticket but make a claim for the full price ticket.

I'm not accusing the OP (or anyone else) of such fraudulent behaviour, but it would answer dzug1's question

David

dzug1

Well yes - but in that scenario you may not be too worried over losing £10

opinions4u

DavidHayton wrote: »

Because you can use the receipt (or credit card voucher) to support a claim for expenses.

Possible Scenario.
You want to travel from Manchester to London on company business. You buy the full price ticket and immediately get a refund. You then buy a deeply discounted advance puchase ticket but make a claim for the full price ticket.

I'm not accusing the OP (or anyone else) of such fraudulent behaviour, but it would answer dzug1's question

David

So that's why I have to use the firm's travel agent!

aramchek

In case you are worrying, I assure you I will derive no financial benefit from this. I agree it is odd though!

geordie_taxi

DavidHayton wrote: »

Because you can use the receipt (or credit card voucher) to support a claim for expenses.

Possible Scenario.
You want to travel from Manchester to London on company business. You buy the full price ticket and immediately get a refund. You then buy a deeply discounted advance puchase ticket but make a claim for the full price ticket.

I'm not accusing the OP (or anyone else) of such fraudulent behaviour, but it would answer dzug1's question

David

everydays a school day on this forum

dzug1

If you just want 'a' rail ticket then just buy something for a short journey costing say a couple of ££ and forget the refund. Birmingham Moor St - Snow Hill £1.70 for example

robt_2

I really don't understand why you can't say why you need/want to do this?