under 5's train tickets

lyndhurst

I have just tried to book my granddaughter and her 2 under 5's a train ticket from Newcastle to Ramsgate for a visit. The website says under 5's go free.
To book you put in how many adults (1) but there is nowhere to add the children, presumably because they don't pay. When I asked where to add them I was told if they were going to take up a seat it would have to be paid for. Therefore unless the 2 children aged 4 and 2, sit on my granddaught's lap she would have pay for a seat. Therefore as far as I can see, it's not, under 5's go free.
What do you think?:mad:

Quentin

If you want them to have their own (reserved if necessary) seat then they need a (paid for) child's ticket.

Most parents wouldn't make an issue, prefer the free travel, and would travel in the hope/trust they could get seated together (or other passengers would move round)

lyndhurst

Thanks Quintin
I do understand that but the trains from Newcastle are usually buzy and if your seat is booked there may not be an empty unbooked seat next to it. I've done this trip many times so I know this.
I was just saying it's a bit misleading. It would be fine on a short trip though.
With a young family most mums would be looking to save money if they could.
Probably have to book the seat then.

lyndhurst

Also, it would only be a problem going to London Kings Cross as the St Pancras to Ramsgate is non booked and a great service too.

ab7167

I travel often with 2 under 5, and I buy 1 adult ticket and 1 child ticket, using a family railcard - this actually works out cheaper than just 1 adult ticket and entitles me to 2 reserved seats on the train. We always have a brilliant time, my kids love it - they are 18m and 3.5yrs.

dzug1

You might consider a Family and Friends railcard - you'd have to pay for at least one of the kids but unless the fares are exceptionally cheap it would save money on a trip like this

ab7167

And on a log journey (I do Oxford-York) you can save the cost of the £26 railcard on one journey.

Livingthedream

Was going to state what ab7167 said, the only thing I will add is if a Family railcard can be of use to you then use this web link for a 10% discount on the price;

http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/online

ab7167

Brilliant, mine expires next week :-) Thanks!

lyndhurst

Hi thanks for that.
I'll look into the family rail card for her. Would be handy for her for a year then. Good idea.

lyndhurst

Opps! Tried this link with the code Family10 as stated and it was not recognised.