Using day return ferry tickets

latinaid

I've noticed that a standard return ferry ticket (returning, say, one week later than outward trip) is more expensive than 2 day-trip tickets.

Is there any reason why you can't buy a day return for the outward day and another for the return day, and only use half of the ticket on each day? On the way out, there would be no problem, as you might just have missed the homeward ferry, but is it possible to use a homeward haf of a day return if you haven't used the outward leg on the same day?

jackieblack

I know on flights if you don't take the outward leg the return part is cancelled. I would imagine ferries would be the same, to stop people doing what you're suggesting for the very reason that you're suggesting it.
Just a hunch.

Bob_the_Saver

Same can apply to ferries.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=61266493&postcount=1

mcfisco

You could maybe use a prepaid debit card to book a day return on the UK site and then use a different ferry company booked on their French site for the return?
Might work OK

I've done it in the distant past when I just wanted a one-way fare and the day return was cheaper, they didn't hunt me down to pay the difference.

latinaid

jackieblack wrote: »

I know on flights if you don't take the outward leg the return part is cancelled. I would imagine ferries would be the same, to stop people doing what you're suggesting for the very reason that you're suggesting it.
Just a hunch.

Yes, that's what I was wondering - do they check you in on your outward journey so you wouldn't be able to use the return part? Not sure if they are as sophisticated as planes.

jackieblack

latinaid wrote: »

Yes, that's what I was wondering - do they check you in on your outward journey so you wouldn't be able to use the return part? Not sure if they are as sophisticated as planes.

I would imagine that they must have some record of who's on board (in case of an accident, for example).
But I'm just guessing.

Which ferry company is it? Have you checked the terms & conditions?

latinaid

I've just found the T&C for P&O, and it says 'If you fail to travel on the outward part of your booking then the whole booking will be cancelled including the return crossing.' So that's pretty conclusive. (It also says you're only allowed one piece of hand luggage on day returns, though I don't know if they would go so far as to search your car for extra cases).

I suppose it would still be possible to use the outward part of a day return to get to France, and then use a standard single for returning.

mcfisco

latinaid wrote: »

I've just found the T&C for P&O, and it says 'If you fail to travel on the outward part of your booking then the whole booking will be cancelled including the return crossing.' So that's pretty conclusive. (It also says you're only allowed one piece of hand luggage on day returns, though I don't know if they would go so far as to search your car for extra cases).

I suppose it would still be possible to use the outward part of a day return to get to France, and then use a standard single for returning.

By 'hand luggage' they don't mean what you have in your car

latinaid

Well, someone has now told me that if you use the outward part of a day return but don't use the homeward part, you will be charged what would have been the full rate for a single journey- presumably they can do this as they have your credit card details. I didn't notice anything about it in the T&C, but I can believe it happens. I bet they charge you the walk-on rate as well.

Oh well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.