Booking seat on return after booking ticket

cookie365

Is it possible to book a seat for the return part of a ticket after buying it?

E.g. walking on and buying an off peak return, without knowing until later when you need to return?

And if so, what's the best way to go about it if you can't go to a manned station before returning?

At the moment it's a hypothetical question.

Thanks

charliegirl_3

Hi Cookie


The seat reservation system usually closes at least 3 hours before the time of departure so unless you had this amount of time it's unlikely you'd be able to book a seat.


If you did have time you'd be best to call the Train Operating Company who runs the service you intend to catch to see if they can book one for you.


hope this helps

dzug1

Cross Country have a procedure where you can book a seat right at the last minute from your mobile - for a fee. There's only a few seats per train - they are marked MAY BE RESERVED or similar words.

cookie365

Thanks both

yorkie2

Which Train Company are you travelling with?
Where did you buy the ticket?

The short answer is that you can go to any station and do it, but depending on the answers above, there may be a charge (e.g. FGW) or it may be possible to do it online (e.g. East Coast).

cookie365

Thanks yorkie2

It's hypothetical so it could potentially be any company, though chances are it'll have been bought at a Southern station.

yorkie2

Then you'd have to visit a station to obtain a reservation, though there is no charge for this, unless travelling with FGW.

I don't mind hypothetical questions, but give us all the hypothetical details Rail ticketing is so complex (or simple if you believe ATOC) it really depends on so many factors.

Bogof_Babe

yorkie2 wrote: »

Then you'd have to visit a station to obtain a reservation, though there is no charge for this, unless travelling with FGW.

I don't mind hypothetical questions, but give us all the hypothetical details Rail ticketing is so complex (or simple if you believe ATOC) it really depends on so many factors.

This is news to me. I obtained two sets of seat reservations for forthcoming FGW journeys the other day, (at an ATW station, if that makes any difference), and wasn't asked for any payment.