Single Cross Channel Ferry Tickets

Stanthedog

Hello

As part of our travel plans I have a requirement to cross from Dover to Calais. As we don't know when we will be returning we just need a single ferry crossing. Looking on the various ferry operator websites it appears that there is a significant saving if I purchase a day return ticket, rather than a single. I can save well over 50% of the ticket price if I do this with P & O Ferries . Has anyone done this and is there likely to be any repercussion if I do this? Can they stop you travelling on the outward leg if I have no intention of using the return leg from Calais to Dover or is it just a case of don't tell them if they don't need to know??
Many thanks

bradders1983

Cant see what "repercussions" there would be, you have paid for the ticket and you can do as you please with it.

No different to not using the return portion of a plane or train ticket.

mgdavid

although it could get interesting when you eventually try to buy the homeward crossing

heatherw_01

They won't know you don't intend to use the return.
Can't think of anything that could happen if you do this so I don't see a problem.

Stanthedog

mgdavid wrote: »

although it could get interesting when you eventually try to buy the homeward crossing

Hi, why would this be?

firefox1956

Number plate recognition ???

mgdavid

They will know that you have not travelled and used the return ticket. It will be reflected within the IT system. When you go to book another crossing they could easily place a sanction, refuse the booking, impose a surcharge, prevent you selecting a discount fare, etc etc.

Stanthedog

Isnt the solution that if it happens just to book with another operator, DF ferries or Le Shuttle?

benjus

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle has this in the terms and conditions:

in the event that you complete only one journey in respect of a return booking, you will be liable to pay the difference between the price that you paid for your return booking and the single fare applicable at the time that your journey was made. Eurotunnel reserves the right to obtain from you payment in full for all sums so arising

I guess they might try to take payment from the same card you used to book, and if that fails they might try a debt recovery firm and potentially even court action. In any case, I doubt they would allow you to travel again with them until you'd cleared the debt.

I thought P&O had a similar condition, although I can't see it in their T&C right now. So maybe you would be OK. Or maybe I'm not looking hard enough...

pompeyrich

benjus wrote: »

I thought P&O had a similar condition, although I can't see it in their T&C right now. So maybe you would be OK. Or maybe I'm not looking hard enough...

They certainly did used to have it in their T&Cs but i can't see it now either. They do have a condition that the return portion of a ticket won't be accepted if the outward portion isn't used, which puts a stop to the buy 2 cheap day return tickets and use 1 to go out and the return of the other one to come back that people used to try.

It also states that no luggage is allowed on day trips, although may only apply to foot passengers as I have never had my boot checked by any operator, apart from Port Security checks and they don't ask for your ticket.

Stanthedog

Yes I noticed that in the terms about luggage although it could be foot only as you say