Do National Express drivers ever let you on a coach different to the time on your ticket?

Tunstallstoven

Following on from this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6017516/national-express-change-go-and-tesco-clubcard-plus-refund-rights

I'm wondering how people here have fared when you have tried to get on a NE coach at a different time to that stated on your ticket? Are drivers quite strict about this? Or if there are a load of empty seats are they usually helpful? I'm returning from Heathrow at around midnight, so if I miss that and am late the coach will likely be a middle of the night departure.

At the moment I am unable to use the "Change and Go" NE add-on for reasons described in the other thread.

Cheers

dj1471

Officially they're not allowed to let you on a coach other than the one you've booked as you're meant to change your ticket and pay any difference in fare.

In reality I've been able to do this on several occasions when returning from Heathrow, just ask nicely and hope for spare seats. But obviously there are no guarantees so you'll need a backup plan. Having spent many hours sat in that bus station waiting for coaches (usually on a Sunday night when they're infrequent) I'd try to avoid that if at all possible.

xcarlyx

I have tried getting on a national express coach 4 hours earlier than planned; this was at London Victoria coach station and I found out a relative was in hospital.. I had to pay another £37 to enable me to catch the earlier one.

Backbiter

I've had some very accommodating Natexp drivers over the years who have let me board on an earlier service than stated on my ticket. They have, though, been very thorough in checking ahead to ensure the bus won't be over-capacity when it reaches stops along the way to my destination.

Tunstallstoven

Some mixed experiences then!

Hopefully I'll have a similar experience to you Backbiter, should the unforeseen happen. And I can't imagine too many people queuing up to get on a NE coach to Swansea in the early hours of the morning (although you never know I guess)! Other than those at Heathrow of course.... No other airports along the way I don't think.

Thanks for the replies

CM66

I was able to get on an earlier coach after getting through passport control / baggage claim quicker than expected.

They have a little office down by the coach area, i think i paid around £10 for the change

PompeyPete

CM66 wrote: »

I was able to get on an earlier coach after getting through passport control / baggage claim quicker than expected.

They have a little office down by the coach area, i think i paid around £10 for the change

Also need to take into account that the price of a seat on different National Express Services can vary.....down and well as up. If down then there might be no extra charge [no refund either], if up then there probably will be a charge.

Jumblebumble

PompeyPete wrote: »

Also need to take into account that the price of a seat on different National Express Services can vary.....down and well as up. If down then there might be no extra charge [no refund either], if up then there probably will be a charge.

Mixed Experience for me.
Returned to Luton last year and was able to get on the first coach without issue that left even though it was a different number A1 not A2 or similar
Being a moneysaver I had easy bus tickest
However at Finchley Road last week I saw someone arguing when all coaches were running late and the previous coach was there at the time the scheduled one should have arrived and the driver was having none of it even though he had space.
Rather shoddy behaviour to not deliver what you promised and then refuse to make it right