First Trenitalia from Virgin Trains

Beverley_Hillbillies

From 08 December this year, First Trenitalia has been awarded the West Coast franchise from Virgin trains, can any knowledgeable forum members clarify my queries please?

We're travelling to London 22nd December, normally we book well in advance with VT, can I still book with VT for this date, or do I have to book direct with First Trenitalia? (I'm unable to find a booking process)

Currently, we have a compensation offer from VT: "50% off your next purchase of Advance fares on Virgin Trains West Coast" given our travel date is post new franchise date, will this be honoured with First Trenitalia?

jbuchanangb

You can book your train with any online booking system of your choice. The tickets will be valid on the train even though it will be run by the new operator.
To use your promotion code of course you need to book with VT.

Beverley_Hillbillies

Thanks,

jbuchanangb wrote: »

To use your promotion code of course you need to book with VT.

Does that mean I have to use & travel with VT before 08th December?

lammy82

You pay when you make the booking, so if you know your travel date then book it now through the VT website with the discount and the ticket will be perfectly valid on the rebranded train.

daveyjp

Are advance fares for December available now? They are usually released 12 weeks before date of travel.

Bookings are honoured after a change of franchisee. I had a Virgin East Coast ticket, but ended up on an LNER service.

p00hsticks

daveyjp wrote: »

Are advance fares for December available now? They are usually released 12 weeks before date of travel.

It's now up to 24 weeks prior to travel.

Virgins own calendar indicates that advance fares are currently available up to 20th December, although not for all dates

https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/tickets/your-ticket/ways-to-save
(Click on the cross at the bottom right of the grey box on the left hand side of he page to get the calendar up)