Split train tickets and missed connections

Sharon87

ascribe2 wrote: »

My question is what happens when the train on the first leg of your journey is late and you miss your connection. Many split tickets are advance tickets (at least on my route) and so valid only on a specific train.

Usually they're lenient if you have to travel on a different train because a previous train is cancelled or delayed. I've had this before on an Advanced ticket. I screenshot the delayed train on the National Rail app on my phone of the delayed train as a precaution.

A_Nice_Englishman

Sharon87 wrote: »

Usually they're lenient if you have to travel on a different train because a previous train is cancelled or delayed. I've had this before on an Advanced ticket. I screenshot the delayed train on the National Rail app on my phone of the delayed train as a precaution.

You're entitled to catch the next train run by the same company as the one you missed.

The guard of a different company's train may well allow you to travel but it's at his/her discretion. It's best to ask before you board.

ascribe2

Thank you, Sharon87 and A Nice Engli... - that's what I wanted to know. I was early off a long-haul flight once at Birmingham, and tried to get on an earlier train home with my Advance ticket, but the guard would not hear of it, so I had to wait two hours for the next train but those were different circumstances.

NBLondon

DUTR wrote: »

I don't understand the query, if I split a ticket , I am on the same train eg Bristol to Manchester (split at Bham) .

In that situation - I would guess it should be treated as if you got off at Birmingham walked to a different door and got on again to sit in a different seat. Which means two possible claims - Ticket A for getting you to Birmingham X minutes late and Ticket B for departing Birmingham late and thus getting you to Manchester Y minutes late. If X<30 - you can only claim for ticket B.

A_Nice_Englishman

Everything you could possibly want to know about railway fares and tickets in GB

https://www.railforums.co.uk/forums/railuk-fares-ticketing-guide.153/

Kiko4564

My advice is to use a specialist retailer e.g. Trainsplit at https://trainsplit.com/ (other sites are available), and then print out your itenary with the actual intended trains on it. Present this to any staff if required, they cannot refuse you onward travel.

yorkie2

ascribe2 wrote: »

But, from what I've read on forums, many train companies dispute this and travellers have had a great deal of trouble getting them to pay up. Given the inability of rail services to run on time or at all these days, split tickets would seem a very risky way to travel (and hence more stressful).

As the founder of a forum that has a vibrant fare advice section, as well as a dedicated section for disputes, I would say that:

• It is very rare to be denied onward travel when delays occur
• It is more common to be denied Delay Repay compensation
• If you book with an accredited ticket splitting provider, then they should help you if you are refused your contractual rights with the train company; I know of some providers who have representatives on my forum who will provide such help.
• Using split tickets is not a risk in itself

yorkie2

Kiko4564 wrote: »

My advice is to use a specialist retailer e.g. Trainsplit at https://raileasy.trainsplit.com/ (other sites are available), and then print out your itenary with the actual intended trains on it. Present this to any staff if required, they cannot refuse you onward travel.

Agreed! No need for specialist knowledge and you can use their free seat selector to get a decent seat reserved.



However if you take the "raileasy" part out of the URL, you will save £1 per booking, as the generic Trainsplit.com site does not charge a £1 booking fee

Kiko4564

Indeed, I have taken the Raileasy part out of the URL on my post.

ascribe2

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to answering my question. I shall give split tickets a go.