train fare Bham-London - traveling short?

Pukeko

Hello
I have found a train fare to London from Birmingham New Street for £21 one way (for 2 adults). Two stops after New Street is Coventry, which costs £28 to London for 2 adults (on the same train). If I buy the Bham - London fare but decide to get on at Coventry (because its closer to me) then I assume that's what's called "traveling short" as per Martin's article?
Sorry to ask what is probably a stupid question, I just need some confirmation (since what I think looks right isn't always ).
Thank you!

edit: Oh dear I think I had panic first think later syndrome... I guess this is short traveling, thinking logically... ;P but I didn't realise it could get you kicked off, has that ever happened to anyone?
Thank you

dzug

Does Coventry station have barriers?

If it does, you won't get on the station, let alone the train, if the ticket is not valid.

If you do succeed in getting on at Coventry I doubt if anyone will bother you. They won't know what the fare from Coventry SHOULD have been if it's an advance purchase ticket as they will have ben sold at varying prices. So it might well have been the same price (if not cheaper) from Coventry if you had booked early enough

moonrakerz

Just buy the cheapest ticket you can at Coventry to get you onto the platform.

chuckley

if u were on a 30 mins past the hour train from NS (the wolverhampton-euston one) then the inspector wouldnt come on till after coventry or even milton keynes.

having missed my wolves train once i got a direct 1 to NS and caught the wolves-euston 1 there. inspectors cant verify u got on at coventry if ur tckt said NS!

dzug

I'm not actually sure you would be breaking the rules anyway - you are travelling on the train specified on the ticket.

Not travelling short specifically applies to the outward portion of saver tickets and to megatrain tickets. With advance purchase tickets it depends on the T&C of the particular ticket. The brief summary on the Virgin side doesn't preclude it - just says you can't use a different train. FGW on the other hand say it's a no go

flyer

Why don't you go from Warwick Parkway? It's much cheaper. Let me know if you want details.

Pukeko

Thank you travel boffins! :A
I'm so glad I posted my stupid question! :D

I've gone ahead and purchased my ticket now, I'm sorry I hadn't read your post flyer but thank you anyway.


:T