National express funfares

*manda*

I've used National express' funfares about a dozen times in the past year with no real problems. I have been trying to book the same journey, the same way i always do for about a fortnight now and it isn't bringing up any funfare options.

I want to travel from Southampton to London on the weekend of July 26/27. I've tried several times, and i started looking a while back so would be surprised if they've all gone......I've never had this before, just wondered if anyone else has had any similar problems?

Megabus aren't much use now either as they've sold out of the suitable journeys and i'd rather not pay the full NE rate (approx £20) or trainfare (£30).

Any suggestions?

AdrianHi

I know National Express were in the process of completely changing the way they calculate fares to be more in line with the way EasyJet sell airline tickets - i.e. book early get it cheap, book late and the same seat costs dramatically more. I was working on their computer systems for this about 15 months ago for a short time. Could be this new system is in effect now so you get the new pricing policy. I don't know when it went or is due to go live though.

*manda*

National express funfares have always worked that way though (or certainly have for the past year or so) where by you save money the earlier you book. I've booked a week or so prior to a journey and still got the fares for around half price, although booking 6 weeks early tends to get you the cheapest rates.

I'm wondering if they're phasing it out for weekends or something odd. It's really frustrating as you can never get any offers for the trains to London either from Southampton, doesn't matter whether you book early. Megatrain run so infrequently and get booked up very quickly which is the only other option.

AdrianHi

Another thing I remember is that in general it costs a lot more for a bus to call at a stop inside London, something to do with higher fees for London bus stations.
Always best to buy a ticket for a route avoiding London if it is not your intended destination.

markw5

We booked tickets last Saturday for a trip from Lowestoft to Yeovil. Yes, it is a long tortuous journey but there it is.
Direct the cost was £32.10
Split £14.50 to London & £1 Funfare from London to Yeovil.
So they are still available until quite near the time - to be honest I was very surprised.

dzug1

You may be trying to book too early - I don't think fun fares are released all that far ahead. A month, six weeks maybe.

If you search for earlier dates you may be able to find out when they are currently available.

LesD

School Holidays??? Loads available before 15th July.

Also some are available on other routes later than that.

skyepark

im finding that too i want to book form london to Birmingham and there are no funfares for mid july but they have them for tomorrow! I hope its the too early option i may ring to find out.