Open tickets?

Question

I have an open single ticket from brockenhurst to macclesfield, but the day I want to travel there are no direct trains. Is this a problem? would I be able to change at any stop to catch a different train, as long as it leads to macclesfield? Virgin trains' website seems to suggest so, but I just want to make sure.

Answer 1

If it is a Standard Open Single, then there are no restrictions on time of travel, the only restriction on your journey is by any RESONABLE route, this means one which is as direct as possible unless in Route it states Not London or via a certain destination.

For your particular route I would suggest via London if not then you may have to go to Guildford, Reading, Oxford and then cross country.  Check at the station or with the people who sold you the ticket.

If it is a Saver Single, or advanced booked ticket then you must stick to the restrictions stipulated on purchase of the ticket (travel times, date and route) if you deviate then you can be charged the full Single rate.

Answer 2

If you have a ticket from A to B you can use any reasonable changes to make the journey if a direct train is not available.

Answer 3

Do not travel to Macclesfield under any circumstances.  It's horrible.

Answer 4

You can change wherever you like and break your journey if you wish, provided you stick to a logical route (for instance you couldn't go via Bristol or London (or at least I don't THINK you could!). It doesn't matter how many times you ticket is inspected and stamped/punched. If in doubt about the routeing, the ticket office staff should be able to advise on approved routes.

Answer 5

I agree you can use any train, provided your ticket doesn't say 'valid on Virgin Trains only' It should also so by what route or routes it is valid - or 'valid by any route' which lets you choose.

Answer 6

You have to check how your ticket is routed, found at the bottom, in the middle of the ticket, if it says "any permitted" you can change anywhere, and as often as you want so long as it is in the direction of travel.

If it stipulates a route you are then limited as to where you can change, and so need to check with the company you are travelling with

Answer 7

Your ticket is valid only on the date shown on it.

Brockenhurst to Macclesfield would involve just one change of train, at Birmingham New Street. Virgin Cross Country provides an hourly service from Brockenhurst to the north of England / Scotland. At Birmingham New Street there is a half-hourly service to Manchester, most trains on that route call at Macclesfield.

Answer 8

well you can see if anyone has cancelled their reservations for that day or you can look for another train station with days available

Answer 9

If your ticket says you can travel between two stations, as long as there is no stipulation on the ticket to the contrary, you can take whatever train(s) make your journey complete.