How Christmas and New Year rail passengers can get cheaper train tickets even if they’ve ALREADY booked
People who bought tickets up to 12 weeks ago could end up travelling at a reduced rate as festive timetables are finalised
RAIL passengers can get cheaper train tickets over Christmas and New Year - even if they've already booked.
People who forked out for tickets up to three months ago could be entitled to "fee-free" refunds as festive timetables are finalised.
Passengers can currently book tickets up to 12 weeks before travel.
However, timetables are not always confirmed until there are about six weeks to go, meaning people who buy in advance could be booking a train that is not 100 per cent confirmed to run.
There's also the possibility that a cheaper ticket will become available once the timetable is confirmed.
The Rail Delivery Group, an organisation which links Network Rail and train companies, is now offering guidance to those who may be affected.
They said: “If people buy a ticket for a service affected by this change and then, at a later date advance tickets are made available which are at a cheaper fare, customers should book the advance fare for that service and then request a fee-free refund on their original ticket.”
Network Rail echoed this statement ahead of Christmas and New Year services being solidified.
The group posted online: “Train operators will still offer the same range of discounted tickets.
“If are cancelled, the normal compensation mechanisms will apply - if people have booked on a train that is cancelled, delayed, or where their reservation will not be honoured, and they decide not to travel, they will be given a full refund.
"We know people want to make plans for Christmas and that's why the rail industry has worked together to put in place special arrangements so that nobody loses out due to the shorter notice confirmation of timetables."
most read in news
Network Rail previously advised people to book their tickets early as it works on more than 330 rail projects in Britain over the festive holidays.
One route to face issues will be the Midland Main Line, from London to Yorkshire.
There will be reduced service to and from London St Pancras on this route between Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, January 1.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.