I have an Advance ticket (discounted with Senior Railcard) for travel with Southern to Gatwick on 8th May. The train has been cancelled as a result of the previous day's strike. I bought the ticket several weeks ago.
I understand I can use my existing ticket on the next train, half an hour later, which should get me to Gatwick in time for my flight. But if that service is delayed or cancelled the day's reduced timetable means I'd be arriving at least 1.5 hours late and would miss the flight.
I'd like to get the train that runs 1/2 hour earlier than my original booking to leave some leeway, including time to arrange other transport if Southern are in a mess.
Should my Advance ticket be valid on an earlier train that day?
Does it matter that the earlier train is earlier than would normally be valid for an Advance ticket?
Does it matter that the earlier train is earlier than would normally be valid for my railcard?
I understand I can use my existing ticket on the next train, half an hour later, which should get me to Gatwick in time for my flight. But if that service is delayed or cancelled the day's reduced timetable means I'd be arriving at least 1.5 hours late and would miss the flight.
I'd like to get the train that runs 1/2 hour earlier than my original booking to leave some leeway, including time to arrange other transport if Southern are in a mess.
Should my Advance ticket be valid on an earlier train that day?
Does it matter that the earlier train is earlier than would normally be valid for an Advance ticket?
Does it matter that the earlier train is earlier than would normally be valid for my railcard?