Excess Query - East Mids Parkway to St Pancras

[Steveoh]

Afternoon all. I do try to understand the excess fares rules but they get me everytime.

I hold a standard class anytime return from East Midlands Parkway (EMD) to St Pancras (STP).

I'm due to travel out at peak time and now travel back at super off peak time.

The ticketing guide states

For ONE portion (Outward or Return) of a Return ticket, the charge is the DIFFERENCE between the price already paid and the SUM of the appropriate Standard Single for one leg and the appropriate First Single for the other leg. If cheaper then the FULL difference between the Standard Return and the First Return (as if upgrading both legs) is charged.

However I'm getting lost in working out my calculations. What should I be expecting to pay? I think it should be £4. Standard Single £86 + Super Off Peak 1st Class £88 - price already paid £170. Is that right.

What would be the price to excess both outward and return portions and can these be done in isolation. So upgrading the outward part to a peak first class ticket and the return to a super off peak first class ticket?

Thanks very much for your help as always.

 

[roversfan2001]

To upgrade from the SOR (Standard Anytime Return) to the FOR (First Anytime Return) the cost is £49 (£219 FOR - £170 SOR).

 

[hairyhandedfool]

....What would be the price to excess both outward and return portions and can these be done in isolation. So upgrading the outward part to a peak first class ticket and the return to a super off peak first class ticket?

Thanks very much for your help as always.

The calculation for a change of accommodation in both directions of travel on a return ticket is the difference between the fare paid and the cost of a First Class Return suitable for the journey being made, or a new ticket if cheaper.

As always though, what should happen and what will happen can be two different things.

 

[Steveoh]

I think I've got my head around this now. An excess is really simply a means of converting one ticket to another. So for example I could get a full refund on the original anytime return (less any admin fee) and then purchase an anytime single from EMD to STP and a super off peak 1st class single from STP to EMD. Presumably An excess is supposed to be a simple way of doing this without the admin fee(?). Is that right?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Essentially, yes, though that is a somewhat simplistic view point as there are complexities within the system and sometimes people deliberately try to manipulate the system to suit their needs, rather than just using the system as intended.