While they'd previously announced it as their intention, Cross Country have now launched the ability to change Advance tickets for free before a journey.
Details are here:
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are a few caveats:
Interestingly it doesn't state anywhere that this is for Cross Country only fares - in fact from reading the fuller FAQ I'd take from that that this could be used for all Advance fares. It seems that this is processed as an Admin-free refund on the old ticket, when you purchase a new one - which would presumably allow you to buy a cheaper ticket on a future date, for example.
So it's an amendment rather than a revolution in how the tickets are sold, but there will certainly be cases where this comes in useful for people.
Details are here:
Were the first and only UK train company to remove the £10 fee for changing the date and time of your Advance ticket. So not only can you get great value Advance tickets for any train operator via our website, but you have a little extra flexibility if your plans change.
- No more fees - Buy a new Advance ticket, and well refund your original for FREE
- Enjoy flexibility - Update the date, time & ticket type (as long as the stations are the same)
- Peace of mind - Amend your ticket from 2 hours after purchase, until 24 hours before your journey
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are a few caveats:
- You must buy a replacement ticket for a journey between the same stations
- You must have purchased the ticket while logged-in to the XC website
- The tickets must be post/collect at station
- It must be no less than 24 hours before travel
Interestingly it doesn't state anywhere that this is for Cross Country only fares - in fact from reading the fuller FAQ I'd take from that that this could be used for all Advance fares. It seems that this is processed as an Admin-free refund on the old ticket, when you purchase a new one - which would presumably allow you to buy a cheaper ticket on a future date, for example.
So it's an amendment rather than a revolution in how the tickets are sold, but there will certainly be cases where this comes in useful for people.