I enquired about getting on the Sleeper a few weeks ago. The crew said unless the Priv Advance ticket was booked, Priv discounted tickets had no validity at all - they said a Priv Anytime or Super Off Peak ticket wasn't valid in the seated accommodation and that such tickets wouldn't be accepted, even with a full priced berth supplement.
Sorry, but that is pash!
You have been given duff information.
In summary re. staff travel on the sleeper:-
A) No staff travel in the seats (ok that was correct above)
B) For the berths there are two elements to the ticket(s) required - travel & berth supplement. Some tickets are berth inclusive and others require a supplement (i.e. a sleeper reservation) - this applies to staff tickets just as much as public fares. The following combinations are all valid on the sleeper:-
1) Safeguarded box filled* in + public rate sleeper supplement or solo supplement.
2) Priv. rate ticket valid for route + public rate sleeper supplement or solo supplement.
AFAIAA neither of the above are quota controlled.
3) Priv. rate berth inclusive advance ticket, two price levels available, quota controlled.
If you need any more info send me a PM,
Cheers
Could you buy two priv fares? Although I suppose they could resell your second berth at Euston if the train was busy?
Not the done thing, old boy. The sleeper staff can take a dim view of this and may possibly put someone in there just to spite you. This is seen as obtaining a berth that might otherwise be sold at a higher rate. There may be a fair bit of scrutiny at present with management checking up on things prior to the new franchise handover. I wouldn't risk it at this moment in time.
I also have a similar type query. I would want to go with an under 5. I have priv but he doesn't as there is no need. Looking at BR fares there is a child priv rate but there is not on the ATOC website where it just mentions adult fares.
I believe it may be possible to get a priv. card for under fives as long as you apply for a FIP card at the same time. This is because certain European countries have different less generous age limits for children. It's worth a try.
Would I be able to buy a child priv fare for him? Or another adult priv? Both ways would be cheaper than the supplement?
I would doubt this very much, no priv. card = no priv. ticket. Under fives are expected to share the bed with their parent(s). That said a public rate child berth supplement is 50% of the adult rate but I'm not sure if you can get that without a ticket. It is always best to contact Scotrail telesales direct when travelling with children on the sleeper.
I will ask my contacts to see what they suggest.
