Brits are being advised on how to reclaim the costs of train tickets as the UK faces further travel disruption due to rail strikes taking place in the coming days.
Penny-pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have researched how travellers can claim their money back from journeys disrupted by ongoing train strikes.
The RMT and ASLEF have recently announced further strike action to take place on February 1st and 3rd – with more dates potentially happening later in the year.
Ongoing negotiations have been taking place across the last year between train unions and the Government over a dispute concerning pay and working conditions, which has consequently led to travel disruptions with people losing money over train tickets.
To reclaim train tickets, the advice is to apply on the website where the ticket was purchased for a full refund or if it was bought from a third-party app, calling them directly can help claim the costs back quicker.
Passengers lost hundreds of pounds worth of train tickets last year and potentially even more in 2023, which is why experts are offering simple advice on how to claim back on train tickets so people don’t have to worry about losing money.
John Stirzaker, online consumer expert from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “It’s a worrying time for travellers as many are unaware of whether the strikes will impact their journey.
“Commuters also face losing money if they’re unable to work from home and have no other form of transportation.
“While we completely sympathise with the train workers planning to go on strike, it’s still unfortunate to see ordinary people paying the price.
“The guidance on how to claim money back has been slightly confusing due to the ongoing changes in negotiations and changes in dates.
“This is why we wanted to provide clear and simple guidance on how Brits can reclaim their train ticket costs if their journey is disrupted by rail strikes.
“We’re urging everyone to make sure they have purchased travel insurance before planning a train journey and to keep their receipts, so they’re entitled to a full refund.”
Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk simple ways to reclaim money back on train tickets during rail strikes:
- Apply for a refund on the website
If you’ve purchased a train ticket during train strikes then you will be automatically entitled to a full refund if the journey gets cancelled. Simply apply on the website where the ticket was purchased from, which will then ask for details of your name and trip. Make sure to keep all copies of receipts whether electronically or in print.
- Call the company directly
Sometimes it’s quicker to directly call the train company or third-party app instead of applying for websites which can crash due to the high demands of people requesting refunds.
- Check if alternative transport is provided
If you still need to make your journey and the only possible route is the train, have a look if the train company is providing any alternative transportation. Try to allow for extra time before the journey, as coach trips typically add a third of the extra time to the journey.
- Purchase travel insurance
To be extra cautious, it’s wise to invest in travel insurance for an extra couple of quid in case there are any issues with requesting a full refund. It’s also helpful if future journeys are cancelled even if rail strikes haven’t been announced for that particular day.
- Claim money back for late journeys
Passengers may be unaware that if their train journey is late by over half an hour due to train strikes, they could be entitled to a refund. Some companies may offer partial refunds if the delays are 15 minutes late and season ticket holders may be entitled to some money back if they contact the train company directly.
- Request free exchanges
If you purchase train tickets and then find your train has been cancelled, you can go on the website and request a free exchange at a later time or date. Check the train company website where you purchased the ticket, as the policies may vary depending on the region.
For further money-saving tips, head over to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk.