Anyone left standing on busy trains told 'get your ticket refunded'
If you don't get something that you've paid for, then you could be eligible
People who travel on trains might not be aware that a common issue could see them entitled to compensation - and it is not just delayed services. If you've paid for a specific seat that you weren't able to use, you may be eligible for a total refund.
Railway ticket costs vary significantly across the UK, ranging from several pounds to hundreds, depending on the particular route and time of the trip. If you are forced to stand up, despite having booked and reserved a seat in advance, you may be entitled to a refund of some or all of your money.
Passengers should not just accept this if they find themselves in such a situation, says travel content creator Chelsea Dickenson, who goes by the name Cheap Holiday Expert online. She recently suggested that people should take a few important steps to increase their chances of receiving cash back.
Speaking on her travel podcast, Passports Please, Chelsea said: "Not many people realise that if you have got a reserved seat on a train and you end up standing, you may be able to get money back. There are a variety of reasons why you might not be able to sit in that seat - even if there's no delay and things like that."
Chelsea, who has previously offered her travel guidance on ITV's This Morning, claimed that the regulations surrounding this "completely depend on the train company". She mentioned in the episode that LNER trains, for instance, provide a seat guarantee, reports the Mirror.
She said: "If they can't find you an alternative seat, you could claim 100% of the ticket for a single ticket, which is crazy. You get all the money back." Chelsea mentioned that other railway operators "may offer partial refunds or vouchers" However, this varies according to the specific company, so it is always best to check with your specific provider.
There are specific steps that passengers in this situation must take to ensure they don't lose out on their entitlements. She said: "My advice, if you find yourself in this situation, is to take photos and videos - get the evidence that shows and proves that you're on a packed-out train, and you have to stand. Try to find a staff member on the train. So often, this will be the train manager or the driver.
"But, do go and try and find someone, or when you get to your station, wait for someone to jump off, and go speak to them. Because often what you need to do is get a note for them, or they might issue you a coupon. Speak to a staff member as much as you can. If you can't, just get lots of evidence and then contact the company."
When am I entitled to claim compensation for a train ticket?
You're eligible for a train ticket refund if your service is cancelled or if you experience delays of more than 30 minutes, though certain tickets fall under different compensation policies. To make a claim, submit your application online, visit the station in person, or send it by post within 28 days of your ticket's expiration date.
Different ticket categories have specific regulations, so it's best to prepare yourself and check online for your particular circumstances. If you weren't delayed but encountered the problem of having no allocated seat available despite purchasing one, check your specific operator's website regarding any 'Seat Guarantee Scheme' they might operate for further information about potential compensation.