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Train cancelled, had to buy a more expensive ticket for same day, can we get a refund for that ticket?

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Seeking Refunds for Cancelled Train Tickets: A Parent’s Dilemma

Traveling by train can be a convenient and enjoyable experience, but it can quickly become frustrating when plans go awry. Recently, I found myself in a challenging situation while trying to assist my daughter with a sudden change in her travel itinerary.

My daughter had purchased a ticket to travel from Edinburgh to London on LUMO. Unfortunately, her train was cancelled, and she was informed that all later LUMO services were fully booked for hours. With a pressing schedule, she needed to find an alternative quickly.

After hearing a public announcement that LUMO tickets would not be accepted on any other services, she decided to purchase a new ticket on the LNER train, which was departing around the same time as the originally scheduled LUMO train. Though this choice minimized her delay significantly, it came at a cost — specifically, an additional £80 for the new ticket.

Given that her original fare was only £40, this represented an unexpected strain on her travel budget. This situation raises an important question: Is it possible to obtain a partial refund for the emergency ticket she had to buy?

I’d greatly appreciate any advice or insights on how to navigate this process. Has anyone experienced a similar situation, and if so, what steps did you take? Thank you for your help! 😊

One thought on “Train cancelled, had to buy a more expensive ticket for same day, can we get a refund for that ticket?”

  1. Understanding Your Rights and Next Steps as a London Resident

    It’s really frustrating when train cancellations disrupt travel plans, especially when additional expenses are incurred unexpectedly. As a London resident, I’ve faced similar situations, and there are a few things to consider regarding refunds and compensation.

    Firstly, under EU and UK passenger rights regulations, if a train is cancelled or significantly delayed, passengers may be entitled to a refund of their ticket or compensation, depending on the circumstances. However, since your daughter purchased an alternative ticket immediately following the cancellation, claiming a refund for the new, more expensive ticket is a bit nuanced.

    Here are some practical steps and insights:

    • Check the terms and conditions: Review the train company’s refund policy, as many operators offer partial refunds or compensation for cancellations and delays.
    • Contact the train company directly: Reach out with details of the original booking, cancellation notice, and evidence of the additional expense. Sometimes they offer goodwill gestures or partial reimbursements.
    • Use Passenger Rights Regulations: In the UK, Regulation (EC) 1371/2007 (which still influences UK policies) stipulates compensation for cancellations and delays over a certain threshold. While it primarily covers delays, in some cases, it can support claims for additional expenses.
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