System mistak on sbb.ch when booking Geneve to Lyon, FR
Sep 24, 2009, 9:12 am
#1
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System mistak on sbb.ch when booking Geneve to Lyon, FR
I booked a trip from Geneva (Coravin) to Lyon, FR this morning on sbb.ch.
I booked the trip for the morning, somewhere around 930am.
I got the e-mail receipt and the ticket is saying "From 13:44 to 15:31 TGV 6818"
What can I do to get the right train, or am I stuck with this ticket? Will they let you board an earlier train if you'd like, or no?
Thanks!
I booked the trip for the morning, somewhere around 930am.
I got the e-mail receipt and the ticket is saying "From 13:44 to 15:31 TGV 6818"
What can I do to get the right train, or am I stuck with this ticket? Will they let you board an earlier train if you'd like, or no?
Thanks!
Sep 24, 2009, 9:44 am
#2
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What are the T&Cs on the ticket?
TGVs have compulsory reservation, so you'll need to rebook anyway - the question is whether or not you'll be charged. And that will depend on the ticket type. I expect you'll have to phone them up in any case.
TGVs have compulsory reservation, so you'll need to rebook anyway - the question is whether or not you'll be charged. And that will depend on the ticket type. I expect you'll have to phone them up in any case.
Sep 24, 2009, 9:50 am
#3
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"JEUNE 12 to less than 26 years of age on the day of departure, provide proof of age on board. Ticket can be exchanged and is refundable before departure."
Do you know what to do?
Do you know what to do?
Sep 24, 2009, 9:58 am
#4
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Well, you can turn up on the day and get a new reservation before boarding, but I don't know the loadings of those trains, so couldn't recommend that one way or the other.
Alternatively, you may need to call SBB. I can't see a reservation change on their website, although I don't have access to the user-account area.
Finally, as your ticket is refundable, you could simply book a new one, and get a refund for the old one.
Alternatively, you may need to call SBB. I can't see a reservation change on their website, although I don't have access to the user-account area.
Finally, as your ticket is refundable, you could simply book a new one, and get a refund for the old one.
Sep 24, 2009, 10:12 am
#5
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How would I get the refund? I have a friend in Basel who I asked to go to the ticket counter for me and figure it out. Hopefully he can help, as I don't speak Swiss-German and would have a difficult time calling them.
Wouldn't the price go up if I wait until the day of? I paid 31 CHF for this ticket.
Wouldn't the price go up if I wait until the day of? I paid 31 CHF for this ticket.
Sep 24, 2009, 10:18 am
#6
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No - you have a fully exchangeable ticket, so can change the reservation without getting a refund if need be.
SBB have English-speaking operators. They already have 4 languages and umpteen dialects to deal with - English is no problem!
SBB have English-speaking operators. They already have 4 languages and umpteen dialects to deal with - English is no problem!
Sep 25, 2009, 8:59 am
#9
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From what I've seen here, you should have no problem, even just turning up and taking the earlier train. I would be surprised if a Geneva - Lyons train is really completely full. However, you might be better off exchanging it. You can do that at the counter of Geneva station, probably best the evening before if you can.
Sep 25, 2009, 9:53 am
#10
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TGVs are mandatory reservation, though. I know in France they have the 'échange minute' machines to allow you to change a reservation on the spot - I don't if something's in place in Swiss or German stations.
Sep 26, 2009, 7:11 am
#11
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There are no SNCF machines at Geneva station. That's why I suggested going to the ticket counter in Geneva station. On top of that the OP purchased the ticket from CFF. Whilst I know that you are required to have a reservation on TGVs, the OP does have one, he just intends using it on a different train.
Sep 29, 2009, 7:49 am
#12
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You can also ask the train manager before departure. I've never had a problem changing to an earlier train as long as there are seats available.