My only trip on the hovercraft was in the late 90s. The tunnel was closed down one evening when we got to Calais and a throng of vehicles headed down to the ferry port. The English driver of our car got near the massive, wild lines near the ships, saw an "opening," went by smiling and waving at the (not smiling and waving) employees and right onto the very last position on a hovercraft car deck! No ticket, no formalities, no nothing!

We were underway in three minutes and sitting in the first class lounge in five. I do think he ticketed us on board in some way, but I was too embarrassed to make eye contact with anyone else on the ship.