WickedWolfie

Several months ago I booked a Eurostar trip with a friend, non-flexible non-exchangable tickets, to travel next week. Unfortunately work commitments mean that my friend now can’t travel. Another friend is interested in travelling instead but that raises other problems.

I have spoken to Eurostar who officially say that nothing can be done but unofficially the employee pointed out that the only place that names on tickets might be matched with passports is at Brussels/Paris (and possibly also St Pancras) inbound by the UK Border Agency. They also noted that the Border Agency is concerned with stopping illegals not UK nationals coming back into UK and that the info on Eurostar tickets does not relate to Advanced Passenger Information (API) as used by airlines as no passport or nationality info is sought when booking tickets.

Additionally I work for the UK Government and have regular dealings with UK diplomats in Brussels. I am aware that many of them have used Eurostar tickets in names other than their own, apparently without any issues. Furthermore there are websites in France and Belgium which resell Eurostar tickets; presumably while non-contract compliant such resale must be non-problematic or such sites would not exist – true or false?

I know this site does not encourage anything illegal but would just ask if anyone has experience of travelling on Eurostar recently using in tickets in names other than their own and, if so, did any problems arise? My second friend is keen to come but concerned he could end up stranded abroad!

I would appreciate any advice.