Originally Posted by
gilpin
I questioned this because in US English time restrictions are usually stated inclusively. For example, a web site might state that to be eligible for a bonus one "must register before Dec. 31, 2006". That would be understood by everyone to include Dec. 31st despite the fact that the word "before" was used. If you followed the logic used for the railpasses the real deadline would be Dec. 30th.
Hmm....personally, if I read a website that said you must register before Dec. 31st 2006 I would assume that you need to register by 11:59pm on December 30th (and I'm not just saying that to align my position on this example with the Eurail example
)
One tactic you could try would be to try any buy a pass online (preferably on the official eurail website) with your correct birthdate (I'm assuming you have already turned 26 and are wanting to buy a youth pass). If the eurail site lets you purchase the pass, you have a much stronger argument (though it doesn't guarantee 100% that you'll be able to validate the pass, as you still may have the validating rail employee to deal with). If the Eurail site doesn't let you purchase the pass, I think you have your answer.