System mistak on sbb.ch when booking Geneve to Lyon, FR
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
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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!
#2
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,613
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.
#3
Original Poster
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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?
#4
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
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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.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cambridge, MA
Programs: AA EXP, UA1k, AmEx Plat, Global Entry & Pre✓
Posts: 852
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.
#6
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
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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!
#9
Join Date: May 2006
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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.
#10
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
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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.
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GVA
Programs: BA Gold, LH FTL, KL/AF Ivory
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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.
#12