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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to effectively 'con' Brittany Ferries?

35 replies

HexBramble · 17/04/2014 08:52

Booking ferry to France for summer holiday now. Am tempted to take up the offer of cheap crossing for weeked visit and NOT be on the return ferry, then book a cheap single sailing for the actual return.

Am I being a savvy traveller and saving money, or am I conning the system. Opinions please, oh honest MN'ers!

OP posts:
Theas18 · 17/04/2014 08:56

IIRC they are wise to this but I'm not sure how or what they can do. Book a return and only use one leg? surely it's up to you. Bit trickier to only use the return leg though.

Why not ring them up without giving a name and ask (put on an accent too..... no wait that's just me being daft!)

Hairylegs47 · 17/04/2014 08:57

Don't think you are conning them at all. It's not as if you are not paying for your trip.

RoganJosh · 17/04/2014 08:58

I think that's just playing the system. I think it's fine.

doradoo · 17/04/2014 08:58

I think they track the reg numbers on the car so you may come a cropper when trying to get back again?

I effectively did this with P&O years ago when I moved overseas - a cheap day trip ticket was way better than the expensive single.

I did travel but when I checked in with a car full of stuff the guy on the check in said that I HAD to take the return - otherwise my credit card would be charged with the full amount for the single and I'd have trouble booking again.

My card wasn't charged, and I never did take the return trip - BUT I also didn't ever book again under the same reg number so dont know how much of what I was told was true!

tripecity · 17/04/2014 08:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 08:59

Theas18, your post made me Grin
Hmm - yes I suspect you're right but it's tempting to go through the booking process to get a quote. It's all about saving pennies, right?

Can I also ask - what does IIRC mean?

OP posts:
suze28 · 17/04/2014 09:00

Can you book a single from France to England?

This won't help you with your current dilemma but if you're going to France again next summer, the best time to book with Brittany Ferries is October as you can get 20% discount.

Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 09:01

Thanks everyone.
Internet slow here so still processing quote whilst I blatantly MN research your opinions.
doradoo oh heck......

OP posts:
TheRealYellowWiggle · 17/04/2014 09:01

They don't lose out by it do they, they gain an extra fare surely? Morally fine IMO, but do check small print doesn't mention anything about using both legs of the journey.
Wonder why it's cheaper than a single?

Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 09:02

suze28 thanks!

Why oh WHY didn't I post this last year?!?! 20% is a hefty saving.

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 17/04/2014 09:03

It's not conning them at all. You are perfectly entitled to pay and not turn up, it's not a dentist appointment.

Actually they are losing out because your return ticket is taking up a space that could have been used by a customer who is going to spend money in the bar, shop etc on board. But that's down to their pricing!

I've done it lots of times with Ryanair when we had to change flights. It's cheaper to book twice and not turn up.

suze28 · 17/04/2014 09:05

We managed to get 25% off as the lady who owns the gites we stay at advertises with Brittany Ferries hence we had an owners code. We're travelling on the high speed over and the 5hr return for £351, Saturday to Saturday so the cost is considerably less.

TheRealYellowWiggle · 17/04/2014 09:07

The op could promise to spend double in the shop on the way out to make up for that!
Last Brittany ferry I was on, everyone was puking so not much shopping happening that day..

doradoo · 17/04/2014 09:08

The other thing to look at is that it can be cheaper going dover-calais and then booking a hotel halfway down france than the longer/overnight ferries.

Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 09:10

£269.80 for Single Portsmouth - Caen
I'm a member so I can't see if they've taken a discount or not.
Sailing with 2 little ones so need cabin because it's overnight, and lots are sold out! aaargh!

OP posts:
Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 09:11

Ah it's £343 without my discount. Ok.

OP posts:
catwithflowers · 17/04/2014 09:12

If I recall correctly!

Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 09:13

We find the extra driving to Calais a real killer so tend to avoid it like the plague!

OP posts:
catwithflowers · 17/04/2014 09:13

Sorry, that was for Hex Smile

Original poster
HexBramble · 17/04/2014 09:20

£304.80 for a single from France to UK!
Holy shit!

OP posts:
Paq · 17/04/2014 09:22

I'm pretty sure in their T&Cs they say they will charge the full fare if you do this. Otherwise everyone would.

I don't think you'll get away with it.

OwlinaTree · 17/04/2014 09:26

We did this years ago, the day return was so cheap compared with the standard. We turned up in our camper van filled with camping gear, and when questioned said we were doing a booze cruise, had no problems.

OwlinaTree · 17/04/2014 09:27

Was about 11 years ago tho!

pudcat · 17/04/2014 09:38

The terms and conditions state "These fares are subject to restricted durations and are only valid providing both the outward and return journeys completed as specified on the documents. Where they are not the outward journey will be considered a 'single' journey and it will be repriced at the single tariff. Any additional payment will be collected from the credit/debit card used for the original payment, if the outward portion of any return itinerary is not used, we will cancel the return and no refunds will be paid." HTH

Theas18 · 17/04/2014 10:16

IIRC= if I remember correctly.