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Original poster

Eurotunnel - do I have to use the return bit of my day return ticket?

7 replies

limpingbint · 15/02/2011 10:16

So.... can i book 2 day returns, on from here and another from France and bag myself a cheap crossing by not coming back on the day? Anyone done it? Am I going to get in trouble?

OP posts:

switchtvoffdosomelessboring · 15/02/2011 12:26

We did it many years ago, got stopped by the customs. Conversation went a bit like this : 'how long are you going to France for switch?'
Me: 'err just the day'. Customs guy 'what is all the stuff in the back of the car' Me'camping stuff, tent and sleeping bags', customs guy : 'i thought you were going for the day', me 'err yes we are'. Luckily he waved us on (suppose he was more interested in whether we were doing something more dodgy than trying to get a cheap crossing).

Came back on the tunnel using return part of the ticket. Was totally worried we'd get into trouble but nothing was said.

It was a good eight or nine years ago though, I don't know if you could still get away with it.

Original poster

limpingbint · 15/02/2011 13:04

hmmmmmmm i have a trailer... dodgy!

i was ust thinking, surely it is up to me if i want to waste my return???

but don't want to get into trouble

Our half term ferry fare was in excess of £500... still emotionally scarred from that one tbh

OP posts:

Thistledew · 15/02/2011 13:23

There is nothing illegal about it. You may possibly be in breach of the terms and conditions of Eurotunnel's ticket sale, but it is quite unlikely they would bother to investigate.

Original poster

limpingbint · 15/02/2011 13:30

yes that was what i was thinking, they have their money so why would they bother?????

OP posts:

snorkie · 15/02/2011 14:23

they have their money so why would they bother?????

well, they have a lot less money than if you'd bought the correct ticket, so it could be worth their while. I know it contravenes their terms and conditions and I imagine it would be quite easy to check with their software - Whether or not they do, I don't know.

ChippyMinton · 15/02/2011 14:27

Got any Tesco vouchers you can use?

Summer holiday crossings are from £53 each way at the moment, not sure if it's worth the aggro of getting caught tbh.

Or get a cheap ferry eg norfolk line?

Blu · 15/02/2011 14:38

They will monitor vehicles out and vehicles in, and may well link your two journeys to the type of ticket you buy - given that it is all done on computer and electronically and the check-in recognises your number plate and knows what train you are on, etc.

IF that then shows up as being in breach of T&C they might demand you pay the whole price of the return.

A few years ago it was done on paper tickets etc.

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