A woman on a forum described how she handled the situation after booking a seat on the train, but finding someone sitting there. She claimed that booking a seat on a train is not a real booking if someone else decides to sit there.
Traveling From Edinburgh to London
The journey from Edinburgh to London is over 400 miles. It takes around 4 and a half hours by train. So, the woman wanted to be comfortable.
Booking a Nice Seat
She booked window seat with a table. This would allow her to admire the view, and maybe read a book, eat a sandwich if she got hungry, or enjoy a coffee to keep her awake on her journey.
Boarding the Train
She got on the train to find 4 guys sitting at the table where she had booked a seat. The seat that should have been hers was clearly marked as booked. She double-checked the seat number.
Right Seat
After confirming the seat was hers, she asked him if he could move. The woman explained she had booked the seat and pointed to the reserved sign.
He Said No
He refused to move, saying that he wanted to sit with his friends – the other guys at the table. He also said the train was packed and there was nowhere for him to move to.
She Asked the Ticket Collector for Help
The ticket collector was passing. The Woman assumed he would be able to help by asking the man to move and let her have her booked seat.
The Guy Continued To Refuse
The ticket collector asked the guy to move. However, he refused again. The collector seemed to think that was the end of the matter.
What Next?
“So what now?” the woman asked. She felt sure there must be something he could do. After all, he wouldn’t let her stand up for four hours, would he?
No Help
The ticket collector replied, “You can find another seat but I have no power to move him. Only the police would be able to move him.” He pointed out that the police wouldn’t just show up to remove someone from a train seat.
Nowhere To Sit
She looked, but there were no seats free in the carriage. This meant that standing the whole way to London was a possibility. It would be an uncomfortable and long journey.
She Had a Better Idea
“I’m going to take a seat in first class,” she announced. She knew she would have better surroundings, power sockets, and free tea and coffee. That was a better option than standing.
You Can’t Without a Booking
The ticket collector told her she couldn’t sit in first class without a booking. That’s when she knew the perfect response.
Using His Own Words Back at Him
The woman used his own words back at him as she said, “Well, you could call the police to move me, but apparently they won’t turn up to move someone out of a seat.” He was unable to argue.
First Class
She took this as the go-ahead to find herself a nice seat in first class. Nobody could stop her.
She Enjoyed Her Journey
She described having a lovely journey. There was a power outlet for her laptop and a wide seat for her to get comfortable in.
She May Even Get a Refund
One commenter told her it might still be possible to reclaim part of the ticket cost. This is because her booked seat wasn’t available.
Needing Proof
Several others debated whether it would be possible to prove this. One joked that she could have taped the offender to the seat and taken him to the customer service desk on arrival in London.
What Should the Conductor Have Done?
Others preferred to discuss what the conductor could have done. Having witnessed the seat thief and done nothing about it, he could have printed out the compensation.
How It’s Done in CZ
The same commenter claimed that’s how it’s done in the Czech Republic. He said, “Too long a delay, your seat not available on the train, or WiFi not working are all reasons to receive compensation and the conductor can give it.”
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