Passengers arriving back late at Manchester Airport who have missed their booked train no longer need to buy a new ticket, following a rule change announced by Northern and TransPennine Express.
Customers whose flight was delayed and who had already booked a train ticket can now catch another train up to three hours later at no extra cost. They simply need to speak to staff at the station ticket office and provide evidence that their flight was delayed.
They will then be issued a stamped Flight Delay Validation Slip, which they can use to travel on another service.
Rail firms working together
Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, said: “We have been out speaking to customers who claim they are being unfairly penalised, by being forced to buy another ticket when they are running late at no fault of their own.
“This change is designed to save them some money and hassle, allowing them to catch another train at no extra cost. This is a great example of train companies working together to make travel more convenient for our customers, as we move towards Great British Railways.”
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TPE, added: “We know how stressful flight delays can be, particularly when they disrupt onward travel plans. That’s why we’re pleased to be working with Northern to give customers greater flexibility when delays are outside of their control.
“This change means customers can continue their journey by rail without the worry of having to buy another ticket, making travel to and from Manchester Airport simpler, fairer and more convenient. It’s a positive example of the rail industry working together to improve the experience for customers and make rail travel easier to use.”
Simpler fares in Greater Manchester
The update follows changes made in December last year that simplified fares for millions of customers in Greater Manchester. Passengers buying tickets on the day they travel are now offered just two options – anytime and off-peak.
These fares are valid on rail services run by all operators, and all single journeys are half the price of return trips. Other ticket types remain available for those who book in advance.
Across the UK, the rail industry is continuing a series of modernisations, including reforming fares, introducing simpler ticketing, and expanding digital and tap-in-tap-out payment options.
