Eurotunnel compensation

[pvr]

Last week, my 10 pm crossing was delayed until 4 am, which was caused by a coach hitting a train when entering and 1 train out of action meant a 6 hour delay.

Whilst sitting in the car doing nothing, I wrote the complained email to the tunnel as they are not covered by the same rules for delays as airlines (basically - tough luck).

Got the "compensation" gesture today, a refund of that trip in the shape of a voucher. However, the voucher can not be used in conjunction with a frequent traveller account (which is the one I use as I cross over at least once a month), and can also not be used for pet transport fees. Not sure about the reason for that, as now I don't know how to use it. I am taking the dog next week but can't use the voucher for those costs. Wonder why they make the compensation so restricted though.

Travel through the tunnel has certainly become more challenging over the last year, with so many delays (and such long ones as well).

[Lance]

That's a hell of a delay

Agree with your comment about the service becoming challenging, I too have had issues and now take my business to DFDS, who so far have been fine and considerably cheaper, albeit I prefer the speed of the crossing by train. What I really struggle with, with problems on the tunnel is their absolute arrogance when things go wrong. The attitude of tough, you'll just have to wait is shocking!

Am over to France in two weeks via DFDS, but will try the train again next year and see if improved.

I have written to and politely tweeted the tunnel CS dept, but nothing back

[85genius]

If it really aint worth anything to you because of the way you book your travel stick it on the sales section here. If you list @ a 20% discount off face value, theres a decent chance there's someone who can actually use it may be planning a trip to Europe and then you get a bit of compo and help out another member

[DibbleCorse]

Why can't you just use it outside the frequent traveller account ? Its basically a free trip or am I missing something ?

[pvr]

Update on this one - I got a refund for my tickets as long as I bought Flexiplus, which I did. I have now travelled 3 times with that and it is a world of difference. Should have done it years ago.

Got back today, when there were delays, and got straight in front of the passport queue, got some lunch in the lounge and drove on the next train whichever I wanted. Much, much better.

[pvr]

Why can't you just use it outside the frequent traveller account ? Its basically a free trip or am I missing something ?

I can use it outside against a normal ticket, yes. But a normal ticket is much more expensive so it would just get lost.