SNCF website hell
 

I booked some nonrefundable, nonexchangeable tickets on Friday, and at one point I had two trips on the same day in conditional status on my screen: 6h52 and 17h52. I deleted the 17h52 and went on with the transaction. All along the way, 6h52 was displayed as the time I was reserving.

When I committed to pay, the confirmation came back for the 17h52 train. I suspect that their web processing has holes in it, and the trip that was supposed to be deleted really wasn't.

I have requested that SNCF change the reservation to the right one, I have alerted my VISA provider that they might expect a dispute, and I have booked a cancellable trip on the morning train (for an additional 296€). Stay tuned.

Ugh that sounds awful, I'm so sorry about that! Sounds like you've done all the right things though.

Call them, Robes, they are VERY customer-friendly!

If you find a phone number that someone actually answers, please let me know.

I asked Thalys by email to change my reservation from the late train to the early one, and they politely refused.

I called my VISA card issuer, and they have begun the process of bouncing the charge. This is not surprising, because they have a much greater stake in keeping my business than has SNCF.

I get the distinct impression that the sncf masterminds don't give two hoots in hades whether their internet system works or not.
They sell plenty of tickets as it is.

No question about that - it's typical of froggy bureaucracy at all levels.

<i>Insouciance</i> is a French word.

Mme. Robespierre just remarked that SNCF, as the French national railroad, represents the vile amalgam of Gallic attitude <u>and</u> government efficiency.

Anyway - I got my conditional ticket refunded. The confirming page for the transaction says &quot;Initial price of tickets to be canceled 592.00&euro;&quot; (which is off by a factor of two) and <i>then</i> &quot;TOTAL AMOUNT for refund 296.00&euro;&quot; (which is correct).

Then I re-booked the correct trip with the 60&euro; pp fare, and it got all the way through entering the card data, at which point I clicked &quot;Confirm and pay for your order&quot; and the window closed without a peep. I am monitoring my bank account for the charge.

Still waiting to hear from VISA on the chargeback.

Your computer needs to be exorcised.