TGV, no reservations
 

Hi all,

The good news is that I snagged a 20E fare from Paris to Geneva on 4 August. Hooray! And thanks to MorganB for such great instructions!

The bad news is that I don't have a seat reservation. The confirmation e-mail says "seat/s guaranteed," but no seat number. I called BETS to see if I could buy reservations through them, and the guy I spoke to said that perhaps the conductor would seat me . . .? Does that make sense?

I'll be in Paris for a day or so before I leave, so I can always get my reservtions then. But I'd really like to clear this up now -- without an international phone call!

Any idea what's going on?

Thanks!

s

I'm not sure the email tells you the seat number or not (I don't recall). What does the printable ticket say? The seat number is on the ticket itself. It's on the right side on the woman's face (at least used to be, not sure the current format). Do you hve a PREM?

Hi,

Thanks, Christina! No printable ticket; I have to pick it up from a machine or the ticket window (used a US credit card). It's a Piccolissimo fare, not a PREM.

s

I thought all TGV tickets were issued with seat reservations?

second thought i'd bet your ticket will have a seat number on it when you pick it up in Paris but will be interesting when someone explains this.

And as BETS works thru RailEurope i believe that would mean an $11 per seat R fee plus a $15 reservation fee per order RE has plus mailing - $15 thru RE but $5 i think thru BETS - so you would spend nearly as much for a reservation in the U.S. as your ticket is worth.

Maybe they don't assign seats for pick up tickets this early - i'd be willing to bet your ticket will have a seat number on it when you retrieve it. Some TGVs sell tickets 'sous reservation' (sp?) but that is usually for last-minute travel to fill seats of expected no-shows - then the conductor would find you a seat, even if one of the folding ones between cars but i can't believe that would be the case with a ticket issued this early.

As you know 4 August is a Saturday. That might explain the cheap ticket.

Did they give you a departure time? Train number?

I also thought that all TGV tickets came with a seat reservation. No seat no go.

The SNCF sells a few tickets for each TGV without a seat. There are always people who miss the train or change their plans, so there are normally a few empty seats, as well as folding seats near the doors and stools in the bar.
This has happened to me when I've booked at short notice, but they will tell you when you book.
I'm sure PalenQ is right and that the actual ticket will show seat number(s).

Hi guys!

I really appreciate your brain power on this!

Geez, I really hope I won't be sitting on that fold-down seat! Hmmm, I would have paid more if I thought that's where I'd be sitting!

hopscotch, yes, I have a train number & time, and the note "seat(s) guaranteed."

Yes, I thought so, too: no reservation, no go. So that's why I'm all confused.

I've sent an e-mail to SNCF and have received the confirmation of my request; they'll reply w/in 48 hours.

Still, so weird, I think.

s

swandav2000,

Thanks for the response. Yours is valuable information. If they say that the seat is guaranteed I would say that you are good to go.

BTW, if you are a swimmer, Lac Leman is heaven. Sweetest water I've even been in. There is a pier in downtown Geneva where you pay a few Francs to enter. It has lockers (bring your own lock) and a cafe.

Usually the purchase of a TGV train ticket with a reservation is actually 2 transactions. The first one is the ticket itself, and the second one is the purchase of the reservation.

You can do the latter at your train station.

> Usually the purchase of a TGV train ticket with a reservation is actually 2 transactions. The first one is the ticket itself, and the second one is the purchase of the reservation.

I think it used to be that way until some time ago (abour 10 years ?) but SNCF introduced "global ticket" system that includes ticket and reservation on one sheet of paper. That's how it is now. Trenitalia does the same.

At the train stations, you can buy TGV tickets without seat/coach numbers at last minute as it's too late for them to attribute you one. You have to ask the train conductor on board but seats are not gurannteed. Geohammer already said this. Swandav's case seems different. I think too on the actual ticket you will find the seat number.

I had Piccolo or Picolissimo tickets self-printed before so I considered them a sort of Prem's (= self-printable)but the last one I bought a few weeks ago had no print choice. I had to have it sent to me.

TGV tickets with reservations can be printed up until a few minutes before the train leaves. They only issue TGV tickets without a confirmed seat if all the seats are booked. The passenger will be told that he or she has to find a seat.
Swandav2000 has booked a seat and, if the seat number is not in the e-mail, it will be on the ticket.

Good morning, all,

You folks are really making me feel more at ease about this! Thanks so much! It will be interesting to see how it plays out!

I'll be sure to post whatever the SNCF replies to my e-mail, and to post what's on the ticket when I pick it up.

Oh hopscotch, Montreux is almost my second home! I've been there many times; in fact, this summer I've got an apartment there for two months -- wowee!! But this time, I'm flying into Paris on L'Avion, so it should be a fun adventure!

Thanks again all!

s

Hi all,

Well, it didn't take 48 hours, more like a week!

But I got an answer in today's e-mail!! Whoopee!! It gives me my seat assignment, so I'm all set!

Thanks again for all your help & reassurance!

Geoffhamer & kappa, you were right -- thank goodness!

Thanks again, everyone!

s

Nice to hear our thoughts have been confirmed by SNCF, swandav, so welcome back to Switzerland soon !