I bought a First Class ticket, but had to travel in standard class – why?

If you bought a First Class ticket but had to travel in standard class, this could be for two reasons.

• First Class was not available
• First Class was full.

On some operators, First Class is not available, nor is it advertised as being available. In a small number of cases (such as if you’ve booked a ticket for Transport for Wales), your planned train may have been substituted for one that doesn’t have First Class.

If First Class was full (and you had a reservation), or it was declassified, then you’ll be entitled to compensation. This is usually the difference between the price you’ve paid and the equivalent Standard Class ticket.

For full details, please check the National Rail Conditions of Travel.