Mar 28, 2026, 8:34 AMThere was no way to change the name, and cancelling the ticket was too risky - because there was no guarantee I would then get the spot freed up
I have seen fines dished out on SNCF trains to people doing this in the past - but when the train manager found *them*
But I proactively went to find them, BEFORE THEY FOUND ME
Mar 28, 2026, 8:36 AMI had all the documents on my laptop - the ticket, my reduction card, my partner's reduction card (both are the same, so the price she paid would have been the price I would have paid) and explained the situation
Strictly speaking, the train manager said, this is not allowed (and he is correct), but you came and found me and I accept your explanation
Mar 28, 2026, 8:38 AMNow whether this should be the rule is itself questionable. Whether indeed a train should be compulsory reservation is also questionable (and despite it being "sold out" on ticket portals, there are a few seats - presumably no shows)
But to simply get yourself to your destination in situations where you're not strictly in the right, but there is a reason, speaking to the train manager before they find you ALWAYS HELPS
Mar 28, 2026, 8:43 AM@jon Yes. Respecting the position of power they have, even just subconsciously, and proactively acting on that typically opens up a world of generosity. This is a general rule in my experience. Especially when you allow them to explain something you already know but you listen intently to their version :) People are good. Almost always.
Mar 28, 2026, 8:45 AM@jwildeboer The specific problem that can crop up here is they earn a personal bonus for fining people. So you are essentially denying them that. But overall, yes, I am with you.
@jon @jwildeboer > they earn a personal bonus for fining people
Is this true? That's a weird and quite frankly questionable incentive.
Mar 28, 2026, 9:21 AM@nikcorg @jon @jwildeboer At SNCF, between 4% and 10% of the fine if it's paid on the spot.
Mar 28, 2026, 9:26 AM
@jon On interrail trips I proactively went to the train personnel when having any doubts, it always helped. I remember one situation in France, where we discussed everything on the platform with the train team, while everyone was waiting. It was when SNCF introduced a reservation for certain slower trains and it suddenly showed up in the app after we started the trip & we realized whilst waiting for the train.
Edit: certain "regional" trains
Mar 28, 2026, 8:54 AM@cielodenoche I will normally board first, and *then* ask.
Today I am getting off at the first stop, so once it is rolling I will know I will get there 🙂
But generally, yes.
(BTW how compulsory reservation TERs show in Grand Est is not always 100% correct in the Interrail app. In Normandie I don't know, not tried those)
@jon Good point, I have taken a mental note 😀
Our situation was with a TER in Occitanie, from Nice to Marseille last summer. The reservation suddenly showed up, and the opinion within the train team about it was 50/50. In the end, the "boss" decided that we are going to ignore it, because he didn't know about a reservation obligation.
@jon And, if possible, at least try to speak a bit in their own language. Especially in France, train staff will be much more helpful if you speak to them in French, but I faced similar situations in Italy, in the Netherlands and so on.
@jon Yesss in my experience here in Poland they're mostly friendly. I once lost my wallet just in the previous ride, so I had no document to prove I was eligible for a discount. Totally fine to them. Or when I couldn't get a ticket in time, and I had no cash on me, they let me in on a free ride: "going just two stations? who cares!"