Eurotunnel Flexiplus discount anyone?

[marshian70]

After experiencing significant delays the last few times we've used the tunnel, I'm at the point of considering Flexiplus. OK due to the kids we generally travel at peak times but we've used the tunnel pretty much since it opened and the delays are becoming frustrating.

Problem is the price differentlal to a standard ticket is huge.

I'd buy a frequent traveller ticket if they allowed Campervans on Flexiplus but since they don't (at least they didn't when I queried the point with Eurotunnel last year), it does not stack up as an option for us.

Anyone aware of any other means by which to procure cheaper flexiplus tickets? I know you can get free upgrades as part of some holiday packages but that generally does not work for us either.

 

[hirsty]

I think I’ve read before that @GrannyJen buys bulk carnet tickets as a frequent flyer?

 

[MichaelB]

After experiencing significant delays the last few times we've used the tunnel, I'm at the point of considering Flexiplus. OK due to the kids we generally travel at peak times but we've used the tunnel pretty much since it opened and the delays are becoming frustrating.

Problem is the price differentlal to a standard ticket is huge.

I'd buy a frequent traveller ticket if they allowed Campervans on Flexiplus but since they don't (at least they didn't when I queried the point with Eurotunnel last year), it does not stack up as an option for us.

Anyone aware of any other means by which to procure cheaper flexiplus tickets? I know you can get free upgrades as part of some holiday packages but that generally does not work for us either.

I don't know about the frequent traveller but they do allow campervans on flexiplus according to the current online booking system. What they don't allow at present is high vehicles in the Flexiplus lounge. They have rebuilt the lounge on the French side and in the process of doing the same on the UK side. It looked to me when we went through last week that they are changing the location so high vehicles can access the lounge.

 

[GrannyJen]

I think I’ve read before that @GrannyJen buys bulk carnet tickets as a frequent flyer?

Indeed I do. 10 trips bought in advance for £460 plus £11 or £31 each time I travel (high vehicle surcharge plus peak time levy).

I do not know what flexipass is but a frequent tunneller ticket can be changed as many times as you like regarding date and time of departure.

 

[CampervanTime]

That is interesting. Is that 10 individual trips (ie a return is 2 trips?

Also, does the 10 trips have an expiry date?

 

[marshian70]

That is interesting. Is that 10 individual trips (ie a return is 2 trips?

Also, does the 10 trips have an expiry date?

A return is 2 trips and the 10 have to be used in a 12 month period. It is possible to share an account however so splitting the cost and number of trips

 

[mccp]

ie a return is 2 trips?

As above, a return is two singles. The booking site lets you book a return trip (using up two of your singles), but I've found that it is better to book a return as two separate journeys.

As GrannyJen says, frequent traveller tickets are incredibly flexible and you can change your booking online up to 24 hours before departure and on the phone, within 24 hours of departure.

The reason I book two singles instead of a return, is that I found that once you have travelled the outward leg, then the return leg can only be changed by phoning the call centre. Much better to book two singles, so that you can change the return willynilly. Of course, this may have changed since I last booked a return years ago.

Another thing I discovered, is that if you book a trip and then don't take it, you can reschedule it, even after the departure date. I did this last year, and had the peak-time and dog supplements refunded immediately.

We have been using frequent traveller tickets every year since 2006. Some years we only use 8 trips out of the 10, but it is still cheaper than standard tickets and far more flexible. In my opinion, the only advantage that you get with the Flexiplus tickets is that you can skip the queues and get straight on to the next available crossing. I'm not entirely sure what benefit you'd get from the 'Flexiplus lounge'.

Even on very busy days (start and end of school hols) we rarely sit in queues for more than 30-40 minutes. The worst we've ever had is waiting for about four hours - that was on a busy day, and Eurotunnel had found people trying to walk through the tunnel. I don't think Flexiplus would have helped much on that day.

 

[CampervanTime]

Sounds like a fantastic idea and a real saving.

When we get our Cali, I am thinking this might be a great 'welcome' present to ourselves as it will mean 5 road trips in 12 months from ownership... excellent!!

 

[CampervanTime]

Another quick Q - can you change what vehicle the 10 trips are for? Ie some in the car, some in the van?

 

[iamchucky]

Sounds great value. Don't forget you can use your Tesco Clubcard points when booking Euro Tunnel... so if you forget the fact that you've spent £1000's in their store, then you can get your crossing for free! (They don't allow Flexiplus booking's with the Clubcard vouchers though, but they boost your vouchers x 3 for EuroTunnel).

 

[GrannyJen]

Another quick Q - can you change what vehicle the 10 trips are for? Ie some in the car, some in the van?

Yes, you can. The 10 trips are just that, what you travel in and when is decided when you book the journey.

 

[MichaelB]

Another benefit is you can share the 10 trips with someone else so if you don't think you'll use all 10 maybe you could team up with someone.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[shudycamps]

Just make very sure if you want a named friend as part sharer, there is a very very short time frame in which to name that person and give an address. In turn that person must ring Eurotunnel within that time frame with card details and vehicle registration. I think the time frame is 48hrs from original booking date. I have used Frequent Traveller scheme for 3yrs and it's a winner.

 

[Trev]

After experiencing significant delays the last few times we've used the tunnel, I'm at the point of considering Flexiplus. OK due to the kids we generally travel at peak times but we've used the tunnel pretty much since it opened and the delays are becoming frustrating.

Problem is the price differentlal to a standard ticket is huge.

I'd buy a frequent traveller ticket if they allowed Campervans on Flexiplus but since they don't (at least they didn't when I queried the point with Eurotunnel last year), it does not stack up as an option for us.

Anyone aware of any other means by which to procure cheaper flexiplus tickets? I know you can get free upgrades as part of some holiday packages but that generally does not work for us either.

We just travelled back at easter. Flexiplus ended up not being good value. There was one flexiplus queue which was slower than any other. Admittedly it was a busy day and we got on the next available train but we queued for ages. Very flexible but you may still end up sitting in very long queues at busy times.