Eurotunnel ticket

[Judith]

Thought I'd start a new thread, rather than confusing it my previous inquiry on prices.

It's a long time since I used the Eurotunnel now,  and certainly not since they brought in the new ticketing system.  (well I did once, but I arrived without any ticket as it was an emergency change of plan - the hovercraft wasn't going anywhere - when I drove up to a booth and paid an extortionate amount for not booking in advance, but at least we got across) and that was very much like it used to be.  Now I presume (as I have booked) that I don't get an actual ticket any more, but have to quote the booking ref and and password (And put in the cc to validate) when I get to the booths?  I have heard reports of it being difficult - is it??

[Benjamin]

From memory of a couple of years ago you insert the same card that you bought your ticket with into the machine (don't go to the manned booths) and follow the on-screen instructions. Your responses are all of the "touch screen" type and you sometimes have to literally punch the screen as they seem a little insensitive.

You get a printed "ticket" with your crossing reference on it which needs to be displayed by hanging from your interior rear view mirror.

One word of caution; if it's a windy day make sure you get hold of the screen hanger very firmly.  [:D]

[cooperlola]

As Benjamin says, you just need the card (and a good "punch", as he says[:D]).  But make sure you have the booking reference number also in case of problems - for instance if, as happened to me once the card you used to book with has run out and you're operating on a new one with a different expiry date.  You used to get a return ticket attached to the hanger but last time I went this didn't happen and the same process was needed for the return (ie just using the credit card) as going out. 

[Chancer]

The system (usually) works very well, it recognises your number plate and the machine will ask if you are Mr........, if you have arrived early it gives you the option of an earlier crossing, finally it prints out your mirror hanger bording card.

All in all remarkably simple, effective and administration and paperwork free for a French company [:P]

[Cjlaws]

If you give your car's registration number when you book on-line your booking will be recognized by the system as you arrive at the auto check-in. That way you will not need to insert your card either going out or on your return.

[cooperlola]

[quote user="Cjlaws"]If you give your car's registration number when you book on-line your booking will be recognized by the system as you arrive at the auto check-in. That way you will not need to insert your card either going out or on your return.
[/quote]I never do this (just in case I have to use the o/h's car at the last minute) hence I didn't know about that one.[:)]

[Chancer]

Thnaks CJlaws, I was sure that last time I didnt have to put in my card, I will edit my post accordingly.

CooperLola. Are you driving again? That must be a real liberation for you.

[cooperlola]

[quote user="Chancer"]

CooperLola. Are you driving again? That must be a real liberation for you.

[/quote]I was able to drive for a bit but sadly can't again at the moment.  I managed to get to the UK last year and that's pretty much the last time.  But I will again, one way or another just waiting to see if I'll need an adapted car or not.

[Chancer]

Good luck to you, my thoughts are with you, you posted recently that the acciudent happened IIRC 18 months ago, it seems like yesterday.

[mint]

Coops, I am certain that, with your determination and no nonsense attitude, you will be driving again, whatever type of car.

All the very best

[Swissie]

hear hear Coops- bon courage et bonne chance. Mes meilleurs voeux   Swissie

[Judith]

[quote user="Cjlaws"]If you give your car's registration number when you book on-line your booking will be recognized by the system as you arrive at the auto check-in. That way you will not need to insert your card either going out or on your return.

[/quote]

Now that's interesting, as I did give the reg no - I do know which car I will be driving! - but it adds another perspective to the possibilites!.

Thanks to all, if it goes as says, it does seem relatively simple.

And Coops - I can hardly believe its 18mths since yr accident - time has flown (though possibly not for you!) but I am sure that you will be driving again soon ....

[Chancer]

They have done an impressive job of removing the labour force to reduce costs.

One person at the help desk in the terminal although I am sure that overhead is more than covered by the rental income from the franchises.

No-one at the auto-ticket machines although someone will come to assist if you have problems.

One guy who opens the barrier, its always a bit nerve wracking as he casually appears from nowhere to do so at the last minute.

Two people to embark you on the train and to act as guards etc in the event of a breakdown, there may be another couple for the top deck

One driver, although I am not convinced that it isnt done remotely from a P.C. in Bangladesh [6]

Compare that to the staff requirements for the ferry operators!

They are able to ramp up or down the service according to demand very easily, they can consolidate passengers on fewer trains when demand is low, i.e. the 14.30 service will not be running due to technical problems, the next train will be the 15.15.

They enjoy a massive competitive advantage over the ferry operators and should by rights be the lowest cost channel operator but for the debt that they have to service and the actionnaires.

[bixy]

A mystery solved. On returning from the UK, almost before the car had stopped rolling, the machine knew who I was and offered me a choice of crossings. The odd thing is that I didn't give my reg. no when I made the original booking so the machine must have read the number on the outward journey and stored it. I was rather impressed - one of the few examples of technology being for the benefit of the consumer as well.

Patrick

[Judith]

[quote user="Chancer"]

The system (usually) works very well, it recognises your number plate and the machine will ask if you are Mr........, if you have arrived early it gives you the option of an earlier crossing, finally it prints out your mirror hanger bording card.

All in all remarkably simple, effective and administration and paperwork free for a French company [:P]

[/quote]

CHancer

At all happened just as you described (though I had to get out of the car to reach the machine of course!), and I had my card and number to hand on the way out just in case.  Managed to get an earlier crossing both ways (in spite of returning at the height of ash problems).  Only thing I didn't like - I was a M instead of Mme, but I can live with that.  That number recognition sure works!!! 

[Gardengirl]

We make 3 or 4 return tunnel crossings each year. We've never given our car registration number, and never been greeted by name on return, and always just insert the creit card, as we've found it easier than trying to punch the booking number in on that plastic screen.When we came out to France last week it didn't recognise the credit card, didn't accept the booking number, and we tried both twice. A man appeared, fiddled with the machinery in the booth and we were through.

It was all pretty quiet, and the friend who gave us a lift down said it had been just as quiet the previous afternoon when he'd come through with his family, who'd been stranded in France. I was impressed that the price in the tunnel had been so reasonable; we have a 'season ticket', but I checked prices without, and it was £79 or so each way a couple of days in advance. Not bad, when you hear ofso much profiteering at the expense of stranded passengers!  [:)]

[Mme poivre]

Tesco is my friend - (yes Iknow they will ge tthe money out of you one way or another) but hubby and I going to Lille for weekend in june for a fun charity bed race - we have managed to apay for the tunnel using tesco clubcard vouchers so all we have to fork out for is the fuel in the wagon - how cool is that:-)

[cooperlola]

Tesco, or here in France, Casino, whose loyalty card gives Air Miles which you can use in the tunnel.

 

(Off topic, thanks to all who posted kindly re my accident.  Since my last operation in December the pain has gone and I'm back to rehab 4 times a week.  However, it's unlikely that my knee will ever bend beyond about 80 degrees - still I could have been dead! I should be trying out a bit of driving round the garden this week and will have an assesment if that goes well.  Slowly but surely....)

[Chancer]

I wish you all the good luck, thanks for posting.