 Poster: A snowHead
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hi all, so the time is getting close to our feb half term adventure, we are going via Eurotunnel with a standard fare. even though I have used the Eurotunnel loads of times in the past, both in winter and summer. strangely enough for one reason or another, each time we have travelled at half term we have never actually came back via the Eurotunnel on the return journey.
so my question is, has anyone got any experience of rocking up to calais on the sunday of half term, a few hours earlier than their planned departure and managed to get on an earlier crossing?
in my eyes it would be beneficial to them at the busiest time of the year to fill up any empty spaces, I assume there is always an element of no shows for one reason or another, two seasons ago we did not return via Eurotunnel as my truck broke down and we were flown back on the Saturday, with the truck repatriated a few weeks later!!
I know there could be additional charges incurred, but Eurotunnel have quoted me £190 to upgrade to flexi on the way back, which would make the original one way cost £320!!!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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In theory you can turn up two hours before; and outside busy times you'll be offered the possibility of travelling earlier. In practice; over many years of use we have occasionally turned up much earlier at quiet times and got straights on. Very little chance on busy days; and on one very, very busy evening when they were stacking cars in overspill car parks we weren't even allowed through check-in until two hours before. As with many things it's 'pot luck'.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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we crossed back on the Saturday afternoon of half term last year, six o'clock start from Peissey. We had been staying with two other families and they had both booked flexi but me being tight had not. Despite not travelling together we all arrived at the Eurotunnel check in within 10 minutes of each other and it was manic. We saw the other two cars go through the fast track flexi entrance whilst we were pushed out into the overflow waiting area, this did not last long though and we were soon moving again. Were getting lots of messages from our friends about how busy the flexi lane was and the premium lounge that they were entitled to enter was wiped out. We moved along fairly briskly and Eurotunnel didn't seem overly worried about what train you were booked on just trying to get everyone through. Once loaded onto the train realised that both other families were on the same same train, one near the front and the other one about 10 cars in front of us. So in my experience I would definitely say that flexi is not worth it, whilst this experience was probably exceptional I have never paid for flexi and never had any hold up getting on when busy they just want to keep things moving.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Coming back half term last year, we realised were hugely ahead of schedule and managed to amend our booking by about 3 hours, calling enroute and think it was about £40 so not flexiplus but just a change.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Last year when we returned it wasn't feb but was end of school hols at new year, so peak I'd suggest. We turned up well over 2 hours early and they offered us an upgrade to go immediately for a not insubstantial amount of cash (I have £84 in mind).
We declined and said no we'd go and get a drink and chill after the long drive.
On going through the booth there was a man on the turn to the terminal parking who just waved us on - straight into a train and we landed UK nice and early albeit caffeine deprived. Hoping for the same this time.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Cheers all, as I kind of suspect they will want to fill up as many trains as possible, especially the early ones, so will take a chance and get there a few hours early on the Sunday. I am under orders to get the kids back early enough for them to prepare for school next day!!!
Hopefully it will work out, if not a V long wait at Calais or several euros lighter!!!!
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@terrygasson, I think you can leave the terminal if you are going to have a long wait, or at least you used to be able to. Go for a walk on Calais beach and grab an early lunch if necessary. Better than endless hanging around.
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Last eurotunnel we went out standard but came back flexi. The flexi terminal was good. We missed the passport queues, they have a designated channel. You were given a bag to fill with food and drink( sandwiches crisps drinks etc) a good bag full. We were put on the next train that we wanted. After a long journey you want to get home asap.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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But it was much more expensive. Time v money.
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Look on-line to see if the crossings are fully booked - if they are its tricky to get an earlier crossing as mentioned earlier, more pot luck
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Depends what you are driving - our Audi A4 with roof box on is actually JUST below height. Have you measured it?
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You know it makes sense.
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If its a close run thing to allowable height let some air out of your tyres before you check in
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