 Poster: A snowHead
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Does anyone have any experience?
The t&cs state that oversized luggage has to be paid for as an extra, however there is no option to add more than an extra bag, presumably if standard dimensions.
I’ll only have the ski bag and a ruc-sac so if they ignore dimension I should be fine. Not sure how lucky they are...
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I've booked National express for BB this year.
Earlier this year, went to Belgium by coach, changing at Victoria. Made a point of asking staff, who told me it would be OK to take skis as normal luggage. Boot bag can either go in hold, or as hand luggage depending on how busy.
First part of journey, Nottingham/Victoria should be quiet at that time, but Gatwick might be busy.
Be interested to know if you have problems prior to 25th jan
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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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When I booked, couldn't see an option for oversized luggage. 
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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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| brianatab wrote: |
| When I booked, couldn't see an option for oversized luggage. |
There isn’t. That’s my point, however in the T&Cs it states the maximum dimensions of luggage.
Did you have any issues @brianatab
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Tazz2bme wrote: |
Did you have any issues @brianatab |
Sorry, just seen you’ve not travelled yet. 
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In my experience it is up to the driver - some charge, some don't.
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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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Never had a problem
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When I got on the coach in Nottingham, there were only a dozen or so passengers, and they put their own luggage in while the driver checked tickets. I only had a small rucksack for 3 days.
I don't envisage problems at that end, but Victoria and Gatwick may be busier.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I've had issues with oversize baggage on National Express before and personally wouldn't risk it again.
A few years back I booked a coach from Aberdeen to Glasgow airport at 6am to fly to Uganda. Double and triple checked with staff when booking that it would be ok to take my (surfboard-sized) kayak, and they assured me it would be fine and sent an email to that effect. Offered to buy an extra ticket, but told no need.
At 6am, with an absolutely empty coach, no bags underneath and MASSES of room, and the driver refused to take it "because aim no haivin' a pishin' boot am mai boos". Again offered to pay more, but point blank refusal. As a skint student at the time and having lived in a cupboard for 6 months to save the cash for the flight, it was... vexing, lets say.
I can understand a kayak is a weird thing to take on a coach, and if it was full it would be reasonable to refuse, but not when it was empty. The boat is smaller than a mountain bike. Just a grumpy old Aberdonian enjoying exercising his authority, but that's the point - all down to how the driver is feeling on the day.
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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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As long as the total volume is within the dimensions, just argue it out.
As the booking process does not give you an option to book, and does not state the cost, I don't see how they can actually charge.
If any problems, record the conversation and sort it on return.
Just out of curiosity, anyone else on the 9am Gatwick coach with skis?
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You know it makes sense.
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@Mollerski, But what if your ar.se is the size of a small country?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| WindOfChange wrote: |
| @Mollerski, But what if your ar.se is the size of a small country? |
A healthy diet and a little more exercise. Good luck. 
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Poster: A snowHead
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T&Cs above make it clear it’s totally up to the driver.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Crazy situation.
Our corporate policy is..... It depends if you get an arsie driver or one with common sense
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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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Did you have any issues with this? I’m looking to get on a coach from London Victoria to Heathrow in March with skis and a hold-all! My only concern is it will be about 0800 so I’m expecting it to be pretty busy!
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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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| jason123 wrote: |
| Did you have any issues with this? I’m looking to get on a coach from London Victoria to Heathrow in March with skis and a hold-all! My only concern is it will be about 0800 so I’m expecting it to be pretty busy! |
No, not at all.
My ‘hand luggage’ was too big for NE policy, but no issue with that either, and no extra charges 
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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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I suspect you're basically fine in the south east, unless you somehow end up on a rammed bus with little space (and given how frequently most of the airport NE buses run, that should be unlikely). I've done bus to and from Stansted with skis a couple of times, and never had any issues.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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no problems either way. Nottingham to Victoria only half full, Victoria to Gatwick, only about a dozen passengers.
Got direct return Gatwick to Nottingham via Heathrow. Coach only half full.
Suspect it may only be a problem if the coach is full and short of space in the luggage hold.
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I had ski bag stuffed with most of my gear, holdall for boots, both in luggage compartment. Plus small backpack as hand luggage
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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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My interpretation of oversize baggage, is one that exceeds all dimensions, not just one. A ski bag will not take up any extra volume under the bus than a large suitcase.
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| ChrisWo wrote: |
| I suspect you're basically fine in the south east, unless you somehow end up on a rammed bus with little space (and given how frequently most of the airport NE buses run, that should be unlikely). I've done bus to and from Stansted with skis a couple of times, and never had any issues. |
Chris - may I check if you were going from Stratford to Stansted? Looking to make the same journey and wondering the same thing.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@euanovsky, blimey that feels like a world ago (and in many ways I guess it is).
We were using the Stansted to Liverpool Street NE route I think, getting off in East London. Probably very similar to the Stratford route though...I guess Stratford might have people changing to the train, but probably not loads busier.
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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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@ChrisWo, thanks!
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