Eurostar has made fares more flexible across its three classes, which will also be renamed following the rail operator’s merger with Thalys.
The move comes after the unveiling of a single website and mobile app last October, allowing customers to book connections across mainland Europe, as well as a joint loyalty programme under the existing Club Eurostar branding.
The latest update is that the rail operator is introducing new names for the travel classes across its five-country network – the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
The new classes are known as Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier, and are available to book today for train journeys from 4 November.
At the moment, these classes are called Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier on cross-channel routes, and Standard, Comfort and Premium on continental routes.
Eurostar Standard is the basic fare and passengers can purchase light refreshments from the Eurostar café, while Plus includes extra comfy seating, more workspace and a complimentary light meal with onboard drinks service.
Eurostar Premier, meanwhile, offers extra flexibility, all-day boarding guarantee, lounge access, a dedicated priority lane on cross-channel routes, and premium food onboard.
To coincide with the newly branded travel classes, the rail operator has also introduced a new aftersales policy, which comes into effect today for Standard, Standard Premier and Comfort Classes.
Customers travelling in Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus will be able to exchange their ticket without any fee and as many times as needed until just one hour before departure (though fare difference may apply). Passengers can also request a refund up to seven days before departure, though this incurs a £25 fee.
Those travelling in Eurostar Premier, meanwhile, will be able to exchange or refund their tickets without a fee up to two days after their departure date – but only from 4 November.
Meanwhile those booking Eurostar Premier can change their ticket or get a refund with no fee up to two days after their departure date. This applies to journeys from 4 November onwards.
Eurostar told Business Traveller:
“When we designed this, we carefully observed passenger behaviour and preferences. According to our data, 99.6 per cent of passengers on cross-Channel routes exchange or refund their tickets within 48 hours of the original departure time.”
Matthieu Quyollet, chief business development and integration officer said:
“The new aftersales policy across all of Eurostar’s travel classes means that all customers can now take advantage of more flexibility and choice than ever before and enjoy a unique travel experience for their summer holiday or autumn break.”
Note that if you booked your ticket before 23 April, your original exchange and refund conditions apply. If you exchange your ticket for a later date, however, new exchange and refund conditions will then apply. Customers can find out more by visiting the fares page on the website.
Earlier this year Eurostar launched new accessories for its 2,100 uniformed staff, featuring the colours and designs of the group’s new brand identity.
Eurostar unveils new uniform accessories following merger with Thalys
