Why are my seats not together on Trainline?

Why Aren’t My Trainline Seats Together? Unraveling the Mystery of Separated Seats

Planning a trip should be exciting, not frustrating. Yet, many Trainline users find themselves facing the unwelcome surprise of separated seats, despite booking what appeared to be a single reservation. So, why does this happen? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t always simple, but it usually boils down to one of three key factors:

1. Limited Availability: This is the most common reason. Trains, especially popular routes during peak times, often have limited seating available in close proximity. Even if you book multiple tickets simultaneously, the system may not be able to allocate adjacent seats due to pre-existing bookings or seats reserved for other passengers (e.g., those with disabilities or requiring assistance). Think of it like trying to find two adjacent seats in a nearly full movie theatre – it’s often challenging!

Think of the train’s seating arrangement as a constantly shifting puzzle. As individuals and groups book tickets, available seats become fragmented. The Trainline algorithm attempts to find the best available seats based on your booking, but it’s not a perfect system. If you’re traveling during peak periods or on a popular route, accepting separated seats may be your only option to secure travel.

2. Incompatible Booking Types: Did you book through different platforms or at different times? This is another significant cause of seat separation. If one ticket is booked as part of a group fare, while another is an individual fare, or if you used a railcard for one passenger and not another, the system might struggle to find adjacent seats. Different booking classes and fare types can also affect seat allocation. The system prioritizes fulfilling specific requirements for each booking type independently, sometimes leading to scattered seating.

To avoid this, strive to book all tickets as one unified transaction whenever possible.

3. Separate, Independently Purchased Tickets: This seems obvious, but it’s a crucial point. If you booked individual tickets for each passenger separately, instead of a single transaction for the entire group, you’re essentially making multiple independent requests to the system. Each request will be allocated seats independently, vastly increasing the likelihood of separated seating. Always aim to book all tickets in one go for your group to improve the chance of being seated together.

What Can You Do?

• Book Early: The earlier you book, the greater the chance of securing adjacent seats, especially during peak travel times.
• Be Flexible with your travel dates and times: If your schedule allows, shifting your journey by even an hour or two might open up more seating options.
• Consider different train operators: Different operators may have different seating arrangements and availability.
• Contact Trainline’s Customer Service: While they can’t guarantee adjacent seats, they might be able to offer assistance or alternative solutions.
• Check the seating plan carefully before confirming your booking: Some Trainline interfaces allow you to view the available seats before finalizing your purchase. Utilize this feature to choose the best available option.

While guaranteed adjacent seats aren’t always possible, understanding the reasons behind separation helps manage expectations and employ strategies to improve your chances of travelling together comfortably. Remember, proactive booking and careful consideration of the above points can significantly increase your odds of avoiding this common travel frustration.