Is the Eurostar frequent traveller scheme worth joining?

If you are considering a one-off Eurostar trip then my answer is most definitely no. In fact, the registration to the Eurostar scheme can only be arranged after you have made a “qualifying journey” with a minimum ticket price of £250

If you’re likely to travel in premium class several times a year, then read on ….

Business Premier Bookings

If you purchase the most expensive Business Premier (hot food) service at the ludicrous £490 fare, then just 3 tickets will be enough for one free standard class ticket. (I say ludicrous but compare this with City Jet / Air France business class flights from City to Paris Orly which cost £705 return)

But what about “Leisure Premier” class bookings?

Leisure Premier comprises of the same first class seating but with cold food.  Although the name suggests that this is for holiday travelers, it is the category most used by business travelers.

Points are awarded per single fare;

Single fares typically average between £100 and £200 and you’ll be rewarded 100 points up to £154.99 single and 150 points (up to £205 single).

Points are valid and they accrue for up to 3 years before expiry so you have plenty of time to collect a reasonable balance.

How many Eurostar trips do I need for a free ticket?

A standard return ticket costs 900 points and Standard Premier return costs 1,800 (single journeys are 50% and child fares are 2/3).

Or, more simply between 3 and 5 Leisure Premier return = 1 free standard class return ticket OR

Between 6 and 9 trips =  1 free first class return (“Leisure Premier”) ticket.

See the full redemption chart here

How many Eurostar trips do I need to reach Eurostar Carte Blanche Status

Carte Blanche status includes access to the Eurostar Business Lounge and priority 10 minute check-in.

If you’ve ever had to wait at Brussels Midi Station you’ll appreciate the business lounge access.

You require 1,500 points to reach Carte Blanche level.

Explained another simpler way, between 5 and 8 return trips in one year

More general information is available here

Are there any other benefits?

Eurostar will have your mobile number and will text you if your train is cancelled
You’ll be able to retrieve your boarding cards by using your membership card but only if your booking was made directly with Eurostar and not via Rail Europe

Eurostar Timetable Changes from 11th December 2011

Here are the most notable changes affecting business travellers:

London – Paris:

First train will depart at 0540 instead of 0525, Monday-Friday

Two morning trains are now non-stop services: 0701 and 0831

0730 departure is now only on a Monday

Paris – London

An additional peak afternoon train departs 1743 Tuesday to Friday

London – Brussels

Timetable changes to enhance connections to Amsterdam

All trains will now stop in Lille

Eurostar Booking Tips

There are a few simple tips to finding availability and the best prices in my article here

 

Discount Eurostar Tickets

Eurostar does not offer discount ticket prices below those on its own site.

You will not find discounted Eurostar prices through travel agents or online websites below those offered direct from the official Eurostar site.

However; we do recommend that you compare fares with those offered by Rail Europe

Rail Europe is the UK representative of French Railways (SNCF) and they use the French reservation system which may offer availability at prices that Eurostar may have sold out of.

Both official search engines are provided on our Eurostar Page

There are benefits of booking Eurostar direct:

• Option to book Rail + Hotel for further discounts
• The system warns you if there are less than 10 seats
• Fixed £4 credit card charge, debit cards are free
• Choice of window/aisle/solo seat preference, or
• Specific seat selection at the 3rd booking stage
• SMS text message option in case of delay/cancellations
• Print ticket at home (or office) option, free of charge, and go direct to check-in!
• Ticket on departure, free of charge, but collection by the card-holder only
• Telephone support: 08432 186 186 from 8am to 7pm Mon-Fri, 9-5 Sat/Sun

For your convenience, we provide both Eurostar and SNCF search forms on our Eurostar Page