How I Got a Full Refund for This Train Disaster | Crosscountry Train Review

Is this the cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Reading? In today's Trip Report, I’m testing out a Crosscountry Voyager service to see if a bargain ticket is worth the hassle when things go wrong. From a "low-cost air carrier" seating experience to a total AC failure on the return leg, this journey was anything but smooth. Stick around to see the reality of UK rail travel in 2024, including the "Delay Repay" process and how I managed to get a FULL REFUND for this Crosscountry train disaster. Join me for a CrossCountry train journey from Manchester to Reading as I find out whether you really can travel across the UK by train for far less than expected. I managed to get my ticket for just £20, despite seeing many fares for the same Manchester–Reading journey priced at £80–£90 or more. But while the ticket price was a fantastic surprise, the journey itself had a few challenges! With temperatures reaching over 30°C, the air conditioning unfortunately stopped working, making for a particularly warm journey. I also take a look at the seat, comfort and overall experience onboard, as well as the lack of a food and drinks service trolley during the trip. So, was this £20 CrossCountry train journey a bargain, or did the experience leave something to be desired? Come along for the full Manchester to Reading train journey, as I review the onboard experience, seating, comfort, facilities, service and value for money. ✈️ Trip and Report — bringing you real-world travel experiences, flight reviews, train journeys and honest travel reports. If you enjoy train travel, UK rail journeys, CrossCountry Trains, travel reviews and trip reports, consider subscribing for more journeys and reviews. What’s your worst experience with UK train travel? Let me know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this report, don't forget to Subscribe to Trip and Report for more honest travel reviews and consumer advice. 00:00 Searching for the Cheapest UK Train Tickets 01:56 Boarding the Crosscountry Voyager at Manchester Piccadilly 02:37 Seat Review: Is it like a low-cost airline? 03:32 The Outbound Experience & Lack of Catering 06:39 Arriving at Reading Station 07:23 The Return Leg: A Travel Disaster Begins 08:27 No AC & The Heat Struggle in Coach D 09:44 Biting the Bullet: Moving Carriages at Oxford 11:32 Service Delays & Getting Stranded at Stoke-on-Trent 13:39 Back at Manchester: Total Travel Time 14:12 How I Got a Full Refund (Delay Repay Guide)00:00 Searching for the Cheapest UK Train Tickets #Crosscountry #TrainReview #TripReport #UKRail #ManchesterToReading #DelayRepay #TravelDisaster #TrainRefund #TrainTravel #UKTrainTravel