ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper Service

Saturday

Last Monday, 28th Feb, at about 6.30 pm we called UK's First ScotRail's telesales to book the Caledonian Sleeper service from Euston, London to Aberdeen, Scotland. Before you ask - we couldn't use the online booking service because their computer system is being updated.

We asked for an Apex fare. The woman could not tell us if that fare was available. She would have to send a fax to find out if it was available and we would be contacted by telephone in 2 to 3 days. She made a provisional reservation for the berth.

We have heard nothing since.

Yesterday evening (Fri) we phoned First ScotRail and were told that the sleeper reservation office was now shut.

We were advised to phone at 8am this morning - which we did. We were told that the office did not open until 10am.

We phoned at 10am and stayed on hold for 1 hour and 15 minutes with no success and at our expense because their number is not a free number. Mrs B. used her mobile to phone customer services but they were closed! I suspect that she can think of better ways to spend her day off work.

So here we are nearly a week later not knowing if we can get an overnight sleeper ticket or how much it will cost. We need to know one way or the other so that we have time to book a flight if that's necessary.

It's kind of hard to believe that in 2005, sleeper tickets cannot be booked on line or that it's impossible to speak to someone who can sell you the ticket you require. Do First ScotRail want people to travel with them?