Using the Channel Tunnel between France and UK

Was just looking at the Eurotunnel pricing and noticed that instead of getting a return ticket for an eight day duration (€380) it would be much cheaper to get two different day returns for the outbound and return journeys (€60 each, thus €120) and just not using the return journeys on the same day. Am I making sense here?
Anyone tried this? Does it work?

Yes, it's the same elsewhere. On the ferries between Britain and France, and also when flying, where singles are often so expensive it's cheaper to buy a return and not use the return leg. The thing you have to be careful about is using the outward leg on both occasions. If you don't show up for the outward leg, then the return leg will be cancelled. This restricts you because obviously you can't book a day trip with the outward and return legs both in the evening. I would also make those bookings separately. The companies are aware of the loophole, but the competition for day-trippers is greater than for holidayers.

I used to do this a few years back. And it worked the first few times, then I got a warning saying that it had been noted that I hadn't been returning on the date that I was supposed to.They also threatened I was to go on some blacklist!! There crazy price list with different tariffs for the period that you stayed used to drive me nuts.

So ever since been flying German Wings or Ryanair all told works out cheaper and much less stress and hassle even with car hire etc.

The game years ago was to go for the "same day" cheapo tickets and do this, but be warned. I heard that on the RETURN leg they started stinging you for the full correct ticket price 'cos they know you never went through on the correct return. Err...if that makes sense!

Basically they are miles ahead of you on this scam and will hit you for the full price.

It might also be worth checking the prices in GBP instead of EUR.

Last time I checked the GPB prices were cheaper. But they wouldn't accept a German credit card for payment.

I think you'll be OK as long as you travel on the outward leg both times and make the bookings separately.

Does it say in their terms and conditions that you must complete both legs? I can understand if it said if you don't complete the outbound journey the return journey would not be valid but not the other way around. If I bought two returns and they stopped me on the way back, I'd tell them straight up that they are ripping people off and if its cheaper for me to buy returns, I'm going to buy returns.

At a minimum of €60 a pop and a near-necessity to book in advance, no wonder they're going bankrupt. And what's with the €279 flexi rate -- who would actually pay that for a 35 minute tunnel?

Haven't been on this tunnel yet, but wouldn't it be possible to solve the problem by punching the return leg without actually crossing the tunnel?

I've been doing this for the last 20 years, obviously not just with the tunnel, 'cos it's not that old, and have never been charged for not using the return journey. I think if they did try to charge you, you could call your credit card company and get the money back, 'cos they'd overcharged you. Bit of a minefield for them I reckon.

This is written in their terms and conditions:-

1.4 Return bookings
For return bookings failure to complete both outward and return journeys invalidates your booking and you will be liable to pay for the journey completed, the difference between the price paid and the relevant single fare applicable at the time your journey was made.

Yes, that's what they say, but it never happens.

Are you sure it never happens? The threats they made to me sounded quite real. It would be useful to be able to take the car across sometimes to pick up stuff. But, generally still think that German Wings is cheaper and far less stress.

I did it this summer as well. It's an empty threat.

I know a number of people have been caught out. It seems pretty random if they care or spot you, but if they do you get hit for full fare. Easiest thing is to book the two returns in different names, using different addresses and with (slightly) different car registrations. If they pick up the registration difference at check-in tell them it's a typo and they make a manual correction. The problem can be that they make longer term reviews of passengers that did not appear to complete the return ticket and look out for them on future bookings.

Anyone know of "deals" on the Channel Tunnel or do you just take what is offered on the website and run with it? Is it cheaper to book in advance etc?

Anything I need to know really to avoid screwing up.

Never used the chunnel, but Norfolk Line are always pretty cheap. I've paid 31 pounds return for this coming weekend...