SNCF extends free coronavirus cancellation scheme

Rail passengers in France will be able to postpone or cancel their tickets without charge until the end of the year, as SNCF seeks to encourage users to take the train, despite coronavirus.

Tickets can be cancelled free of charge before departure for inOui and Intercité trains, and 90 minutes beforehand for the low-cost Ouigo service. It also applies to any connecting TER trains.

SNCF announced this week that it would extend its free postponement and cancellation policy, which has been operating since March, to January 4, 2021. The scheme had been due to end on November 1.

"It is a renewed commercial gesture in this particular and difficult period of health uncertainty, which allows everyone to book their future vacations and travel in complete serenity, especially for the family holidays at the end of the year," a spokeswoman told AFP.

The fare difference remains the responsibility of the traveller if the price of a new ticket is higher.