I was going to blog about penguins and exciting things today but instead I have a rant. Or a self-mock. One or the other.

I went to book a train trip today, for when I arrive in England. I found a great fare (1st class, barely any more than 2nd and much cheaper than most 2nd class fares) and found the right train. Then I discovered that holders of 1st class tickets get to use the OMGLOUNGE (yay). That sold me – I went to book

It would not accept my VISA card. Stupid Verified by VISA always seems to cause problems.

So I tried my OTHER VISA card. Same problems.

Eventually, in much frustration (OMG it was a GREAT price, 20 pounds less than last time I travelled by train to York 15 years ago), I borrowed Fraser’s Mastercard.

The transaction went through, no problems.

Then I got the confirmation email.

Not only can buyers of DISCOUNT first class tickets not use the OMGLounge *sob*, you have to show the credit card that you used to make the booking when you pick up your tickets.

Only, I don’t have an auxiliary card on that account. So I CANNOT show that card when I pick up the tickets IN LONDON.

I went to email them. Entered booking number, address, country, postcode … ERROR MESSAGE. YOU MUST ENTER A VALID POSTCODE.

That’s right. They do validation on UK only postcodes, even for non-UK addresses.

I am wondering how much more can go wrong with this transaction.

Anyway, gave a random postcode and emailed them. Hopefully my passport will be evidence enough.

Silly people.

Verdict: Amusing. Could still become annoying, but for now I am going with LOL.