Platform Tickets Aat Kings Cross ?

[bond]

I need to meet my elderly mother with heavy suitcase etc on the platform at her carriage from the train arriving at Kings Cross. Do platform tickets still exist? If not am I allowed to go through to meet her at the carriage and then walk out with her through another barrier, how does it work these days? It seems platform tickets have become obsolete. Thanks.

[Stephen_G]

You use your train ticket instead. Don't know how you'd be able to get onto the platform, unless you sweet-talk an official to letting you through.

[EDDIE51]

No platform tickets any more , they went out years ago.
You can't get past the ticket barriers now without a valid ticket so you won't be able to meet her at the carriage. Best bet may be to buy a ticket to Finsbury Park and get through the barrier with that, you will need a day return though as the outward ticket will not let you back , you need to use the return part.
It may be worth talking to the station staff though they may take pity on you and let you through.

[DaisyNonna]

Not as though there are any porters around to help either.

[mushroom25]

the following appears on the "eastcoast" website:-

"If you do not have a valid ticket for travel then under normal circumstances you will not be allowed access to the platform.

However, if you would like to see someone off, please speak to a member of staff. Platform access will be at the Station Manager’s discretion."

[EDDIE51]

Porters went out even more years ago along with luggage in advance, anyone remember that ?

[Canary42]

Some barrier staff let people through under these circumstances - you have to find a manned barrier and exit by the same one of course as they have to open the gate again to let you out.

[Maydup]

Arrive a few minutes early and speak to the staff. They will let you through to meet her as its part of their customer services policy. I did the same when i needed to see my Mum onto a train with a suitcase. I put her on and sat with her for a while, then jumped off at the last minute. Just make sure you return via the same barrier and taht the staff member who let you through has seen you return and thank them.

[DaisyNonna]

Luggage? What is that? Modern trains do not have nearly enough room for luggage. Plenty of sockets for laptops. But a suitcase? Whoever heard of a traveller with one of those?

[mushroom25]

//you have to find a manned barrier and exit by the same one of course as they have to open the gate again to let you out//

at kings cross the entry and exit barriers are in different places, so you couldn't do that. but since print-at-home internet tickets still don't operate the barriers, they remain manned at all times.