For those of us that have a rare weekend off, the chance to disappear for a cheap weekend has declined with the cynical increase in taxes & fuel surcharge and the disappearance of the truly £1 flight (anyone else remember Ryanair £1 fares showing in GDS’s?!).

Or perhaps you’re one of the many that just prefer a leisurely train journey to your destination, with the opportunity to stretch your legs en-route to an early lunch in Brussels / Calais / Paris? Eurostar have always offered very popular Agent Fares, but not everyone is aware of their existence. 

Agent fares are £59 return (Standard) and £119 in Standard Premier which offers more space in a 1-2 seating (compared to 2-2) and a light meal. 

However, savings are minimal (normally £10 over the cheapest fares) when booked far in advance. Last minute availability is poor in Standard, but tends to be better in Standard Premier even in July & August, where you can often save over £100 per person, so best value comes by travelling in a little more comfort and style!

Bookings can be made by calling the dedicated agents concession line (03448 224888), but before you do that you can check availability in your GDS – Look for ‘G’ class for Standard Premier or ‘N’ class for Standard (but do not hold the seats, as Eurostar will issue them)

You can also book on the Eurostar train to Disneyland, although you will struggle to find any availability in school holidays.

Checking a weekend trip to PAris 3 months in advance for October (10-13 October), compared to the cheapest available consumer fares, you would save £20 per person travelling in Standard and £40 on Standard Premier, so not savings to be sniffed at!

It’s always worth checking the regular Eurostar website as there are regular special offers that could gazump any savings made by agents rates.

Link: www.eurostar.com
Details: Regular Eurostar Sale fares, but year round.
Book by: Ongoing, but embargoed for travel between 1730 and 1900 on Friday evenings.
Eligibility: All agents must carry agency ID as spot checks will be carried out at terminals. Agent rates valid for yourself and up to 3 companions.
For more details see: http://www.eurostar4agents.com/a-z/agents_rates.htm
Ease of use: If you can check availability in a GDS prior to calling, it’s very straightforward.