Eurostar is changing its three classes of travel from November, when they will become Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. 

Passengers in the first two classes will be able to exchange tickets until one hour before departure, and claim a refund until seven days before the journey. Premier Class passengers will be able to claim refunds until two days after the booked departure.

It will be the most flexible tariff ever offered by Eurostar, which began in 1994 and merged with Thalys in 2022 to become the Eurostar Group. In spite of the merger two years ago, Thalys has maintained a separate system of classes until now. It was also announced last year that the Thalys brand was being replaced by the Eurostar name, although the continental routes based on Paris which Thalys operated are continuing.

Bookings for the new classes opened yesterday for travel from 4 November but the new flexible conditions have started to apply, except in Eurostar Premier.

Eurostar chief business development and integration officer Matthieu Quyollet said: “Eurostar is setting new standards for international travel by providing the greatest flexibility, clarity and comfort to customers looking to enjoy Europe in the most sustainable way. The new aftersales policy across all of Eurostar’s travel classes means that all customers can now take advantage of more flexibility and choice than ever before.’