I again am somewhat confused. When going to the official SBB.CH site I am not able to purchase 8 Day Pass yet, but can on other sites. Are these other sites ok? We are pretty anal in not wanting to wait until we get to Switzerland to purchase.
Jonathan
SBB uses 3-D security for on-line credit card purchases, maybe that is the issue. American Express cards usually work. Should be no issue with buying when you arrive in Switzerland.
But If you want to buy it from Rail Europe through the Rick Steves site, have at it.
I guess I misstated my issue. It is with the dates. It won’t let (SBB) enter my 06.02.2019 start date. Other sites will
Jonathan
You may need to enter it in the format DD/MM/YYYY, European style.
Yes, I see you can apparently buy them 2 months in advance. Since the trip is not until June, can you maybe wait a few days? Its up to you.
Yes, I think it is the 2 month issue that is stopping me. I think I have 2-3 more days before I can buy.
Jonathan
It won’t let (SBB) enter my 06.02.2019 start date
That is because 06.02.2019 is in the past, like nearly 2 months ago!
You can buy your pass on the SBB website or at an border or airport rail station, all for the same official price. There is no discount for advanced purchase.
I think the OP entered the date in the proper format. When I checked on-line on April 1, the latest validity date that SBB would allow a print-at-home pass to be purchased was May 31.
Thanks everyone for your help. finally got them last night. Had problem with Visa but American Express went through with no problem.
I do have a question, though. Since I printed tickets at home, I was wanting to laminate them to protect them. Does anyone think I will have any problems with that?
Again, many thanks
Jonathan
Since I printed tickets at home, I was wanting to laminate them to protect them.Does anyone think I will have any problems with that?
You might. I don't know about the Swiss Pass, but you are specifically warned NOT to laminate some passes.
The problem is reading the barcode (QR code?). Lamination causes too much reflection and the scanners the on-train staff use (basically just smart phones) then have trouble reading the pass.
If you are worried about the pass getting mangled, torn or otherwise unreadable, just print out an extra copy (or copies) and put them in an envelope in the bottom of your case. To be used if required.
No problem folding them, as long as the fold does not go through the barcode - they warn you about that as well.
I would not laminate them. I put all of our printed items, be they tickets or confirmations, into a plastic folder purchased at an office supply place. Maintains the paper well and reusable for many trips.
