Busted!

Day 17 of Blogtember: Write about a time you screwed up - a mistake you made.

This is a minor screw up, but it's a lesson learned for the future. When we were in London two weekends ago, we made a mistake of not buying a new train ticket to the Luton Airport from the underground.  On the way back to Aberdeen, we were flying out of Luton, which we had never done before, so was just trying to figure out the best way to get there. We walked from our hotel to the Liverpool Station and from Liverpool, we were supposed to take the King's Cross/St. Pancras stop, and transfer to another line that took us to Luton, where we would then catch a shuttle bus to the airport. Well, Gerald knows how busy King's Cross station is so decided we should get off one stop earlier at Farringdon and change there. We arrived at Farrigndon and it was empty, so we're like mission accomplished! As soon as we get off, we see a sign that says "To Luton," so we go up the stairs, around, back down and we're at the Luton stop already. "What? You didn't have to buy another ticket?" is what I was thinking. Gerald was like, "I guess not, maybe Luton is different." So the train arrived 10 minutes later and we hopped on and traveled 30 minutes without anyone checking out ticket. We get off at Luton and "BAM!" can't get out of the gate. The lady checks our tickets and says, "This is not valid, no way you can get here for £4." So, we ended up having to get a fine of £20 pp to exit the damn station! Granted a ticket on the Gatwick Express that we took into town on Friday was £17 pp, so it wasn't really that much more for the fine! If only there was a sign at Farringdon telling you that you needed to buy a new ticket, we would have done so! Usually you can't get to your next stop if it crosses line without forcing you to buy a new ticket {flaw at Farringdon, even though it's less busy}. One of the bus driver said this happens all the time because there is no one at Farringdon directing you and any signs posted telling you you need another ticket. We really should have known better but it was so convenient to not have to exit and buy a new ticket so we took the chance.  Anyhow, lesson learned, in a country where everything costs an arm and a leg, there is no way you are getting to an airport, 30 minutes outside of the city for £4!! We tried to play the "I didn't know game," but it didn't work....