Understanding RAC Tickets for Railway Travel: A Guide for Families

When planning a family trip by railway, one of the most frequently encountered terms among travelers is RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets. This guide aims to demystify what RAC tickets mean, and explore how they affect your family travel experience, particularly when traveling together as a unit.

What is RAC?

RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), often seen in the context of Indian Railways, ensures a reserved seat or berth on a train. However, it's important to note that these reservations are only tentatively made as they are subject to changes if the ticket holder cancels their journey. As a result, while a RAC ticket practically guarantees a seat or berth on the train, it does not provide any guarantee about boarding or seating arrangements.

Family Travel with RAC Tickets

Can a Family Travel Together with RAC Tickets? Yes, a family of four members can travel together if one has an RAC 10 ticket and the other has an RAC 13 ticket. However, the initial seating arrangement is not guaranteed, and it's likely that they will not be able to sit together initially due to the nature of RAC reservations.

Initial Boarding and Seating

Initially, passengers with RAC 10 tickets will have priority for berths, while those with RAC 13 tickets will still be allowed to travel but may not have a guaranteed berth. This means that your family members may have to wait for cancellations or seat/berth changes to secure seats together.

Berth Allocation

If there are cancellations, the RAC 10 passenger will likely get a confirmed berth first. If there are sufficient cancellations, the RAC 13 passenger may also be allocated a berth. However, there is no guarantee that all four family members will get near each other, especially if the train is full.

Advice for Efficient Travel

To prepare for the possibility of being separated during the journey, it's advisable to:

Arrive early at the station to board the train. Check with the railway staff for the best possible seating arrangements.

Staff members can provide valuable information and guidance to assist you in finding nearby seats or berths.

The Importance of Planning and Flexibility

Traveling with RAC tickets requires a certain level of flexibility and patience. While railway services do their best to manage cancellations and allocate berths, the process can be unpredictable. To ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable trip, it's crucial to plan ahead and be prepared for unexpected changes.

Conclusion

When traveling with RAC tickets, while you can expect reserved seats or berths, the seating arrangements and ability to sit together are not guaranteed. As such, it's essential to prioritize early arrival and flexible planning to maximize your chances of a comfortable journey.