Introduction:
If you have ever traveled by train in India, you might have heard about the ticket. But what exactly is an RAC ticket, and how does it work? In simple terms, an ticket stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. It’s a unique type of train ticket that helps passengers get a confirmed seat or berth in a train when no full-confirmed tickets are available.
Train journeys are an essential part of traveling in India, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons. But with limited seat availability and heavy demand, it can be tricky to get confirmed tickets. The RAC system comes in handy in these situations. It’s designed to allow passengers to travel even when the train is fully booked.
In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about RAC tickets, how they work, how to secure one, and what happens when you have an RAC ticket.
What is an RAC Ticket in Trains?
To understand RAC, let’s start by explaining the basic concept. When a train is fully booked, the railway authorities sometimes issue RAC tickets for passengers who are on the waiting list.
When you book a ticket for a train, you usually get one of three types of status:
- Confirmed – This means you have a guaranteed seat or berth on the train.
- RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) – Your ticket is not confirmed yet, but you might get a seat if someone cancels their booking.
- Waiting List (WL) – Your ticket is not confirmed, and you will need to wait for a cancellation to get a seat.
It is special because it is a halfway point between a confirmed ticket and a waiting list ticket. Passengers with RAC tickets are given priority over those with WL tickets. You are assigned a seat on the train but will not have a full berth unless someone cancels their booking. For more updates and tips about it, stay tuned to Informalnewz News.
How Does RAC Ticketing Work?
Here’s how the RAC system works in simple steps:
- Booking: When you book a train ticket, you can check if the train has available confirmed tickets. If not, you might get an RAC status.
- Seat Assignment: If you receive an ticket, you will be assigned a seat. However, the seat will not be a full berth, and you will likely share it with another RAC passenger. If the train is very crowded, passengers with RAC may need to stand in the aisle until a berth becomes available.
- Upgradation to Confirmed Ticket: As cancellations happen, RAC passengers may be upgraded to confirmed tickets. If this happens, you will be allotted a full berth.
- Final Status: If no cancellation occurs, you will continue to have a seat on the train, but your berth will not be confirmed. However, you still have the privilege of traveling in the train, unlike passengers on the waiting list.
Benefits of RAC Tickets
It offer several benefits, especially during peak travel seasons when trains are often fully booked. Here are some of the advantages:
- Priority over Waiting List Passengers: RAC passengers get a seat before those with waiting list tickets.
- Easier to Get Upgraded: Many passengers with RAC are upgraded to confirmed status as cancellations happen, especially a few hours before departure.
- Traveling Comfortably: Even though RAC do not guarantee a full berth, they still provide a seat, which is more comfortable than standing.
- Available for Popular Routes: In high-demand routes, it are a good option when confirmed tickets are sold out.
How to Book an RAC Ticket?
Booking an RAC tickets is similar to booking a regular train ticket. Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking RAC tickets:
Online Booking:
Visit the official IRCTC website or mobile app.
Choose the train you want to travel on.
Select your source and destination stations.
If the train is fully booked, check if there are any RAC available.
If available, you can book the RAC and make the payment.
At the Railway Counter:
You can also book RAC tickets directly at the railway booking counter.
In case the train you want is fully booked, ask the booking clerk to issue an RAC.
Cancellation of RAC Ticket:
If your plans change, you can cancel the RAC tickets just like any other train ticket. If you cancel it well in advance, you will get a refund based on the time of cancellation.
What Happens After Booking Your RAC Ticket?
After booking your RAC tickets, it’s important to know what happens next. You will be issued an RAC ticket with a seat number. However, if the train is still fully booked, you may need to share your seat with another RAC holder until a berth becomes available.
Will You Get a Full Berth on the Train?
This depends on the cancellations of confirmed tickets. As the train departs, if seats/berths become available due to cancellations, you will be upgraded to a full berth. If no cancellations happen, you will continue to have a seat but not a full berth.
Can You Travel with an RAC Ticket?
Yes, RAC tickets holders are allowed to travel. You will be given a seat, but it’s important to note that you might not have a full berth unless someone cancels their booking.
How to Secure an RAC Ticket Easily
Securing an ticket is easy, but there are some tips that can increase your chances:
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the better your chances are of getting a confirmed ticket. If no confirmed tickets are available, book an ticket right away.
- Choose Less Popular Trains: If you are flexible, consider booking trains that are less likely to be fully booked.
- Monitor Availability: Keep checking the ticket status after booking. Many RAC passengers get upgraded to confirmed tickets as the departure time gets closer.
What is RAC in Train and How is it Different from WL?
Many people wonder, what is RAC in train? It’s important to know the difference between RAC tickets and waiting list (WL) tickets.
- RAC Tickets: These passengers are given a seat but not a full berth. They have a higher chance of being upgraded to a confirmed ticket if there are cancellations.
- WL Tickets: These passengers do not have a confirmed seat or berth. They can only travel if someone cancels their booking, and there is no guarantee of travel.
Conclusion: RAC Tickets – A Convenient Option for Train Travel
In conclusion, RAC tickets are an excellent option for travelers who want to secure a seat when there are no confirmed tickets available. They offer a higher chance of getting a full berth, especially as cancellations occur closer to the travel date.
If you ever find yourself needing to book a train ticket during peak seasons or when there are no available confirmed seats, RAC tickets are the way to go.