Today IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) provides millions of people with the ability to book tickets online. However many times when booking a ticket the word Regret appears which leaves passengers perplexed and unsure of their next course of action.
Many people in our country are unaware of the meaning of Regret in Railway Ticket Booking. In this blog we will explore the meaning of Regret in IRCTC when it occurs and its solution.
What Does ‘Regret’ Mean in IRCTC?
‘Regret’ in IRCTC simply refers to train seats being full. If a train is fully occupied and the waiting list is about to be completed the ‘Regret’ status appears. In this case no more seats can be booked on the train.
When ‘Regret’ appears the option to book tickets on that train is disabled making ticket booking impossible.
Difference Between WL, RAC, CNF and Regret in IRCTC
IRCTC displays different statuses after booking a ticket which are important for people to know.
- CNF (Confirmed): This means your train ticket is confirmed.
- RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): In this case you get a seat on the train but you have to share half of it with another passenger.
- WL (Waiting List): In this case the ticket is booked but not confirmed until another passenger cancels their ticket.
- Regret: In this case there is no possibility of booking a ticket nor is there a place on the waiting list.
Why Do You See ‘Regret’ Status in IRCTC?
There can be more than one reason for the Regret status to appear.
- High Demand: During holidays, festivals or special occasions train seats fill up quickly which is why the Regret status appears.
- Peak Season Travel: During Diwali, Holi or summer vacations train bookings are very fast and the Regret status is displayed due to the occupancy of train seats.
- Limited Coaches: Many trains have a limited number of coaches which causes seats to fill up quickly.
- Short Notice Booking: If you have to travel within a few days and are booking very close to the date a regret status may appear.
What to Do If You See ‘Regret’ in Railway Ticket Booking?
If a regret status appears on IRCTC it is not impossible to travel instead you still have some options available to travel on the train.
Search for an Alternative Train:
Travelers can search for another train on the same route. Sometimes a train departing on the same route may be available the next day or at a later date.
Try Tatkal Ticket:
If an IRCTC regret status appears you can choose the Tatkal ticket option.
Check Different Classes:
Sometimes AC seats are full but there’s a chance you will find a seat in sleeper class. Therefore you can change your class and check.
Break Journey Option:
If you are having trouble getting a ticket on a direct train you can book a ticket at another station and catch the same train.
Bus or Flight Option:
If traveling is essential and you can not postpone it you can choose another option.
Common Misunderstandings About IRCTC Regret Status
Many passengers think that ‘Regret’ means waiting list but it actually means that a ticket on that train is not available and the waiting list is already full. Many people think that even if the ‘Regret’ status appears there’s a chance the ticket will be confirmed but this isn’t the case.
How to Avoid ‘Regret’ While Booking Tickets?
- Book Tickets in Advance: If you don’t want your ticket to display ‘Regret’ status book your ticket in advance. Train tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance.
- Exercise flexibility: If travel is absolutely necessary check by changing the date and train.
- Plan in advance during peak season: Book your train before festivals or holidays.
- Use IRCTC Alerts: Sometimes third party apps and websites provide alerts indicating vacant seats.
IRCTC Regret Status vs. Booking Cancellation
Regret Status: This means that it is impossible to get a seat on that train.
Cancelled Ticket: This means that the passenger previously booked a ticket but later cancelled it.
Regret simply means not getting a seat. When this status appears it is important to understand that seats on that train are now full and the waiting list is about to be filled. To avoid this book your tickets in advance or use instant booking. Also if travel is essential book a ticket on another train running on the same route.
Regret status is the last stage after CNF, RAC and WL. In this stage you are unable to get a ticket on the train you want. So the next time you see IRCTC regret booking immediately start considering other options.