Washington State Ferries to take reservations for San Juan sailings
Jul 11, 2014, 5:54 PM | Updated: 6:23 pm
(AP file)
It won’t help the thousands stuck in lines waiting for a ferry getting to and from the San Juan Islands this summer, but Washington State Ferries says it will start taking reservations for the popular runs later this year.
It’s welcome news to the thousands of drivers who’ve spent countless hours on sunny summer days and holidays waiting to travel between the islands and Anacortes.
Travelers will be able to start making vehicle reservations starting Dec. 2, 2014, for sailings beginning Jan. 5.
WSF says there’s no fee for making a reservation, but a valid credit card is required. Travelers will be charged a no-show fee of 25-100 percent of the vehicle/driver fare for the vehicle size reserved. Customers who show up late won’t be charged, but they’ll lose their guaranteed space and have to travel stand-by.
The ferry system already takes reservations for two other runs: Anacortes to Sydney B.C; and Port Townsend to Coupeville.
Officials say “Save A Spot” allows them to maximize the system by encouraging customers to travel on sailings that are currently under utilized. According to WSF, many sailings in the San Juans depart without being full, even during summer season.