Difference between General Waiting List (GNWL) and Waiting List (WL)
Do you know what a General Waiting List (GNWL) and a Waiting List (WL) are? They are both types of waiting lists for train tickets.
The main difference is a general Waiting List (GNWL) is a waiting list for train tickets where the tickets are sold based on the distance between the stations while a waiting List (WL) is a waiting list for train tickets where the tickets are sold based on the availability of seats.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are General Waiting List (GNWL) and Waiting List (WL):
- General Waiting List (GNWL): GNWL tickets are tickets that are given priority over other waitlisted tickets. If someone cancels their booking, the first people on the GNWL list will get the seats.
- Waiting List (WL): WL tickets are tickets that are not given priority over other waitlisted tickets. If someone cancels their booking, the first people on the WL list will not get the seats.
Now, let’s move to General Waiting List (GNWL) vs Waiting List (WL):
Major differences between General Waiting List (GNWL) and Waiting List (WL)
| General Waiting List (GNWL) | Waiting List (WL) |
|---|---|
| GNWL tickets are given to the passenger whose boarding station is farther from the destination station. | WL tickets are given based on the availability of seats. |
| GNWL tickets are more likely to get confirmed for passengers travelling longer distance. | WL tickets confirmation is based on seat availability. |
| GNWL tickets are more likely to be confirmed for passengers traveling on less frequent trains. | WL tickets confirmation is based on seat availability. |
| GNWL tickets can be booked for the originating station. | WL tickets can only be booked for intermediate stations. |
| The confirmation of GNWL tickets is based on the waiting list status of the station. | The confirmation of WL tickets is based on the availability of seats on the train. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between General Waiting List (GNWL) and Waiting List (WL)”.
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Final words
GNWL and WL are both types of waitlisted tickets, but they have some important differences. GNWL tickets are given priority over WL tickets and are more likely to get confirmed. They are also more expensive and can be booked for originating stations. WL tickets, on the other hand, are not given priority and are based on availability of seats and on the waiting list status of the station.
So next time you book a train ticket and it’s waitlisted, you’ll know the difference between GNWL and WL.
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