Train delayed, any way to avoid reservation?

You can always speak with the staff to ask for advice what to do.

If you want advice here, then please mention your original timetable.

I think you would be able to reclaim the reservation cost back from Interrail, since it’s unavoidable. You can also claim for the delay.

https://www.interrail.eu/en/support/delay-compensation

Post your original plan, the current train you’re on (train number), and which train you now want to get, and we can advise.

Thanks so far. Currently I am sitting in the IC 4760 which is delayed by around 35 minutes 

Yeah, it looks like you’ll reach Narbonne around 14:43, based on current estimates.

Real time info: https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/en/travel-with-us/booking-and-itinerary/search-by-train-number/

TER 86985 from Narbonne is also delayed, currently +25 minutes. Keep an eye on both trains, in case your delay shrinks and that delay grows. You might still make the connection!

There’s a TGV from Narbonne to Barcelona (TGV 9713) which is also running late. Scheduled 12:24, now 14:44.

I doubt you can do this on the TGV, but on the AVE (departure 17:21 from Narbonne), you can board without a reservation, go to the bar car, and buy a reservation from the train manager. They’ll try to find you a seat.

Thank you for your help!

According to the timetable, the train from Narbonne is already 50min delayed which would mean we could actually still make it.

We will probably try this as it is the closest option to our original plan. If something goes wrong, I will let you know.

Both your trains - the IC and the TER - call at Nîmes Centre, Montpellier Saint-Roch, and Sète.

Keep an eye on updated times, in case it’s better to switch at one of those stations.

The connecting train spontaneously changed its final destination from Port-Bou to Cerberus. We are now standing in Narbonne waiting for the AVI 9742 directly to Barcelona which will cost us 27€ per person.

The employees at the station don't understand English and aren't willing to help either. I guess there is no way to avoid paying by now. 

Does anyone know if it maybe is possible to file for compensation? Our train was delayed by over one hour and we won't arrive at our destination on time (plus extra cost)

Update: for the train are no reservations available anymore but they are necessary to board. It's basically the last train that will take us there today if I got it right? What on earth am I supposed to do 

I saw indeed that the TER would be cut short to Cerbère:

Next train to Portbou would then be at 17:43, then next train to Barcelona at 19:05, which would result in a 3-hour delay in Barcelona (although still in time to get dinner).

I count at least 27 free seats in 2nd class in AVE 9742. Reservations available on raileurope.com or alternatively speak with the train staff before you board. SNCF staff at the station cannot book this train because it's from Renfe and SNCF chose not to sell them.

There's also a TGV from Perpignan at 19:24, which SNCF could sell. Unfortunately, SNCF staff are not always very helpful in case of delays and stranded passengers. If they deny knowledge of English, then it may help to use the Google Translate app on your phone, and then ask them for advice that way.

There's a later regional train at 1807, taking your original route. And a TGV after that.

As I said above, you can claim delay compensation and a refund of the reservation fee from Interrail. Keep all your receipts, and screenshots of delays.

On the AVE, I just boarded and bought the reservation onboard

As I already wrote, SNCF cannot book reservations for the AVE, only for the TGV.