posted
I want to take the California Zephyr this Spring(March 21-29) From Chicago to Emeryville with my Brother, Dad, and Mom. How much would two deluxe bedrooms cost if I got the rooms three or four weeks in advance.
Posts: 547 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
Impossible to say. It depends on various factors, including the specific day(s)you're traveling, and how many sleeper compartments are still available on the day you actually book the trip.
To estimate the cost, go onto Amtrak's web site, plug in a few test dates around the time you plan to go, and see what price comes up. Between now and then, the amount could go up or (more rarely) down.
Spring and summer are peak travel times. Sleepers tend to sell out, and remember that there are only a few deluxe rooms on each train. If you need two rooms, don't procrastinate about reserving them, or you might be out of luck.
posted
Not worth it by any stretch of the imagination even for the most fanatic train enthusiast. Top dollar "first class" price for really low class accomodations, environment, and often miserable service.
Posts: 71 | From: lawrence,kansas,usa | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
I agree with Traveler. "First Class" on Amtrak is an overpriced joke. Nothing like first class air travel - where they know what "service" means in first class
Posts: 11 | From: Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
I must assume that when praising airline F service you are referring to international travel. Domestic F is not much better than coach. Drinks upon boarding is a benefit as are fewer seats. But the seats are only an inch or two wider than coach although the armrests are 6 to 8 inches wide. Seat pitch is maybe 1 inch more. But the seats don't recline any more than in coach.
International, fortunately, is a different story...
Posts: 363 | From: Southwest North Central Florida | Registered: Apr 2002
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I would book asap, as I have recently discovered how hard it is to get a sleeper sometimes...
I'm traveling to San Antonio from East Lansing on the 27th and returning on the 31st. (New Years's Eve on a train...that should be interesting.)
I couldn't book sooner, (drove me crazy)because MSU wasn't given the bowl bid until last Sunday. I tried to grab a sleeper, but was only able to get one for the return trip. The Texas Eagle sleeper was full on both the 26th and 27th departures from Chicago. This was after I found that the Air-rail packages were sold out too.
I planned to just check the web site often, to see if something opened up. I'd try to upgrade on board if I had to do so...though I wasn't counting on it. Last night a little bed appeared on the screen, I called and was able to book it.
They put us in room 23...obviously the transition sleeper. Anyone been here before? I wonder if they opened up space in this car because the regular sleeper had already sold out?
On the return trip we are in room 10, so I know they're running a full sleeper in addition to the transition car even on days that they don't connect with the Sunset Limited.
oh yeah, $900.90 total round trip 2 adults, standard sleeper. Considering it was booked less than 20 days prior to departure...I got a good deal.
posted
Just as a point of interest, I am booked next week in a deluxe bedroom for one on #11 Seattle to Los Angeles. In April when I made the bookings, the Deluxe was $375 yet by September the fare on Amtrak's website was showing $890. I also have a deluxe on #2 from L.A. to Winter Park Florida. Again, in April, I paid $502 but by September the fare was being quoted as $979. These fares are sleeper only, the rail portions are extra. The total of all my sleeping car fares, had I waited until September to reserve them, would have cost me nearly $1300 more. Praise be to the gods of yield management.
[This message has been edited by royaltrain (edited 12-11-2003).]
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote:Originally posted by vincen47: They put us in room 23...obviously the transition sleeper. Anyone been here before? I wonder if they opened up space in this car because the regular sleeper had already sold out?
Yup, that's what I read on another board, the transition sleeper is being book again. Guess the so called "experiment" of this past summer was a success. Room 24 will be at the end of the car closest to the diner.
posted
Book ASAP...I booked my round trip from CA to Boston for 2 in a deluxe room 8 months in advance for only $1608. The way I figured it was even if something came up and I had to pay a cancel fee it was worth it. If you're travelling by yourself, the standard is fine but with two the deluxe is the way to go. I enjoyed the extra room and private toilet but that's me. I know I couldn't of done coach. I can't wait to get back on the train for another trip.
Posts: 9 | From: Benicia, CA, USA | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Off-season can even be funky, too. Seventeen days ago, I rode the Silver Star from Miami to NYC. When booking my standard Viewliner BR, I got it for $100 less by leaving Wednesday morning 10 Dec. instead of Tuesday morning 9 Dec. Go figure. Actually the northbound was full, too, as a lot of Boston "snowbirds" were returning home for the holidaze.
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Posts: 190 | From: Fort Worth, Texas | Registered: Dec 2002
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