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Hello, I had a question about an Amtrak trip im going to be taking. Fist of all I am a person that usually flys across country. I live in Los Angeles and liek to go to New york 2-3 times a year....I was looking how much it would be for me and my son to go across the two of us in a sleeper...I am a middle-to upper class person..But when I looked at how much it was to go across the country for 2 people on Amtrak I was amazed $1200 compared to $600 Airfare.....http://tickets.amtrak.com/Amtrak/sid=5CD3143654830BD8345B7E790A542530/pricing?storefront=1003&pageID=addaccommodations
I dont get how the prices can be this high...I have always taken Amtrak in California, Coast Starlight, Pacific Surflienr, ETC short trips..But I dotn get how anyone pay that much is there osmthing im doing wrong at the Amtrak Ticket Site?
-Anton pillsbury09@excite.com
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Put it this way: you'd be spending three nights each way in a sleeper plus you get your meals thrown in too. Entertainment is provided 24 hours a day through your train window. You get to see far more in a train than on a plane.
Did you ask for a deluxe sleeper or a standard sleeper? Deluxe are often twice the price of a standard. If your son is young, then a standard sleeper would be adequate for the two of you.
Which dates did you look at? If you looked for, say next week, then the only rooms left will be at the higher end of the range. Amtrak do this yield management thing, where early bookers get their fares cheap, late bookers get their fares expensive, on a sliding scale.
AIUI some of the fares in CA are subsidised. Long distance is not (well, barely).
One other option is to take the Texas Eagle from LA to Chicago. Takes a day longer but is usually a lot cheaper than the Southwest Chief.
Geoff M.
dilly Member # 1427
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If you travel in coach instead of sleeper (leaving 9/30, returning 10/7), Amtrak's total roundtrip fare for you and your son would be roughly $500 on the Lakeshore Limited and Southwest Chief.
A coach trip of that duration is an endurance test -- one I wouldn't recommend. But it costs less than two coach seats on United Airlines.
Remember, when you travel in a sleeping car, you're traveling in a mini-motel on wheels. If you take a sleeper roundtrip from NY-L.A., it's equivalent to booking a rolling motel room for six nights -- with train fare, all meals, and scenery for two people included in the price.
Look at it that way, and the prices won't seem so out of line.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 09-14-2003).]
Lovesatq Member # 2691
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In less then two weeks my daughter and I are going from SF to Boston and back and thought the same thing you did when I saw the sleeper prices but changed my mind when I considered what I was getting for my money. Not only for all the reasons mentioned above but it could be your only opportunity to experience a cross country trip by train if some folks have their way and don't forget the memories you're creating for your son which you can't put a price on.
jp1822 Member # 2596
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As I have indicated in other posts, you may want to try and call Amtrak Vacations (1-800-321-8684) and have them price it out. I have often received better fares by booking through them. Amtrak Vacations is equivalent to booking through Amtrak, only they can add on tours, hotels and sightseeing packages. They can also combine in any Amtrak promotions and the AAA 10% discount. Generally, you save more on the rail fare by booking through Amtrak Vacations, and nominally on the accommodation charge.
5yrman Member # 2763
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" people on Amtrak I was amazed $1200 compared to $600">>.....Have you ever tried E-BAY? Find your way to amtrak tickets and you will see some BIG discounts! Let me know if u ned help finding it.
[This message has been edited by 5yrman (edited 09-19-2003).]
Southwest Chief Member # 1227
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Does Amtrak have sleeper tickets on eBay? I've never seen them. It seems they only offer coach. Is this correct or did I miss something?
espeefoamer Member # 2815
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Several years ago,I was going from L.A.to Chicago in sleeper,and was quoted a fare of $310.I then asked the fare on the Texas Eagle between the same two points,and was given a fare of$265.This train is three nights out vs.two on the Chief,but was$45 cheaper!
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