I've gotten several Amtrak tickets on Ebay, and I've always been told that I'd not be able to upgrade to a sleeper until I boarded the train. Fair enough, but this last time, the reservationist told me I would not be able to upgrade at all, under any circumstances.
So, I board the train, find out that sleepers are available, but I can't get one because I got my ticket through Ebay, and Amtrak loses some potential revenue. How much sense does THAT make?
Posted by Amtrak288 (Member # 1967) on :
I've never tried to upgrade an E-bay puchased ticket onboard but I would think that since you only pay the upgrade charge when you upgrade onboard anyway that Amtrak would honor your request if they had the space available. Your best bet is to check with the conductor once you board the train.
Posted by mcdoniel (Member # 1300) on :
If you read the ebay ad it tells you that the tickets are not upgradeable
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
Why does amtrak do that...If you could upgrade Ebay tix would be soo much better!
Just like airlines, the cheapest tickets are often not upgradable. That allows them to sell coach seats at a lower price while protecting the upgradable value of the full-fare coach seats.
The logic is that if you have enough money to upgrade, you should pay the regular fare for coach.
Posted by mcdoniel (Member # 1300) on :
Generelly you can do best by buying "rail sale" tickets. They are upgradeable unce you are onvoard.
Posted by traveler (Member # 1415) on :
The ticket prices i've seen on Ebay are a lot cheaper than "Rail Sale". AT probably figures they wouldn't make enough.