After my experience in the upper berth on the CS I was considering getting a second roomette on the Sunset Limited in January. Interestingly I find that the price for the roomette that I paid for my already purchased tickets went way up for the eastbound train and way down for the westbound train. Eastbound $218 to $445. Westbound $296 to $170. Question: can I obtain the lower westbound rate now instead of what I paid? Cancel, get refund and rebook? Of course I don't want to change the eastbound one. The difference in price for the westbound, with fare included, is $124. For that savings I could then get the second roomette for only $50 more than my original price. I thought prices on roomettes were best bought early. Never thought it would go down like that. Advice please.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Remember to factor in Amtrak's cancellation fee when making your decision to cancel and rebook.
But to obtain two Roomettes is a wise choice, Miss Vicki. I believe I previously shared with you that AFAIC the Roomette is a one person accomodation that happens to have two bunks.
Evidently you and Mr. now agree.
Posted by rtabern (Member # 4306) on :
I did the same thing earlier this year! I booked a roomette on the Empire Builder for a May 2006 trip in late 2005. (I like booking trips way in advance if possible!) Well, THEN... a couple of months before the trip, I noticed the prices dropped on roomettes by $200 almost! I called and re-booked the SAME ROOMETTE at the cheaper price. I just got a travel voucher for the difference (they didn't charge any sort of fees).
I am using the $200 voucher on a trip on the California Zephyr this December.
Hope that helps!
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Well Mr. Norman, I did think of you as I tried to sleep on that plank in the air. But, I think I will call and see if I can rebook the roomette and another one. The difference voucher would cover all but $50 of an additional roomette. Unfortunately, since the eastbound rate went up so much I don't think I can afford adding that roomette. I will follow up with a report on what I thought about the rest of my trip on the CS and beyond.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
I called and rebooked my roomette and added another one for an additional $35 from my original payment. I just need to present my ticket for exchange in Houston and pay the difference at that time. All documented via email and at the website. Dorie helped me and was very nice and knowledgeable. Now, looking at a planned trip I saved for next spring, I see that the prices already have gone up, $300 more for the roomettes I had planned. One has to keep on top of these things I guess.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Hey, Vicki--
Yep, now that computers help control inventory at the airlines, hotels, rental cars and Amtrak you really do need to watch prices.
We are renting a car at the Sacramento Airport the end of the month (flying up, sad to say...) and watched the price bounce back and forth from $35 to $59 several times over the last 24 hours. We grabbed it at the lower price with a "Special promotion code" that popped up on the screen.
Another tactic that we've found often works if you don't like the price quoted is to hang up, wait ten minutes and call back. You'll probably get a different agent and often something closer to what you are looking for.
You must have enjoyed your trips this month. Looking forward to the reports.