I've ridded my share of long-distance Amtrak trains, but never knew the pre-trip time required to get the best rates. Recently, I talked to a rail traveler and he was very surprised about the high rate for a room on the Southwest Chief from LA to Chicago. He said the operator said he had to reserve earlier to get a good rate. What is the time frame you have to make a reservation to get the best rate? Is it the same across the system? All I know is that you need a 3-day time period to get the 10% AAA rate, or 15% Senior rate on an Amtrak Surfliner. Maybe an amtrak agent can jump in on this one.
Thanks, Carl
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
I am not an Amtrak agent, but I can tell you with some certainty that Amtrak fares are "demand-based." That is, they tend to increase closer to the departure date as the space available decreases.
Solution: book as early as possible!
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
On my last booking adventure I found that prices increased up until a couple of weeks before departure, after which any unsold space started to come down in price. So if you can't book early, and can take the risk, book late.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
I don't know if it's still the case but 4or5 years ago an agent told me that there are a certain number of rooms at at certain price. When the cheaper rooms are gone the next level (up) is in place. So the earlier you book the better the price. I do know that several years ago we saved $1000 by booking in Jan. for a Sept. Trip to Denver.
Posted by Vicki (Member # 3410) on :
train lady-
This is what I was told also.
Posted by Bob from MA (Member # 4686) on :
Contemplating a trip in May, I recently checked on sleepers from CHI to SAC on the Zephyr. For the day I had in mind, the roomettes were SOLD OUT already. Hard to believe. Maybe it was a tour group. Maybe another sleeper car is yet to be added. Definitely, the earlier one books, the better. As rooms are taken up, the remaining rooms cost more. Bedrooms are often "out of sight" pricewise. Some people have told me they wait until they're on the train, then check with the conductor about rooms - "no shows" sometimes happen and the conductor can give a much lower price. But that's too RISKY a plan for me.
Posted by PaulB (Member # 4258) on :
If you book a few days (1-2) before departure you can get really good rates. Of course, you have to be flexible!
Posted by royaltrain (Member # 622) on :
For my SWC trip two weeks ago, I booked a bedroom in May and the price was $559 above the rail fare, and the roomette was about $565 (I forget the exact price). I booked it at once since that was the only time I've seen Amtrak price a bedroom cheaper than a roomette. Of course it makes no sense--the mysteries of yield management.
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
I heard exactly the same thing as train lady, and Vicki. This is very inconvenient because lets say the computer selected you in room "5" but you wanted room "6". If this is the case, room "6" could cost you significantly more since it was being saved for later sale. The solution is clearly to book early, and be happy with what you get. However, I don't understand why Amtrak can't be more understanding when someone wants to change rooms. After all, if you are changing to the same accommodation, what does it matter?
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
You are right. The whole system is ridiculous to my way of thinking. We have been very lucky getting the room we wanted with one exceptiion. On an extended trip we could only get the lower level on the Texas Eagle. Since this was part of a 6 train trip and all the other pieces were in place I said ok. I asked the car attendent about the possibility of a change and he said he knew a way that wouldn't cost more. When we got to Little Rock he came doown and asked if we would switch with a couple on the upper level who wanted the lower. We did they did and no one payed extra. When I book I always ask for the room I want. Then the fun begins. They give me A. I say I really don't like that room ,can't you find another at the same price. Amazingly they always do. The same thing always worked for the roomettes. It never hurts to ask.