RAILforum: Now the whole world knows . . .

This is topic Now the whole world knows . . . in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

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Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :

. . . what we knew about scoring cheap sleeper rooms on Amtrak:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-0705090813may13,0,3684589.story?coll=chi-homepagetravel-hed

Drat!

Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :

Well, Henry it does seem that all good things do come to an end though I must admit my first thought on reading the article was"why doesn't he keep his mouth shut".

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :

First, it is my understanding the story originated with the Tribune owned (editorially independent?) Los Angeles Times.

Secondly, I would dare say most folk away from this and other railforums riding sleeper are prepared to pay what they must in order to ensure "the best surprise is no surprise".

Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :

Gilbert, I thought I had seen something like this elsewhere -- you're right, it was the LA Times. The Tribune Co. properties share their stories as a matter of course.

I do know lots of folks who book their train trips at the very last minute, hoping to get lucky, and they often are. These are the kind of people who book all their hotel rooms on Priceline at the last minute.

Not, of course, the way I'd want to do it -- at my advanced age I must have a guaranteed sleeper room.

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :

Priceline? what's that.

Yes I know what it is - a web based hotel room facilitator (agent or reseller, I know not) that uses an auction system to market their product. But as anyone likely surmises, AFAIC, it is something the other guy uses.

Posted by Vicki (Member # 3410) on :

Henry Kisor-
I almost always book hotels through Priceline but I'm sure not gonna wait until the last minute and try to get a sleeper on the train. Every trip we've taken the sleepers have been sold out.

Posted by Doc Brown (Member # 4724) on :

quote:

Secondly, I would dare say most folk away from this and other railforums riding sleeper are prepared to pay what they must in order to ensure "the best surprise is no surprise". [/QB]

I have a few friends that work for Midwest Airlines. They are always giving me dirt for paying full price for airline tickets instead of getting "standby vouchers" from them. One mutual friend waited over 12 hours to get on a plane. Sheesh, I'll pay the money and not worry. Same with the train. We maybe paid a bit more for the roomette than some will at the last minute. But I have peace of mind that I'm already cared for. [Smile]

Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :

It is lovely to know that we are not miserly, merely thrifty.

Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman:
First, it is my understanding the story originated with the Tribune owned (editorially independent?) Los Angeles Times.

Secondly, I would dare say most folk away from this and other railforums riding sleeper are prepared to pay what they must in order to ensure "the best surprise is no surprise".

You are correct Mr. Norman, and since the L.A. Times was purchased the quality of the paper has gone down significantly.

And my 2 cents: I agree with Vicki 100%. If being in a Sleeper is important to you, waiting for a phone call from Amtrak or the slight possibility of upgrading on-board is not a good bet!

Posted by vline (Member # 1132) on :

quote:
Originally posted by CoastStarlight99:

And my 2 cents: I agree with Vicki 100%. If being in a Sleeper is important to you, waiting for a phone call from Amtrak or the slight possibility of upgrading on-board is not a good bet!

However if one is coming from Australia (me) and is planning a lot of long distance Amtrak travel, say in September, off peak and not during school vacation time, then the opportunity to gamble & save possibly $$thousands is very tempting indeed.

Mike. [Razz]

Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :

quote:
Originally posted by vline:

quote:
Originally posted by CoastStarlight99:

And my 2 cents: I agree with Vicki 100%. If being in a Sleeper is important to you, waiting for a phone call from Amtrak or the slight possibility of upgrading on-board is not a good bet!
However if one is coming from Australia (me) and is planning a lot of long distance Amtrak travel, say in September, off peak and not during school vacation time, then the opportunity to gamble & save possibly $$thousands is very tempting indeed.

Mike.

I would recommend, for sanity sake going ahead and booking a sleeping car room at least one night in three to break things up a bit. Then if you score extra nights on the cheap it's a bonus.