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I was looking at a trip to PHL sometime in the winter. They have a great art museum. I have been there before and would like to see an exhibit that they are going to have. So I checked the trains and the website indicated that many of the trains' coach class were sold out. The sleeper accommodations were down to 2 or 3 left. The TE and CL were the ones I was looking at. Is this possible? I understand that the trains were sold out for the return trip from CHI to STL at the end of the Cardinal Cub series. But I was wondering if the "sold out" is some kind of a computer glitch or are they really that busy? If business is that good it seems to me that Amtrak needs to expand. I am interested in any thoughts, opinions, or knowledge sharing that is available. Thanks.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Iron, if you would be willing to share with the Forum the dates you checked, I believe more informed discussion could move forth.
Iron Mountain Member # 12411
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GBN,
This gets complicated so I will limit my question to Jan. 4 and Jan 8 (Depart and Return). Texas Eagle #22, #422 coach is sold out for the STL-CHI trip. The Capitol Lmtd coach is sold out, CHI-PGH, if TE #22,422 are booked. If TE #322 is booked, coach is available on both the TE, STL-CHI,and CL, CHI-PGH.
On the return from WAS to STL Jan 8 the CL and TE #21 were both sold out. Or should I say "none left"? But if TE #321 was booked #321 had one seat left. My ultimate destination was PGH but for the sake of brevity I used WAS as my destination.
I am wondering if there is something I don't understand or are the trains really that full over three months into the future?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Iron, as of a few moments ago #322(04JAN) showed Coach seats available.
What likely is happening is that the Amtrak system at this time will not sell seats in 22 or 422 lest such deprive a, say, SAS-CHI or an LAX-CHI booking.
So it would appear that a STL-322(4)-CHI-30(4)-PGH is a "go". Based upon your inquiries, your return is also same.
In this instance, I'd say "the system worked".
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: What likely is happening is that the Amtrak system at this time will not sell seats in 22 or 422 lest such deprive a, say, SAS-CHI or an LAX-CHI booking.
22 or 422 can be booked if going somewhere other than Chicago so that can't be entirely true. Perhaps more that it won't allow local travelers between STL and CHI (maximum endpoints) to book on 22 or 422 as the 322 "train" is provided for them instead.
Mr Iron would be recommended to book a single trip between STL and WAS/PGH rather than individual segments anyway. That way any missed connections not through the passenger's fault would be honoured and is probably slightly cheaper as well, not to mention having the full choice of trains.
Iron Mountain Member # 12411
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Thanks gentlemen. I think I understand the system better than I did. I believe I will go ahead and try a booking and see if it works.
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