posted
I am planning a trip on the Coast Starlight in mid April and I have been periodically looking at how much it would be. THe first time I checked, it was much much cheaper than my last trip, im not sure if thats because im so early, ot the new "Roomette" name trying to attract coach passengers to Sleeping car accomodations. Today, the pirce has gone up about $40, for the same itinerary on the exact same dates. If I wait a month to make this reservation, will it go up again? How does Amtrak decide early reservation cheaper prices on accomodations.
Thank you.
Posts: 1082 | From: Los Angeles, CA. USA | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
From what I can figure out, the room prices depend on how many rooms are available - fewer rooms = higher price. The price will only go up as you wait & more people buy rooms. Best price - buy 11 months ahead of time. If you see a price you like, buy it - but hold off actually picking up the tickets (if you can) for maximum flexibility in refunds in case of a change in plans. Don't know what they are doing these days with onboard upgrades. Sometimes the staff doesn't want to be bothered, even if rooms are available. In the past, you could sometimes get a real deal at the station about 10 minutes before departure, if space is available (I did it twice).
[This message has been edited by Grandma Judy (edited 01-04-2005).]
Posts: 122 | From: Milwaukee, WI USA | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Judy is correct. Pricing is based on supply and demand. As trains fill up, supply goes down and prices go up. The earlier you book, the more rooms will be available, and the prices will be cheaper.
Some days are less busy than others, so, for example, Monday's train may be more crowded, and more expensive than Tuesday's train, which is typically a slow travel day.
------------------ "Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." -- Hyman Rickover The Del Monte Club Car
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