Most odd. Mr. Norman asked why his potential multi-segment trip on Amtrak cost more if it was booked on one ticket than if it was booked as separate segments. I spent some time explaining why, with examples, yet I can't find the thread any more. Was I dreaming?
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
Mr. Norman must have deleted his post; that wipes out the thread. I know he has in the past expressed reluctance to leave permanent comments on the ever-changing subject of ticket prices.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
As Mr. Bowen noted, I did choose to remove the thread in its entirety. This site grants the topic originator the prerogative to do so.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
So, hypothetically, if I wanted to travel round trip from Palatka, FL to Saratoga Springs, NY via the Silver Meteor and the Ethan Allen Express, I should see what the fares are at the Amtrak site going PAK - NYP and NYP - Saratoga Springs as well as the fares going direct?
I know there's an Empire Service discount currently in effect; wouldn't I only get that if I split the segments?
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
GBN, I don't agree with the ability to do that especially once replies have been added, nor with the taking of that action, as it is generally regarded as somewhat rude to do so. But at least you did return the text I spent some time composing back to me. Perhaps, being a fan of disclaimers, you could put a comment along the lines of, "I will pull this thread if I feel like it, no matter what response I get" on any threads you originate?
Mike, yes, always worth checking. As I was saying to GBN before he pulled the thread, it's common in the airline industry to charge you for the fare that is common to all segments. So if only the expensive fare existed (or remained) for one segment, then you'd be charged the expensive fare for all segments, regardless of availability of cheaper fares for each segment. What GBN seems to have found out is that Amtrak do the same to some degree - it might only apply to discounts, or maybe it's whole fare buckets. But if you need the trains/planes to connect then you really have to stump up the cash because otherwise your connection is not guaranteed and you'd be responsible for change fees, fare difference, etc.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
I have not found in gneral that with the Empire Service connecting to another service, it is cheaper to book segments, but you can check. Hoever, with the NYS discount code currently in effect, it is sometimes cheaper--you should look both ways.
One interesting fare info lately--there is a special price (no code, just a special price) on many NEC trips right now that makes it cheaper than the usual discounts, and you don't get that special price if you put in for those discounts on the computer. For instance, NYP to Boston South last time I checked was cheaper at regular fare because of this special price than it was at AAA discount price!
I did not realize if I pulled the initial post of a thread, everything else in the thread would disappear too! I'm afraid I did pull one a few weeks back, because the info I checked about was erroneous or something? If so, I apologize.