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I recently set up a trip that included a segment LAX to CHI on the SWC leaving on December 27. The price for a roomette was $593. I expected it would be high given the season and the fact that I should have booked it several months ago. Upon inquiry, I found that it was on the lower level (#12). We prefer the upper level, but I was told that the remaining ones there were about $100 more apiece. I elected to keep the one I had.
Previously I had thought all the roomettes went for the same price. with the cost varying depending how many are left. Have any other readers of this forum encountered a difference in price between lower and upper level roomettes at a given time?
train lady Member # 3920
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I still can't figure out the system. One year room C was higher than room D. on the Zephyr
smitty195 Member # 5102
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The system isn't as simple as it used to be. When Amtrak switched over to the yield management system, these types of issues started to pop of fairly often. An Amtrak insider friend of mine tried to explain it to me, but I got lost.
He suggested to me that the next time this happens, ask the reservations agent if they know how to do a "direct reserve". If they do, then this should take care of the problem and you can get the room you want at the same price. When they system quotes a higher rate for the same type of room, that is their yield management software that is giving the agent the different quote. There are various reasons for this, such as the computer trying to put you in a location that makes sense for on's and off's during the trip (so that one attendant does not have 50 on's and off's and another attendant has only a few on's and off's).
But the simple answer is to just ask the reservations agent if they know how to do a direct reserve. If they don't know how to do it or have never heard of it, then they are probably a newer Amtrak employee that did not work there BEFORE the yield management system went into place a few years ago. Maybe if you're really nice to them on the phone, they'll work something out for you. I am an Amtrak Select Plus guest, and they always waive the extra fee when I change rooms----maybe you can try it even if you're not Select Plus.
Let us know what you find out!
Bob from MA Member # 4686
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It happens that I am Select Plus this year, for the first time. However, I have already picked up my tickets for the trip so I don't think I will do anything about it now. I'll bear your comments in mind in the future.
Usually I book much more ahead of time, but not this time. One might think that 2 months is adequate lead time, but I know it is not for Amtrak sleeper reservations during peak travel times.
I have not noticed much in added benefits for Select Plus. I get bonus points when traveling, but from what I read on this forum, those may not count toward select status for next time.
They have twice sent me upgrade coupons and free companion ride vouchers, but those can't be used during numerous blackout periods.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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You're right about the Select Plus "benefits". Other than a gold ID card and gold luggage tags, it's not a big deal.
The coupons and upgrades that they send you are almost completely worthless for a person on the west coast (or mid-America for that matter). The upgrade coupons only apply to trains with business class (ie, on the east coast) with the exception of a few trains out west (Surfliners in Southern California, and the Cascades in the Pacific Northwest).
The free admission to Club Acela and the Metropolitan Lounge is also useless for us west-coasters. The only place I can use it is in Portland, Oregon. The next closest Metro Lounge is Chicago!!
They definitely spotlight their marketing to the frequent traveller in the east.
notelvis Member # 3071
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But think of how many more points you can earn by taking the train to Portland and using their first class lounge!
Bob from MA Member # 4686
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It might also be noted that long distance travelers with Select Plus status usually book sleepers and therefore have access to the first class lounges anyway.
There was something about "rule buster award availability for redemption travel during blackouts", but I'm not sure I understand that one. I do use the "priority number" for reservations and usually get to talk right away to a real person. But it occurs to me that anyone who knows that number can use it. They don't ask my status. Living in the east, I can use the one-class upgrades more frequently. The free magazine subscription offer is of no interest to me.
train lady Member # 3920
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If you want to talk to a human at many places try gethuman.com. I think I mentioned it once before.
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