Originally Posted by
diesteldorf
If the bedroom has already been purchased, will I gain or lose anything if I purchase an open sleeper ticket for my nephew now or wait until 1-2 days before travel?
I'd do it soon after you know for certain you nephew will be going, simply because there can be a lot friction in the open sleeper process:
1. You must talk to an agent to do it. Right now the wait times for a live agent can be long.
2. Not all agents understand and/or are trained in this rather obscure option. You may need to speak to a supervisor even have to roll the dice again in the game of agent roulette and call back in hope of getting a more knowledgeable agent. This could require another long wait.
3. Open sleeper tickets cannot be issued as etickets. This means no emailed PDF or Amtrak app display. A physical paper "value" is required. This means it will either have to be picked up at a staffed station, or at least at one with a QuikTrak kiosk, or mailed. If you or your nephew do not live near a staffed station, or your nephew will not be boarding at a staffed station, you need to allow mailing time.