Originally Posted by
zephyr17
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.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I forgot that open sleeper tickets cannot be purchased as E-tickets. Obviously, Amtrak's policies could change in the next 4-6 weeks, but do I need to worry that the rail fare could change substantially if I book now or later, or is it pretty much guaranteed to be the same bucket regardless of when I add him?
Are station agents also able to issue e-tickets? I have a couple trips planned, prior to traveling with my nephew, and may, try to do this at a station to cut out the opportunity for potential postal delays.