Help with Select Plus Companion Voucher
Nov 4, 2009, 7:05 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington DC
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Help with Select Plus Companion Voucher
To all of the Amtrak experts out there:
I'm trying to use one of my Select Plus companion vouchers to travel from Stamford to Boston on the day after Thanksgiving (which is not blacked out).
The fare is $41 online, so I expected it to be $41 for two people. However, when I called to make the reservation I was told that the fare would be $54 for two people. I told the agent that I saw $41 online, and she said that she saw it, too, but that when she went to use the companion voucher the price jumped to $54. I then called back the next day and got the same response.
I used one of these vouchers earlier this year and got the exact price that was available online. Any idea what's going on here? The extra $13 isn't the end of the world, but I'm puzzled as to why I can't get the $41 price.
I'm trying to use one of my Select Plus companion vouchers to travel from Stamford to Boston on the day after Thanksgiving (which is not blacked out).
The fare is $41 online, so I expected it to be $41 for two people. However, when I called to make the reservation I was told that the fare would be $54 for two people. I told the agent that I saw $41 online, and she said that she saw it, too, but that when she went to use the companion voucher the price jumped to $54. I then called back the next day and got the same response.
I used one of these vouchers earlier this year and got the exact price that was available online. Any idea what's going on here? The extra $13 isn't the end of the world, but I'm puzzled as to why I can't get the $41 price.
Nov 4, 2009, 7:45 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
There's currently a 25% off sale going on in the NEC. It is reflected in the online prices you see (no code required). http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conten.../1237405732514
Nov 4, 2009, 12:58 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ
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You cannot use any coupons with the sale prices ex. it won't let you have the 10% AAA discount on the sale price. It reprices based on the normal ticket price and then takes the discount.
In your case when you use the coupon it uses the normal price of $54 for 2 tickets instead of using the 25% off $41 sale price!
In your case when you use the coupon it uses the normal price of $54 for 2 tickets instead of using the 25% off $41 sale price!
Nov 4, 2009, 1:38 pm
#4
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Can anyone comment if the current 25% off sale is also nonrefundable? Does the new site design clarify whether the fare is refundable or not? If not, that's still a major disappointment, and so booking the slightly-higher-but-refundable fare may not be a bad move if you're at all unsure about your trip plans.
Nov 4, 2009, 1:46 pm
#5
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Can anyone comment if the current 25% off sale is also nonrefundable? Does the new site design clarify whether the fare is refundable or not? If not, that's still a major disappointment, and so booking the slightly-higher-but-refundable fare may not be a bad move if you're at all unsure about your trip plans.
Terms & Conditions
* 14 day advanced purchase required.
* Not combinable with any membership or promotional discounts.
* Changes permitted but constitute new travel and require the same advance purchase requirement.
* Non-refundable. Exchanges permitted for other rail fare purchases.
* Non-upgradeable. Fare is valid for class of service listed only.
* Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
* Subject to any restrictions and blackout rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
* Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
* Refund restrictions may apply.
* Other restrictions may apply.
* 14 day advanced purchase required.
* Not combinable with any membership or promotional discounts.
* Changes permitted but constitute new travel and require the same advance purchase requirement.
* Non-refundable. Exchanges permitted for other rail fare purchases.
* Non-upgradeable. Fare is valid for class of service listed only.
* Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
* Subject to any restrictions and blackout rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
* Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
* Refund restrictions may apply.
* Other restrictions may apply.
Nov 4, 2009, 1:56 pm
#6
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Yes, it's non-refundable (but with Amtrak, non-refundable fares can be applied in full to exchanges with no penalty). The new website is a little better at making the terms clear than was the old one, as after you add the ticket to your cart you can view the specific terms and conditions, such as these:
I would have checked, but I'm on an insanely slow Internet connection and using IE6 (no tabs--it makes it painful to surf FT!).
A nice, big, bold, red blurb saying, "Warning: this fare is NONREFUNDABLE" would be nice, but I guess we can settle for the T&C display on the last page.
Nov 4, 2009, 2:52 pm
#7
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You will only see non-refundable if you actually click on the T&C link, however, so, while it's better, it's still deficient.
Nov 5, 2009, 12:08 am
#9
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Nov 5, 2009, 11:56 am
#10
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Only if you have printed a ticket, cancel it and have no intention of buying another one that they become non-refundable.
Nov 5, 2009, 10:11 pm
#11
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Ah, thanks for the clarification. Good to know.
That's just normal Amtrak policy on all tickets. I wouldn't expect it to be different for any other kind of ticket.
That's just normal Amtrak policy on all tickets. I wouldn't expect it to be different for any other kind of ticket.