Is it cheaper to upgrade day of trip
Mar 30, 2010, 11:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HSV
Programs: Silver MileagePlus, Diamond Hilton
Posts: 672
Is it cheaper to upgrade day of trip
I noticed when booking, it talks about upgrading day of/on board space available. Do these tend to be cheaper the day of, or is it the same price if I upgraded at time of ticketing?
Mar 31, 2010, 7:23 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: AA Plat Pto, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,536
It depends on the price at ticketing. 
My experience is with the long distance trains, and assuming your AZ base that is what you care about. Onboard upgrades are done at the low bucket price, when they are done. Some conductors find the extra revenue to be an annoyance and will not process the upgrade. If you can get the room before boarding at the same or similar price I would encourage you to do that.
My experience is with the long distance trains, and assuming your AZ base that is what you care about. Onboard upgrades are done at the low bucket price, when they are done. Some conductors find the extra revenue to be an annoyance and will not process the upgrade. If you can get the room before boarding at the same or similar price I would encourage you to do that.
Mar 31, 2010, 8:24 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: Amtrak AGR
Posts: 64
As stated, on board upgrades are at the lowest bucket price so if the rooms are selling at a low bucket price you may as well buy from the ticket agent, but if the bucket is high try to buy on board. I appears to me that after the conductor takes your ticket you should go to the Lounge and wait for the Conductor to arrive to do his paperwork. I think such an "ambush" will work better than expecting him to get back to you.
Mar 31, 2010, 2:51 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Here! (Or there - I'm not sure)
Programs: Peon in all
Posts: 4,358
If the price before you board - even at the station - is higher than the low bucket price, the agent MUST charge you that higher fare! However, once you place 1 foot on the train, that same room is available at the low bucket fare!
So you may want to wait until an onboard upgrade!
So you may want to wait until an onboard upgrade!