Recent "forced stopover rule" for AGR?
#17
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Amtrak
Posts: 75
It would seem to me that it would be in Amtrak's best interest to NOT force the layover. After all, once A to B is booked, it becomes more difficult to sell B to C on the same train. Similarly, once B to C is booked after the forced layover, A to B on the same train becomes more difficult to sell.
That of course assumes that the passenger can stay in the same room, were the layover were not forced, i.e., that there isn't another rule that forces the passenger to switch rooms.
That of course assumes that the passenger can stay in the same room, were the layover were not forced, i.e., that there isn't another rule that forces the passenger to switch rooms.
#18
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Amtrak
Posts: 75
We are constantly told ARROW is untouchable because it is so old and that the slightest change to Amtrak.com capability is prohibitively expensive. I can't picture a system feature that could enforce a rule like this.
I was always under the impression that AGR couldn't touch paid tickets and vice versa. I may have missed a change allowing AGR to book paid tickets. In that case, what it sounds like you are saying is the they have gone back to the old system, not that you can't book the paid ticket by other means.
#19
In Memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York, NY, USA
Programs: HH Diamond, Amtrak Exec
Posts: 3,262
I was always under the impression that AGR couldn't touch paid tickets and vice versa. I may have missed a change allowing AGR to book paid tickets. In that case, what it sounds like you are saying is the they have gone back to the old system, not that you can't book the paid ticket by other means.
Regular Amtrak agents however still by & large cannot touch AGR reservations, except in cases were there are delays or extenuating circumstances.
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 25
Great point, jobtraklite. AFAIK, none of us on AU had thought of that, but it's true.
On another note, I must say that I'm very favorably impressed that AGR pays attention and considers questions and concerns expressed on an anonymous forum. I wonder if some other companies do the same? Let's hope we've all made some valid arguments in Amtrak's eyes.
On another note, I must say that I'm very favorably impressed that AGR pays attention and considers questions and concerns expressed on an anonymous forum. I wonder if some other companies do the same? Let's hope we've all made some valid arguments in Amtrak's eyes.
#21
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AGR, PC, HH no status as I stopped paying for travel
Posts: 1,454
Did op get a reply?
The OP STATED;
"crescent2
Recent "forced stopover rule" for AGR?
Is there a phantom "forced stopover rule" when redeeming two AGR awards for a trip?
There is nothing about such a restriction in the recently published guidelines, but posters on AU say they've been repeatedly told they cannot redeem two awards unless they force an overnight stopover between the awards and take the next day's train. This gains nothing for Amtrak that we can see, but greatly inconveniences the passenger, adding an unnecessary hotel night.
For example, say someone wants to travel from point A to B on one award, and from point B to C on another separate award. If he or she is willing to pay the points for each of the two awards, wouldn't that be allowed?
Thanks.
Btw, I have not personally experienced this, but if the "rule" exists, it would affect a tentative trip I'd like to take. One poster was able to book such a trip without any problem, but others on AU have been refused even when each award was for a published route. Quite a bit of confusion over there about this. Help, please! Again, thanks."
DID THE AGR rep ever reply to OP maybe by PM?
"crescent2
Recent "forced stopover rule" for AGR?
Is there a phantom "forced stopover rule" when redeeming two AGR awards for a trip?
There is nothing about such a restriction in the recently published guidelines, but posters on AU say they've been repeatedly told they cannot redeem two awards unless they force an overnight stopover between the awards and take the next day's train. This gains nothing for Amtrak that we can see, but greatly inconveniences the passenger, adding an unnecessary hotel night.
For example, say someone wants to travel from point A to B on one award, and from point B to C on another separate award. If he or she is willing to pay the points for each of the two awards, wouldn't that be allowed?
Thanks.
Btw, I have not personally experienced this, but if the "rule" exists, it would affect a tentative trip I'd like to take. One poster was able to book such a trip without any problem, but others on AU have been refused even when each award was for a published route. Quite a bit of confusion over there about this. Help, please! Again, thanks."
DID THE AGR rep ever reply to OP maybe by PM?
#22
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CMH/CVG
Programs: Marriott, Southwest, American, Delta, Amtrak,Multiple others
Posts: 564
I think many people may want to book coach for day trip to zone border, and sleeper from there. Couldn't you first call to book your sleeper portion, and then book the coach ticket on the website? I don't believe the system would be sophisticated enough to be able to 'notice' the separate bookings.
#25
Company Representative - Amtrak
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (Select Executive)
Posts: 528
Update
I am still working on this issue and hope to have a substantive conclusion to post this coming week. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
Posts: 13,988
In the meantime, is there some reason you won't 1) Confirm that this is not actually a rule, and 2) Advise us what we should do if we encounter an AGR agent who thinks it is?
#28
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: PHL
Programs: AA(PPro), UA, AGR, BW(Plat), HH, WoH, MB(S)
Posts: 778
Umm, I think you are asking for AGR Insider to provide the final outcome now, not next week. Let's take him at his word (which has been golden) and wait until next week or whenever he is able to work this issue to a final resolution.
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
Posts: 13,988
That's an answer a company representative should be able to easily provide.
#30
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: PHL
Programs: AA(PPro), UA, AGR, BW(Plat), HH, WoH, MB(S)
Posts: 778
Bottom line is that if AGR Insider says he needs some time to work things out, given how helpful he has been here, I am more than willing to give him that time. This is not a life or death issue.