different fare for the same train?
Jun 25, 2006 | 4:38 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: NWA Silver
Posts: 72
different fare for the same train?
I have never traveled on Amtrak. I intend to take the train this july and just looked the fare online. I search for trains from CHI to CBS on Jul 16 and three options returned for me to choose from:
1. Service 807 Empire Builder, Depart CHI 2:15pm, Arrive CBS 5:05pm, Duration 2h 50m, Amenities "Dining car, Lounge", Seats/Rooms "1 Reserved Coach Seat, Other Options Sold Out", Fare $47.00
2. Service 7 Empire Builder, Depart CHI 2:15pm, Arrive CBS 5:05pm, Duration 2h 50m, Amenities "Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge", Seats/Rooms "1 Reserved Coach Seat, View Seat/Room Options", Fare $28.00
3. Service 27 Empire Builder, Depart CHI 2:15pm, Arrive CBS 5:05pm, Duration 2h 50m, Amenities "Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge", Seats/Rooms "1 Reserved Coach Seat, View Seat/Room Options", Fare $21.00
It seems to me these three options are for the same train, I don't understand why the fare is from 21 to 47 for the same "1 reserved coach seat"? And seems with the 21/28 fare I get "checked baggage" service and have options to upgrade, while with $47 fare I get no options.
Can anyone teach me what I misunderstand?
1. Service 807 Empire Builder, Depart CHI 2:15pm, Arrive CBS 5:05pm, Duration 2h 50m, Amenities "Dining car, Lounge", Seats/Rooms "1 Reserved Coach Seat, Other Options Sold Out", Fare $47.00
2. Service 7 Empire Builder, Depart CHI 2:15pm, Arrive CBS 5:05pm, Duration 2h 50m, Amenities "Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge", Seats/Rooms "1 Reserved Coach Seat, View Seat/Room Options", Fare $28.00
3. Service 27 Empire Builder, Depart CHI 2:15pm, Arrive CBS 5:05pm, Duration 2h 50m, Amenities "Checked baggage, Dining car, Lounge", Seats/Rooms "1 Reserved Coach Seat, View Seat/Room Options", Fare $21.00
It seems to me these three options are for the same train, I don't understand why the fare is from 21 to 47 for the same "1 reserved coach seat"? And seems with the 21/28 fare I get "checked baggage" service and have options to upgrade, while with $47 fare I get no options.
Can anyone teach me what I misunderstand?
Jun 25, 2006 | 8:22 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: PHL
Programs: AA(PPro), UA, AGR(S), BW(Plat), HH, WoH(D), MB
Posts: 796
Actually, you understand the issue just fine. What you have to do is suspend logic for the duration of your Amtrak booking.
Trains 7, 27, and 807 between Chicago and Columbus (WI) are all the same train but are portions of the train. Train 807 is the coach(s) that only goes as far as Minneapolis. Train 7 is the portion of the train that splits off at Spokane and goes to Seattle. Train 27 is the portion of the train that splits at Spokane and goes to Portland. Now, here's the neat part. Amtrak's booking system thinks these are really three trains and sets separate fare buckets for each. So as Train 807's seats sell, the price goes up. But if lower bucket seats are open on 7 and 27, the price is lower. Same train physicly, different trains in the booking system, different prices.
Bottom line: book the lowest price.
Trains 7, 27, and 807 between Chicago and Columbus (WI) are all the same train but are portions of the train. Train 807 is the coach(s) that only goes as far as Minneapolis. Train 7 is the portion of the train that splits off at Spokane and goes to Seattle. Train 27 is the portion of the train that splits at Spokane and goes to Portland. Now, here's the neat part. Amtrak's booking system thinks these are really three trains and sets separate fare buckets for each. So as Train 807's seats sell, the price goes up. But if lower bucket seats are open on 7 and 27, the price is lower. Same train physicly, different trains in the booking system, different prices.
Bottom line: book the lowest price.
Last edited by NovaEngr; Jun 26, 2006 at 5:29 am
Jun 25, 2006 | 9:57 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: AA GLD 1MM
Posts: 103
A friendly reminder...
For those booking sleepers between Chicago and Spokane, it pays to check the accommodation charges for both sections (7 and 27, 8 and 28). On amtrak.com, you have to check sleeper prices one train at a time, but it's worth the extra couple of clicks. The price difference can be even more dramatic.