The other day I was unable to book much cheaper SEA-PHL fares using Amtrak codeshares at CO official website. I could see them and book them at Orbitz, but CO was showing only IAH routing or connections to EJR routes with *huge* connection times.

Anyway, I phoned the web desk for assistance. I was told after some checking that Amtrak codeshares don't exist online at Continental's website. A phone agent would be able to access them and as I mentioned I booked them at Orbitz. It does not solve the problem of only receiving 50% EQM because I booked at Orbitz or on the phone. I was told by Onepass that even though it was beyond my control (only having access via those purchase points), exceptions would not be made.

My questions for this board (I figured if anyone knows it will be you guys) are

1) was I given accurate information

2) is there a way to access those Amtrak fares at Co.com? I tried pricing by schedule, fare and a combination. I even tried breaking it into a multi-segement and entering in exact preferred times.

3) why would they offer a codeshare arrangement that cannot be booked at their own website when they (and all airlines) are trying to drive customer to their websites?

I ended up paying Orbitz booking fees, losing my Continental 1,000 mile booking bonus and only getting 50% EQM. The fare was $100 cheaper and I don't have to wait 7 hours for a connection nor do I have to fly on a jungle jet. I guess it's a wash, but why should we have to chose. It doesn't seem to make sense to restrict the codeshares from your own website, but not others. (I know, I know, looking for logic from the airlines is futile...)

There is a whole thread designed to answer all questions about the Amtrak codeshares - everything you need is there. The phone agent was incorrect. When you entered the city pairs into co.com, what code did you use for the Philadelphia rail station?

I also suggest you look at the Amtrak codeshare thread. In any case, I just checked on continental.com just for fun. I used SEA-ZFV (Philly Amtrak station) and standard weekday departure and return. I was able to find $200 all in fare at the lowest end. I guess since you have already purchased on orbitz, it may have been too late. Hope this helps (at least for future reference).

LAX

I have booked ZFV (PHL - 30th St. Rail Station) to Orlando - MCO on CO.com multiple times. I called CO once to inquire about AMTRAK and the codeshare and they had no idea such an agreement existed. Try SEA-ZFV and see what you get.......

They do offer these codeshares; in fact, last night I booked a ZVE (New Haven) to SFO on co.com and didn't have any problems. I was unable, however, to use any of those Hertz/NYC Marathon coupons for any itineraries involving the Amtrak codeshares, but perhaps this is because the discount applies only to flights on CO metal.

Did you try searching by schedule instead of price? The former gives you more options and will increase the likelihood of finding an Amtrak codeshare as part of your itinerary.

I highly suspect the OP was looking for codeshares from "PHL." Searching for "PHL" will only pull up PHL airport flights. "ZFV" is the Amtrak station in Philly.