Auto Train discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

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b243923 said:
Book now and if price drops they will give you an adjustment in the form of an e-credit for future travel
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Be careful with what choice you initially make. For our trip this upcoming winter we are riding coach, and chose the “flex” option. That allows changes with no penalty.

Last year, after the fare rule changes, there were penalties imposed if changes were made. I tried to make a late change and the cancellation fee was much greater the the savings.

Be careful.
 

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I've not taken Amtrak in some years but have taken trains in Europe. In any event, can any of you fill me in on conditions on the Auto Train in summer 2024. I am looking at a round trip in early December. I really don't need a car in D.C., but a Bedroom on the Silver Star out of Tampa round trip leaving on Monday, December 9 and returning on Tuesday, December 17 was $4,144! Auto Train for same dates was $2175. This for "Senior" fares. My wife can't fly right now. I hate I-95, but it looks like a viable alternative. Also, are the windows cleaned at each end? Frankly, if Amtrak had used the "down time" during Covid, they could have repaired and refurbished a lot more cars thereby lowering the price. I can't justify the Silver Star and the Auto Train is a bit steep as well. Am I being unreasonable. I can fly for $1400 first class, if my wife can get the doctor to sign off on it. UGH!
 
JWM said:
I've not taken Amtrak in some years but have taken trains in Europe. In any event, can any of you fill me in on conditions on the Auto Train in summer 2024. I am looking at a round trip in early December. I really don't need a car in D.C., but a Bedroom on the Silver Star out of Tampa round trip leaving on Monday, December 9 and returning on Tuesday, December 17 was $4,144! Auto Train for same dates was $2175. This for "Senior" fares. My wife can't fly right now. I hate I-95, but it looks like a viable alternative. Also, are the windows cleaned at each end? Frankly, if Amtrak had used the "down time" during Covid, they could have repaired and refurbished a lot more cars thereby lowering the price. I can't justify the Silver Star and the Auto Train is a bit steep as well. Am I being unreasonable. I can fly for $1400 first class, if my wife can get the doctor to sign off on it. UGH!
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Unless you need the bathroom in your room, you could also price out 2 roomettes. That way you each have a lower bunk - it can be a better sleeping arrangement than a bedroom. You can call and ask for the roomettes to be across from each other (join guest rewards - it's free, and use their phone service). These may be cheaper. You can also keep looking for price drops after you book. They do happen and then you can call and rebook at the lower price.
 
JWM said:
Am I being unreasonable.
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Only you can decide. As you may have noticed one direction is cheaper than the other. That’s usually the case and we try to take advantage of that. We take AutoTrain in the ‘cheap’ direction, drive the other way. Since we often head to a destination 90minutes west of DC, we prefer taking I 95, 77, 81. It’s maybe an hour longer for us but so much better than 95.

You’re apparently ok with the upper and lower bunks in a bedroom. Why not try a roomette. Beds are about the same and on a short overnight trip we can survive without the toilet/shower. When we do that, we ask for a roomette on the lower level (but not next to the family room). It’s quieter as no one is walking through to the next car and the middle of the night bathroom visit is only a few steps away. Also the shower is much nicer than in the bedroom.
 
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dromio515 said:
Unless you need the bathroom in your room, you could also price out 2 roomettes. That way you each have a lower bunk - it can be a better sleeping arrangement than a bedroom. You can call and ask for the roomettes to be across from each other (join guest rewards - it's free, and use their phone service). These may be cheaper. You can also keep looking for price drops after you book. They do happen and then you can call and rebook at the lower price.
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Thank you!
 

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