AGR Routes vs. Arrow

guest · Apr 25, 2009

I'm confused. If I put in a city pair in the Amtrak website, I assumed that any route that Arrow suggests would then be a valid route for an AGR redemption.

As an example, I put in Chicago->Portland, OR.

Arrow offers three possibilities: The Empire builder, The Zephyr to the Starlight, and the Southwest Chief to the Starlight.

If I click on "Redeem" from the AGR site, then the options available are only the Empire Builder. Is that normal, or is that just how the site works, and other routings have to be handled with a live human?

ALC Rail Writer · Apr 25, 2009

guest said:
I'm confused. If I put in a city pair in the Amtrak website, I assumed that any route that Arrow suggests would then be a valid route for an AGR redemption.
As an example, I put in Chicago->Portland, OR.

Arrow offers three possibilities: The Empire builder, The Zephyr to the Starlight, and the Southwest Chief to the Starlight.

If I click on "Redeem" from the AGR site, then the options available are only the Empire Builder. Is that normal, or is that just how the site works, and other routings have to be handled with a live human?

AGR is NOT run by the same people. Its actually a bunch of Canadians... ironically. They have few ties to those who run the booking part of ARROW and the best way to get around them is to call them on the phone after planning your trip carefully. You should be able to book CHI-SAC (CZ) then SAC-PDX (CS) very easily.

AlanB · Apr 25, 2009

Actualy the problem is that one can only book simple trips on the AGR website. Simple means that there are no transfers and you are traveling in coach. If you want to make a transfer during your trip, or you want a sleeper, then you must call AGR and speak with an agent to book your trip.

PRR 60 · Apr 25, 2009

guest said:
I'm confused. If I put in a city pair in the Amtrak website, I assumed that any route that Arrow suggests would then be a valid route for an AGR redemption.
As an example, I put in Chicago->Portland, OR.

Arrow offers three possibilities: The Empire builder, The Zephyr to the Starlight, and the Southwest Chief to the Starlight.

If I click on "Redeem" from the AGR site, then the options available are only the Empire Builder. Is that normal, or is that just how the site works, and other routings have to be handled with a live human?

The on-line redemption option for AGR award travel only permits direct routings with no connections. For Chicago to Portland OR, that means only the Empire Builder. To book a connection, you must call AGR. For CHI-PDX, that should include the Zephyr to Starlight and the Chief to Starlight.

jackal · Apr 25, 2009

guest said:
If I click on "Redeem" from the AGR site, then the options available are only the Empire Builder. Is that normal, or is that just how the site works, and other routings have to be handled with a live human?

Actually, the reason you only get the EB is because the website AGR redemption tool is pretty stupid: it only allows you to book journeys consisting of a single segment. The only routing between PDX and CHI consisting of a single segment is the EB.

If you want to book a journey involving two or more trains, you have to call AGR. If you do so, they should have no problem booking you on the CS->CZ.

Edit: I see AlanB and PRR 60 beat me to the punch. That's what happens when you open a bunch of tabs, get sidetracked doing other things, and then come back to finish your post! We're just all too active and helpful around here! :lol:

PRR 60 · Apr 25, 2009

jackal said:
...Edit: I see AlanB and PRR 60 beat me to the punch. That's what happens when you open a bunch of tabs, get sidetracked doing other things, and then come back to finish your post! We're just all too active and helpful around here! :lol:

And he beat me by four minutes. Maybe if I had not spell-checked..