Amtrak website

[Bonser]

Why does one have to scroll down on the first page of Amtrak's website to book a train? Seems I have to view various promotions before I can actually book. I've been offline for a couple of months so this may have been discussed already. Thanks in advance.

 

[John Bobinyec]

What kind of device are you working with? Smart phone? Computer?

Looking at a computer screen, I'm not seeing the problem.

jb

 

[tgstubbs1]

I got on the Amtrak web page and found it difficult to navigate. Large promotional pictures kept coming up despite my trying to get where I wanted to go. I found myself navigating in circles as the promotional pictures kept coming up. I hate web sites that try to push things on you you're not interested in and thwart efforts to get the information you want.

 

[Qapla]

This is what I see when I go to Amtrak.com



I can see why a person could miss the booking portion of the page that is sandwiched between the picture ads.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

If you want a clumsy portal for high interest credit cards and devalued monkey points then Amtrak.com is great. If you want to inform yourself with details about specific in-station and on-train experiences or to book an actual trip then Amtrak.com is a bit of a joke. When I first joined Amtrak.com was rather sparsely populated but I figured Amtrak would continue to incorporate more and more information over time. Instead Amtrak.com has actually removed lots of information and become even less intuitive than before.

 

[Sauve850]

This is what I see when I go to Amtrak.com
View attachment 18433


I can see why a person could miss the booking portion of the page that is sandwiched between the picture ads.

I also see the above. Looks easy to use for me.

 

[Alice]

Why does one have to scroll down on the first page of Amtrak's website to book a train? Seems I have to view various promotions before I can actually book. I've been offline for a couple of months so this may have been discussed already. Thanks in advance.

I had the same issue a couple of days ago. This is on a computer with a vertical screen, had to scroll down quite a bit (2 spacebar's worth). Last trip was Sept 29 2018 so I have to book something soon before points all expire. Very frustrating to experiment with different CS trips where I could use most of my points one way and pay the other, and be able to stay near the station overnight. So I'm going to schedule a short RT on a San Joaquin with lunch during the layover, and use the points when I have more time.

 

[Bonser]

This is what I see when I go to Amtrak.com
View attachment 18433


I can see why a person could miss the booking portion of the page that is sandwiched between the picture ads.

I see the same save for the second choice bar running across. I have to keep scrolling

 

[Bonser]

When i try to book NY-SF in Feb it doesn't allow me a sleeper option for Chi-Emy. Only NY-CHI. Then it shows just coach. What's going on? It also doesn't show price until after I've gone through the whole trip. I'm not a novice and have been riding Amtrak since its inception in 1970. They seem to not want my business.

 

[Qapla]

I also see the above. Looks easy to use for me.

Yes, it is "usable" - especially for someone who is used to it ... but, for a "first time" user or someone who wants a clear, informative portal to actual information about Amtrak and the actual train and/or route you want to book - it is quite lacking.

 

[Sidney]

You probably booked Chi Emy on one 9f the four days the Zephyr isn't running. Why Coach remains open is a mystery. In case you didn't know the bookings now reflect the almost certain three days a week schedule going into effect in Octobet.

 

[caravanman]

I don't like the current Amtrak website either, even the "senior" option is hidden away! I notice one new feature which is that the site shows what % of seats are full. There must be a glitch when it shows just the coach seat fare on days the train will not run! Departing Chicago seems to work fine on Mon, Wed, or Saturdays in Feb...

 

[Exvalley]

On my monitor the section of the front page for booking is at the bottom and is obscured by a banner ad for the Amtrak credit card.

 

[Bonser]

I also see the above. Looks easy to use for me.

If I could see what you see I'd be happy. I tried reloading but it's there's still no choice bar on top like you have. I'm on a MacbookAir.

 

[Bonser]

You probably booked Chi Emy on one 9f the four days the Zephyr isn't running. Why Coach remains open is a mystery. In case you didn't know the bookings now reflect the almost certain three days a week schedule going into effect in Octobet.

As you said the coach option is strange if the train isn't running. It would be far better if Amtrak adopted the ViaRail system and just redirect you to a different date when there is a connecting train. Or at least prompt you to try a different date.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

It is my understanding that they blocked the sleepers for the non-run days and will be updating the system for all bookings by Monday. Probably blocked the sleepers because it will be harder to reaccomodate sleeper pax then coach pax.

 

[tgstubbs1]

On my monitor the section of the front page for booking is at the bottom and is obscured by a banner ad for the Amtrak credit card.

Some newer web pages designed for an iPhone or smartphone are not as versatile or useful as the old web sites is what I think.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Yes, it is "usable" - especially for someone who is used to it ... but, for a "first time" user or someone who wants a clear, informative portal to actual information about Amtrak and the actual train and/or route you want to book - it is quite lacking.

Agreed! One must get used to it. First, though, sign in... then up pops your most frequent routing. Go from there.

Then select a date you want to go...


Then you get your options. EUG - CHI has many... bus or train to PDX, then EB to CHI. Or you can choose the CS to SAC and take the CZ from there. BTW, astounded in a very disappointed way to see the fares so high! Especially when the service is now so poor. I would think supply and demand due to the upcoming infrequencies.

 

[Brian Battuello]

Anyone else having trouble logging into the Amtrak website? I can load the homepage and start to book tickets, but when it asks me to login it just hiccups and returns me to the same screen, unlogged in.

I'm a little concerned because I got a text from Amtrak saying I need to fill in their online covid form, but it can't find my trips so can't fill in the form. I know my reservation number and email, but it won't let me fill in the form unless I log in, and it won't let me log in. PLEASE don't make me call the Center for Excellence! If the web isn't working, there's going to be about a three hour wait...

 

[John Bobinyec]

When I filled in my pre-trip covid check-in form, it DID NOT make me login first. It just wanted my id and reservation number.
jb

 

[Brian Battuello]

I typed in my correct email and reservation number and it said unable to process your request at this time. So I assumed that it was the same glitch as the login glitch.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I typed in my correct email and reservation number and it said unable to process your request at this time. So I assumed that it was the same glitch as the login glitch.

When is your trip? Within 24 hours?

 

[TinCan782]

Can't even log in right now (1136 PDT) anyway!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Some people on FB are also reporting login issues. And others are saying they can log in.

 

[Brian Battuello]

Often the case. And yes, my trip is in less than 24 hours.

"We are unable to retrieve your reservation at this time. For assistance, call 1-800-USA-RAIL."

NOOOOO!!!!!