blackout date 2nd day of travel

[northnorthwest]

I saw some info on this in another thread but wasn't totally clear.

Dec. 25 is not a blackout date, but Dec. 26 is. If I book a reward drip with multiple sections, starting on the 25th but continuing on a new train on the 26th, is that possible? For example, if I want to go from ATL to CHI using 2 zones or even ATL to TOL using 1 zone, is either possible if you start on the 25th? Would it mean I couldn't even use the zone 1 reward because I'd have to switch trains on the 26th (i.e. kicked off in DC even though zone 1 goes to TOL)?

 

[PRR 60]

I saw some info on this in another thread but wasn't totally clear.

Dec. 25 is not a blackout date, but Dec. 26 is. If I book a reward drip with multiple sections, starting on the 25th but continuing on a new train on the 26th, is that possible? For example, if I want to go from ATL to CHI using 2 zones or even ATL to TOL using 1 zone, is either possible if you start on the 25th? Would it mean I couldn't even use the zone 1 reward because I'd have to switch trains on the 26th (i.e. kicked off in DC even though zone 1 goes to TOL)?

Your itinerary would be a no-go. No segment of award travel can start on a blackout date. With the WAS departure coming on 12/26 - a blackout date - your entire booking would be blocked. As long as you stay on the train (for example leaving CHI on 12/25 and arriving EMY on 12/27), it's OK. However, needing to board any train or even a Thruway Bus on a blackout date kills the entire award booking.

 

[the_traveler]

No!

You can not board a new or connecting train on a blackout date. If no connection is made, you ca travel on a blackout date. Using your above example and dates (Dec 26 is a blackout date, but Dec 25 and 27 are not), starting in ATL to CHI would not be possible - since you must connect in WAS on Dec 26. However if you were starting in CHI going to SAN on Dec 25, you could take the SWC, since you will be passing thru ABQ on Dec 26 but no connection is made. You do not make a connection until Dec 27 in LAX - a non-blackout date.

 

[northnorthwest]

Thanks.

FYI: 27th is also a blackout date.

 

[amamba]

You can start on a blackout date and continue on the same train the next day. What you cannot do is board a train on a blackout date. So no connections on the 26th.

 

[Ispolkom]

You can't make a connection on a blackout date unless (is there any statement about AGR that doesn't include "unless" or "except"?) your train is late, you miss your connection, and are put on the next day's train, or in the case that the schedule has changed since you made your reservation, forcing you to overnight and take a train that leaves on a blackout date.

At least that's my experience.