cancel and rebook?

coachflyer · Dec 22, 2021

Am booked on the Zephyr on 21 Jan for two. The cost when booking was over $2000.
Just checked today and same train and bedroom is now on sale for $1300.

Could I cancel and rebook and do I need to call or do it online?

Coming from the UK and had call when booking as website wouldn't take payment

Thanks

Devil's Advocate · Dec 22, 2021

If you cancel your booking I believe you will be charged a 25% cancellation fee since your trip is less than 121 days before departure. In addition Amtrak's website says change fees are not waived when you rebook on the same train as the original ticket. I would suggest calling and explaining what you want to do. In the past this was enough but maybe it's different today. Be aware that hold times are very long and you might need to call multiple times for a positive answer.

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Link: Amtrak Train Ticket Refund and Cancellation Policy

coachflyer · Dec 22, 2021

Could I rebook for say eight months time then cancel after we return from the original trip thus incurring no refund charges whilst making a new booking at the reduced price?

Maglev · Dec 22, 2021

In the past few years, I have received refunds for a lower price on the same train after booking, and did not pay a penalty. A few months ago, I upgraded from a Family Bedroom to a Bedroom on the same train and did not pay a penalty. I believe all you need to day is ask to "modify"--not "change" or "cancel"--your reservation to the lower price .

niemi24s · Dec 22, 2021

Received a full refund for the difference in Sep 2021 for a sleeper reservation made in Jul 2021 by having an AGR agent modify it to the lower fare. Same date, train and accommodation, although the Roomette changed from #2 to #4.

However all that may have occurred prior to the implementation of those Amtrak policies shown in Post #2.