Ticket Question

[sp001]

Hi All,
I am new here. I recently booked a round trip ticket online. I got a great price and was really excited about my trip. Something came up and I need to change my departure to an earlier time.
Imagine my surprise when I go online and it says I can't do that!! Come to find out my tickets are value rate tickets and you cannot change the date or time! WHY??? I am willing to pay the difference if there is one! This is crazy!!
I can't cancel either because I would have to pay a 25% cancel fee!!

This is unbelievable!! Is there anything else I can do??? I really need to leave earlier.
TIA

 

[SubwayNut]

Nope, not without sacraficing 25% of your intial ticket value. (This is better than the cheapest airline tickets that don't let you change the tickets at all).

I normally spend the few extra dollars and book the more expensive Flexible tickets so I can change my plans and departures (I do this fairly frequently actually), or just cancel if I need too.

 

[sp001]

If I had realized ALL the restrictions I would have booked the more expensive ticket. I just don't understand what they are gaining by not letting me change the time! Makes no sense to me!!

What happens if I bid to upgrade and get it, then can I change the time?

 

[zephyr17]

What happens if I bid to upgrade and get it, then can I change the time?

No. Your bid would be for the departure you are currently ticketed on.

If I had realized ALL the restrictions I would have booked the more expensive ticket. I just don't understand what they are gaining by not letting me change the time! Makes no sense to me!!

Haven't you ever bought an airline ticket? Restricted "discount" fare tickets are neither new nor unusual. They are pretty much the standard and have been for decades. Amtrak just follows common industry practice with discount ticket restrictions and dynamic, yield managed pricing.

Amtrak, in point of fact, is less restrictive than most airlines. The 25% penalty is low compared to airlines. Flexible tickets are usually only a little more expensive than Value fares, as opposed to the huge difference in airline fares between restricted discount fare classes and full fare, unrestricted "Y" class coach.

Next time pay the modest difference Amtrak charges between Value and Flexible.

For now, either pay the 25% penalty and reticket or take the train you are currently ticketed on. Your choice.

You may find that an agent may be more flexible by calling to modify the ticket rather than doing it online.

 

[zephyr17]

PS, the difference in terms between Value and Flexible is presented in a crystal clear fashion in the online purchase dialog prior to finalizing the purchase. It is totally up front and not buried in fine print.

So, no I really cannot imagine your surprise. There really isn't any excuse for pleading the 25% cancellation penalty and no changes was in any way a surprise.

Me? I'd pay the four bucks.