Why can't I upgrade a trip purchased with reward points?

[SDREEDER]

I'm really curious as to why I can't upgrade a trip that was purchased with rewards points to a roomette by paying the difference between what would have been the cash price and the advertised roomette price? It seems counterproductive to me to deny rewards members the opportunity to do this if they want to pay cash for the upgrade.

Thanks!

 

[me_little_me]

You'll have to ask Amtrak that question. This forum is neither part of Amtrak nor associated with it. Rail enthusiasts predominate but nobody here can answer that question.

 

[CCC1007]

I see that you are new here, so let me say welcome to you, and may you have many trips in your future.

 

[PRR 60]

The quick answer is that Amtrak has structured the program that way. While there was a hint that the new rewards program would include a "points + dollars" option for redemptions (that would sort of accomplish what you want), that option has not appeared yet. Until then, for each segment, it is ether all paid or all points.

Let me add my welcome to Amtrak Unlimited!

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

I'm really curious as to why I can't upgrade a trip that was purchased with rewards points to a roomette by paying the difference between what would have been the cash price and the advertised roomette price? It seems counterproductive to me to deny rewards members the opportunity to do this if they want to pay cash for the upgrade.

Thanks!

The plan changed this year, but the past answer was that you have to pay the difference between what you actually paid, and the price of the upgrade you want. Since you paid zero, you would have to pay full price for the upgrade.

 

[SDREEDER]

Thanks for the answers folks. I guess I'll just have to slum it in coach from Philly to Orlando

 

[KmH]

I guess I'll just have to slum it in coach from Philly to Orlando

A lot of us ride Amtrak in coach and/or a sleeper compartment, and don't think of coach as 'slumming'.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I guess I'll just have to slum it in coach from Philly to Orlando

A lot of us ride Amtrak in coach and/or a sleeper compartment, and don't think of coach as 'slumming'.

I agree.

 

[Ryan]

That's what the wink is for.

 

[SDREEDER]

I don't really mean it's "slumming" to ride in coach I've just never done a trip quite that long in coach, only in a roomette and that kindof spoils you I think. I'm sure it will be an enjoyable experience regardless.

 

[BCL]

I guess I'll just have to slum it in coach from Philly to Orlando

A lot of us ride Amtrak in coach and/or a sleeper compartment, and don't think of coach as 'slumming'.

Depends on what you mean by "sleeper". I've had some crazy arrangements, including "2nd class" on a river cruise in China in the 80s. There were actually two 2nd class types on the boat, and they were all shared two beds for two passengers. They also had a lower 2nd-class that we initially got even though we paid for upper 2nd class. And no there wasn't a 1st class.

I remember passing by the 3rd and 4th class accommodations, which were communal bunks like enlisted quarters on a navy ship. I think 3rd had 8 to a room and 4th 12. My understanding is that some train systems around the world have similar arrangements.

 

[BuffaloBoy]

I guess I'll just have to slum it in coach from Philly to Orlando

A lot of us ride Amtrak in coach and/or a sleeper compartment, and don't think of coach as 'slumming'.

Depends on what you mean by "sleeper". I've had some crazy arrangements, including "2nd class" on a river cruise in China in the 80s. There were actually two 2nd class types on the boat, and they were all shared two beds for two passengers. They also had a lower 2nd-class that we initially got even though we paid for upper 2nd class. And no there wasn't a 1st class.

I remember passing by the 3rd and 4th class accommodations, which were communal bunks like enlisted quarters on a navy ship. I think 3rd had 8 to a room and 4th 12. My understanding is that some train systems around the world have similar arrangements.

Wow!

 

[chakk]

I have slept six to a room on 2nd class couchettes in Europe. Also, some French trains had 2nd class couchettes with 4 to a room. All were mixed gender then (30 years ago). Don't know if it is still that way today.