What is the policy about “upgrading” to first class service on board. What is the cost of doing so. I thought you could get quite a savings if you purchase on board.
Am planning a trip on SW Chief (LAX to CHI) 1/14/05 and need make arrangements.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
There are a lot of people on this forum more knowledgeable than me, but somebody has to give you an answer quick so I will take a stab.
If I were planning to take the Chief in mid-Jan, I would be making my reservations, oh, two months ago. The train is nearly always sold out. And if sleeping car space is important to you - and for a trip that long, it certainly would be for me - try to get that now. Waiting is far too risky.
I would try to upgrade on board only if I couldn’t get sleeper space originally. There is a small chance that as the train is departing, there could be a no-show and you could get some space.
I think there was a time when on-board personnel could upgrade according to their judgment of what the traffic would bear, so theoretically you could save some money. But in the first place, I believe that is no longer the policy and you will pay the standard rate. And at any rate you are not at all sure of getting space.
Larry
If you go to amtrak.com, you can check availability, make reservations and purchase your tickets. On-board upgrading is by the luck of the draw. If the space you want is open you can get a pretty good deal. I recently did an onboard upgrade to a roomette (formerly, superliner standard bedroom), Albuquerque to Chicago, regular price $209 for $140.
Jay
When I’ve taken Amtrak “First Class” meant the deluxe bedroom, which has a shower, somewhat comparable to the drawing room of the old Pullmans. Is this what you mean? They’re really hard to get on the popular routes – I’ve had to reserve months in advance – and I’d think you’d have to be very lucky to get one on standby.