printman2000
Engineer
I have brought this up on a thread or two but thought I would start its own.
As I noted before, starting March 2, 2011, room prices take a huge jump on the Southwest Chief. As an example, from Los Angeles to Chicago, low bucket for a roomette is $301. They are now releasing prices at $623. Quite a jump.
Couple of developments in this...
First, I emailed customer service to inquire...
The second development is that March 2011 prices have dropped back to low bucket prices. It is now April 1, 2011 and on that are priced high.
I have the luxury of being able to buy my yearly trip tickets 11 months out, the day the tickets are released. It USE to insure me low bucket, but if this keeps up, looks like I will have to wait a couple of months for the prices to drop. At least they are dropping.
As I noted before, starting March 2, 2011, room prices take a huge jump on the Southwest Chief. As an example, from Los Angeles to Chicago, low bucket for a roomette is $301. They are now releasing prices at $623. Quite a jump.
Couple of developments in this...
First, I emailed customer service to inquire...
Their response...Starting March 2, 2011, the prices for roomettes on the trains 3 & 4 (Southwest Chief) are starting off at a very high price. Even dates that have just opened up are starting at a very high bucket. Example, Lamy to Chicago shows $465 for a roomette when the low bucket price is $220. Can you tell me why the prices are releasing so high? Is this a new price, or a temporary glitch in the system?
So it does seem someone is actively managing the prices.The challenge for Amtrak, as for any business, is to cover its increases in current and anticipated expenses. Amtrak has begun to revenue manage some trains to better match fares to demand periods. While certain peak travel times may be priced accordingly, passengers with the flexibility to travel at off-peak times will now be able to take advantage of lower fares. Combining off-peak travel with some of our published discounts we are confident that you will be able to find attractive fares.
The second development is that March 2011 prices have dropped back to low bucket prices. It is now April 1, 2011 and on that are priced high.
I have the luxury of being able to buy my yearly trip tickets 11 months out, the day the tickets are released. It USE to insure me low bucket, but if this keeps up, looks like I will have to wait a couple of months for the prices to drop. At least they are dropping.