I have a trip in November, returning from New York to Everett, WA, ideally on November 12th. The date is fairly inflexible, only a day or two wiggle room. I have been checking fares and both the Lake Shore and the Builder have been in high bucket, for a cash fare of over $1700. Since I had nothing to lose, there were at least 8 roomettes available on both, and early November is not a high demand travel period, I waited, checking fares every couple of days. Well, checked today and the fares for my trip are now low bucket on the Lake Shore and second lowest on the Builder. I am now booked, second lowest and lowest buckets are fine by me. I am using points, but there is no sense wasting them, 34,471 down from like 50K.
A shout out to @niemi24s for his great bucket chart. It is invaluable. Thanks niemi24s.
My main point is nobody should panic at high bucket fares really far out. That seems pretty normal these days. Amtrak does indeed reallocate inventory into lower buckets based on sales, 4-6 months out is often the sweet spot. and my trip is proof of it. Just keep your eye on it. Doesn't hurt to check for availability of up to 8 roomettes to see how much inventory there is, either.
PS, I am booked into 730, so I feel pretty safe and have high confidence the car will run despite the current clown show.
A shout out to @niemi24s for his great bucket chart. It is invaluable. Thanks niemi24s.
My main point is nobody should panic at high bucket fares really far out. That seems pretty normal these days. Amtrak does indeed reallocate inventory into lower buckets based on sales, 4-6 months out is often the sweet spot. and my trip is proof of it. Just keep your eye on it. Doesn't hurt to check for availability of up to 8 roomettes to see how much inventory there is, either.
PS, I am booked into 730, so I feel pretty safe and have high confidence the car will run despite the current clown show.