Roomette prices

[Amtrak Alan]

Looked into roomette price Aug 1 2015 from Chi to Flagstaff. Was over $600. Why so pricey so early when other routes (California Zephyr) are less?

 

[the_traveler]

Rooms (and coach) are priced by supply and demand. If they expect more passengers to chose a specific train, it may open up (11 months out) at a higher bucket, and later go to a lower bucket. Gone are the days when on the first day 11 months out is the lowest bucket.

 

[Guest]

Looked into roomette price Aug 1 2015 from Chi to Flagstaff. Was over $600. Why so pricey so early when other routes (California Zephyr) are less?

Grand Canyon National Park

 

[zephyr17]

For some reason, the Southwest Chief generally tends to be more expensive than either the Empire Builder or the California Zephyr.

It is wayyyy too early to book for 8/1/15. As others have noted, Amtrak has gotten much more sophisticated in yield management and accomdations no longer come into inventory 11 months in advance at a low bucket. Track prices on Amsnag. There is a good chance the price may drop, it all depends on the demand.

 

[neroden]

For some reason, the Southwest Chief generally tends to be more expensive than either the Empire Builder or the California Zephyr.

It's faster. Fastest of the trains across the Mountain Time Zone, by a lot.

 

[VentureForth]

It is wayyyy too early to book for 8/1/15. As others have noted, Amtrak has gotten much more sophisticated in yield management and accomdations no longer come into inventory 11 months in advance at a low bucket. Track prices on Amsnag. There is a good chance the price may drop, it all depends on the demand.

I don't think so. Where you are right that yield management allows for accommodations to no longer come into inventory at low bucket, they don't precisely because they are expected to sell. If the rooms come into inventory at a higher bucket, those sophisticated improvements indicate that the rooms will more likely sell out than come down in price.
Buy the room if the dates and price are acceptable. Then, watch for the next 11 months for a reduction. In the case the prices come down, rebook and refund (even if only for a voucher) the difference.