Sleeper Prices

[-Late Shore-]

Hiya,

Just to keep you updated, today I spent some time trying to do what Alan had suggested and put in specific dates of travel for my planned trip to Vegas via Needles, CA. Problem is my budget is kinda tight when Amtrak asks for $806.00 for a deluxe room between Chi-Needles.

It seems strange to me that I still couldn't get a lower fare. I mean, I really know how to "work the site" (esp. with all it's flaws), but I can't get anything lower than $806.00 for a D.B. in or around the first week of February-amazing. So, after about 2-3 hours of trying to get somewhere, somehow, and looking over my options (my other being taking the California Zephyr to Salt Lake City, then taking the Greyhound from there to Las Vegas), I'm pretty tired. And pretty disheartened. The cost for that D.B. on the Zephyr is only $550.00! And I can get it "all the way through" too. On all 4 segments, whereas, I will only be able to sensibly afford it if I was to take the Chief.

Maybe I don't have the energy for it. I don't know. By the way, I'm leaving out of Boston too on the L.S.L. with a D.B., and was planning on going round trip. And, I put in me and my mother's triple AAA discount plan and it really, it just cancelled itself out when Amtrak makes you pay for their thruway bus service which is an EXTRA $170.00!

Now, I love Amtrak, and all they've done, for America, for train buffs, and all, even what they've done for me. But honestly, their prices are just alittle too steep.

So, as a last resort, I can see on America West Airlines' website that they have a direct, non-stop flight in the month of February, from Boston Logan to Las Vegas McCarran OW for only $143! But I really don't want to fly. But, on the other hand, I really don't want to pay through the nose to Amtrak either, not that much anyways. I plan on losing my money that I bring to Vegas, there, in the casino!

Maybe we will go half way by plane or both ways by plane. I don't know yet.

 

[Viewliner]

I think the way the reservation system is is that it does give you the lowest fare. Also have you tried 1-800-USA-RAIL, which may offer more flexibility. The pricing is because of good old fashioned Supply and Demand. Amtrak knows there are people who will pay for the sleepers, so they can charge a high price for them.

If you have to fly so what. Sure it might be a pain in the rear end, but you can as you said, lose your money in Vegas. My advice is that if you do half and half, try to take the train back so you have that to look forward to. I hope this helps in some way. :unsure:

 

[Amfleet]

Late Shore,

Try going from Boston to Washington on Acela Regional #95 in Coach Class then the Capitol Limited to Chicago in a Deluxe Bedroom, then the Southwest Cheif to Needles. This should bring down the price.

 

[-Late Shore-]

thanks amfleet & viewliner, i'll try that out.

 

[Viewliner]

You're Wecome -Late Shore- enjoy your trip either way.

 

[AlanB]

Late Shore,

You might also want to check with Amtrak Vacations, as they offer a "Ride one way, fly back" program. I think that's what they call it, but I'm not positive. I'm also not sure if they cover all of Amtrak's destinations but I’d bet that they do Vegas, let alone what airlines they contract with. However, you might be able to get a decent deal with them.

You cannot get the info however from the website, you must call them. They can give you pricing and details, without you having to commit to anything until you are sure. They can also book your hotel and a car for you if you like. In addition they can also sell you vacation insurance for a very cheap rate, just in case something goes wrong.

The phone # is 800-321-8684