Amtrak First Class Service

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

[jeaton]

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

[eastside]

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.