Amtrak.com: You can save by booking on line.
Written: Nov 09 '03 (Updated Nov 06 '04)
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| Full Review |
If the price is lower on line - they will come.
- Modernmarvel (diehard internet shopper)
If you need train tickets and if price is more important to you than a slightly inefficient web site, then you should strongly consider booking your train tickets on www.amtrak.com. I find that prices on the site are usually cheaper than calling their phone line to book your tickets or paying at the station.
USING THE AMTRAK SITE
Before you book your ticket, be sure to check the Special Offers page to see if there is anything discounted that you are looking for. Also, read the home page carefully to see if there are any general offers.
Amtrak has a frequent traveler program. If you are not a member and want to join, enroll before getting your tickets so you can use the number. If you are a member and can't remember your number, you may have to reenroll or call Amtrak. I couldn't find any feature that would email a forgotten frequent traveler number to you.
To find departure and arrival times, you can view schedules on the site. I found that this was the most efficient way to find all of the options for your trip. Another option is to plug in your destination, date of travel and desired time to leave. I found that this method of finding travel options didn't always show all the choices. It is also hard to back up and rechoose a different time or date because you have to reenter all of your information.
It also makes sense to have some idea of the types of trains that run. The Boston - New York route has the high speed Acela that takes 3 1/2 hours or local trains that can take up to 6 hours. Make sure you pay attention to the length of the trip so you know what you are getting. Not all trains make the same stops or take the same amount of time.
Once you choose and pay for your tickets (all major credit cards accepted) you can either pick them up at the station for free or have them expressed mailed for $9. At the end of the process, you get a page to print out with your ticket information that you can bring to the station. You also get an email with the same information.
STEALS AND DEALS
When I recently logged on, I needed tickets between Boston and New York City. I found a promotion code right on the homepage of Amtrak.com that gave me a 5% discount on web-booked fares. I think it is nice they make the promos easy to find and available to everyone.
I also recommend getting a frequent traveler card with Amtrak. With the card you can earn points and eventually earn free travel. They also run promotions and will send you snail mail notifications of their deals. I have had a membership with Amtrak for a couple of years and I didn't get the internet promo in the mail. So, don't just rely on mailers to find the deals. It pays to also check out the site itself.
The only objectionable thing I found signing up for the frequent traveler program is that they require you to enter your household income before they will issue you a number. I find that an offensive invasion of privacy, particularly because I know they will probably sell the information to multiple other companies that will spam and junk mail me.
MY EXPERIENCE
I found it easy to order tickets, mostly because I have traveled this route a few times and generally know the schedules and trains on that route. The checkout process was easy and I didn't have to enter all kinds of useless information.
After I entered my payment information, I got a screen with a confirmation number which I printed. I also got an email that confirmed my order with the same confirmation number.
When I arrived at the station, I had to show a picture I.D. to the customer service rep. He found my paid reservation in the computer quickly and easily. He gave me my ticket and return ticket. It was a piece of cake.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I had a great experience at Amtrak.com. The best part is that is was just about as easy as ordering on the phone but the price was cheaper. Even though I printed out my confirmation, I didn't need it. I am giving the site 4 stars instead of 5 only because the search feature for options doesn't always display all of the options.
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Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? train tickets
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modernmarvel
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