In recent years, the airline industry has segmented and broken down its ticket and fare policies, so now travelers are paying for everything from pretzels to checked luggage. It hasn’t gotten too bad when it comes to train travel, as business travelers heading for a train trip have a variety of different fare options when traveling on Amtrak.
Amtrak offers five different rate tiers for its trains, each with different rules, restrictions, and refund policies. Amtrak’s five rate tiers are Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Please note that within these fare categories, prices vary by seat class.
Saver
The Amtrak’s Saver tier rate is the cheapest. Savings rates are advance purchase tickets, Internet-only rates, flash sales, or other discounted rates for Acela Express Business Class or Business Class reserved seats. Supply is generally limited. Unlike other Amtrak fares, Saver fares are non-refundable 24 hours or more after booking the reservation, so if you opt for Saver, you need to make sure you take the trip. However, Saver fares can be canceled before the train departs and a credit will be issued for future trips through the Amtrak eVoucher system.
Savings fares are only available on some trains and some routes.
Value
Amtrak’s Value rates are one step above Saver rates. They are more flexible and are fully refundable. Value fees can be refunded for a full refund up to eight days prior to departure. If you cancel less than eight days before departure and it is within 24 hours before departure, they are still refundable, but with a 25 percent cancellation fee. Passengers can also get the refund issued as an eVoucher credit for use on future Amtrak trips. Value fares are available on all Amtrak routes for unreserved coaches, reserved coaches, and Acela Express business class.
If a fare is not canceled before a trip, the full amount is lost. Use it, cancel it or lose it.
Flexible
Amtrak flexible fares are fully refundable at any time prior to a trip, with no refund fee or penalty. You can even get a refund after a scheduled departure. Refunds can be returned to credit cards or held as credit in an electronic coupon system. Flexible fares are available on many routes for unreserved buses, reserved buses, and Acela Express business class seats.
Deal
If you want a little more comfort on your trip, book a business class ticket. (This is not Acela’s business class.) The benefits you’ll get vary by train, but the most common are more legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. The business class has its own car or section of the train. You can cancel your ticket for a full refund without incurring any fees as long as you cancel before departure, but you will lose your refund if you wait until after departure to cancel.
Before
Premium rates are offered for accommodation in long beds and first class Acela Express. If you buy a first class Acela Express ticket, you will get free meals on board and access to ClubAcela lounges, along with all the benefits of business class. You can get a full refund on an Acela first class ticket if you cancel before departure; There is no refund after departure. Sleeping accommodations tickets can be canceled 15 or more days prior to departure for a full refund minus a 25 percent fee.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel less than 15 days before departure. If you do not cancel before departure, you will lose any refund.
Tips for business travelers
Unless you really want to save money, most business travelers should consider opting to find a seat in the Quiet Car or upgrade to a business class or first class seat.
The basic level of service on Acela trains is considered business class on regular Amtrak trains. Business class seats are reserved, which means you are guaranteed a seat. Compared to regular Amtrak seats, Business Class seats are wider, with additional legroom. They recline and have folding tables. Superior storage is provided in business and superior class, along with reading lights and power outlets. First class seats have all the comforts of business class seats, but are in a separate, reserved car.
Most Amtrak trains have Wi-Fi coverage, though it can be spotty and not particularly good. Usually good enough to download or check email or browse quickly. But don’t plan on watching movies or even music, unless you’re willing to put up with relatively frequent dropouts.
