Amtrak "saver fare" losing consumer-friendly feature
Washington-- If you ride Amtrak, be warned: starting March 1 their most discounted tickets will lose some of the consumer-friendly features.
According to the announcement, the biggest change comes to so-called “Saver Fares”, which in the past passengers could change, cancel or upgrade with no cost. But in an effort to align the taxpayer-supported passenger rail system with airlines this perk goes away. Amtrak is hoping to then offer extra-discounted “super-saver” fares in the future.
By Alex Abboud
It probably isn’t a surprise that Amtrak CEO and President, Richard Anderson, who previously worked at Delta airlines is at the forefront of the significant changes to the train service, which transported a record 32.5 million passengers last year, with the airline.
Passengers who pay a little extra for the “Value Fares” may see fees charged for cancellation or changes within 14 days of departure. And the most “Flexible Fares”, which cost a premium, face no additional cost for changes and receive a full refund on cancellation.
Decades ago, the train system provided vast travel options among an entire network of small, medium and large cities. But due to budget cuts and competition from other forms of transportation, including air, the system’s routes have shrunk.
This new system will have consumers think seriously about the tickets they purchase. If you think there is a chance you’ll cancel or upgrade, it may be worth waiting on the purchase, even if prices could increase. Or, for the traveler to buy the slightly more expensive fares to offset any potential changes in their travel plans.
