Amtrak
has introduced a new, simplified fare structure with more flexible and
affordable options based on extensive customer research to better meet customer
needs.
The simpler fare structure launched this week builds on
other recent improvements Amtrak has made to the booking experience.
“This streamlined fare structure with more affordable and
flexible fares is part of Amtrak’s continued commitment to upgrading the
customer experience at every step along their journey,” said Amtrak President
Roger Harris.
The new structure reduces fare types from three categories
to two, providing a more consistent booking experience with fare types that are
clearly differentiated and easy to understand.
Flex: For customers wanting a more flexible travel option,
these tickets are fully refundable if canceled and can be changed without fees
before departure.
Value: For customers who know their travel plans and want a
more affordable option, these tickets are lower in price than Flex tickets
non-changeable with a 75% refund if canceled.
In addition to simplifying the fare structure, the benefits
of the new approach include the following:
- Flex fares start at lower prices than previously offered.
- Occasional sale fares at an even deeper discount will be
non-changeable, with a 50% refund if canceled.
- Refunds of credit card purchases will be made to the
original form of payment, rather than as an e-voucher.
- These changes to Coach and Acela Business tickets make it
easier for Amtrak customers to choose the ticket type that best fits their
travel needs.
- Non-Acela Business and First-Class tickets were already
fully refundable and changeable with no additional fees. Tickets purchased
prior to the launch of the new simplified fare structure remain subject to the
fare rules and conditions in effect when the ticket is purchased.
Example: One-Way Trip Between Washington, DC and
Philadelphia
PRIOR FARE:
Cheapest Saver Ticket: $19
Only Flexible Ticket: $127
Starting Price Difference for Full Flexibility: $108
CURRENT FARE:
Cheapest Value Ticket: $18
Cheapest Flex Ticket: $20
Starting Price Difference for Full Flexibility: $2 Note that
with travel on select trains between 7 p.m. – 7 a.m., the cheapest Night Owl
fares for this trip are $9 for Value and $10 for Flex.
These improvements build on other recent pricing
enhancements Amtrak has made to make travel more affordable, including:
- Ultra-low “Night Owl” fares as low as $5 – $20 on select
Northeast Corridor (NEC) routes.
- Enabling Amtrak Guest Rewards members to redeem tickets with
points on more fare types.
- Updating the children’s discount so that children (ages 2-12
years old) can travel for 50% off with an accompanying adult (previously
limited to one child discount per adult fare).
- Expanding passenger discounts – such as senior and military
to apply to all fares, including sales.
- Improving Share Fares allows groups of 3-8 people traveling
together to receive discounts ranging from 17% to 60%.
Other Changes include:
- If a Flex ticket is changed, the new price may differ from
the original purchase price. While there are no change fees, a change could
result in a fare adjustment that would either be refunded or charged at the
time of ticket change.
- Not applicable to room product types.
- Self-service reservations (Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile app and
Amtrak kiosks) are limited to eight persons per reservation. However, there is
no reservation maximum when booking over the phone (1-800-USA-RAIL).
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