Auto Train Upgrade?

[Kim&Chris]

Hi everyone,

We're taking the auto train for our upcoming March trip. I booked regular coach seats because we're on a super-tight budget.

My question is: has anyone ever asked for an last minute upgrade, and gotten a great deal? Or even a good deal?

I sorta remember reading a post from a while back, and the poster said she'd asked about switching to a sleeper compartment while at the Lorton station. They had some unpurchased sleepers available, so she got one at a deep discount.

Anyone know anything about this? Thanks!

 

[dwg]

Hi,

We took the Auto Train about four years ago. We originally had booked roundtrip coach fare for two adults and one child.

We disliked coach so much that we ran off the train at sanford and booked a sleeper car for the return trip. The additional cost was about $250 for the sleeper which included the bathroom.

 

[AnnaS]

Hi Dw, would you mind telling me the reason why you hated it so much? Was it the ride istself, the noise, etc. I did this from NYC to West Palm Beach last year. I was just not happy with restrooms. Please send me a pm, I do not receive e-mail notifications and will have to look for this thread again.
I have just reserved the autotrain from Sanford to Lorton for the return trip. Will drive down. Thanks.

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by Kim&Chris
My question is: has anyone ever asked for an last minute upgrade, and gotten a great deal? Or even a good deal?

Yes, if any sleeper car space remains unsold, you can upgrade from coach to first-class at a significant discount. This is basically first come-first served, so you take your chances. For Auto-Train, check in early and inquire ASAP. The conductor can sell available sleeper space at excellent discounts (on any Amtrak train), so iif you ever find yourself uncomfortable in coach facing an overnight ride, it never hurts to ask, particularly if the train seems lightly populated.