calling all auto train experts

[pacrosby]

we are considering taking the auto train down in December. Right now the cost for 6 of us (2 adults and 4 kids) and our oversized SUV comes to about 950 dollars. A bit of a no brainer when we figure a flight for 6 plus the cost of a rental car would be more than twice that. Of course, we're 11 months out. Does anyone know how quickly I should jump on that fare? Are prices pretty consistent for let's say 9+ mos out or 6+ months out or do they go up more quickly than that. I also realize I risk availablity...................probably more likely an issue for our car than us (I noticed when I changed the dates a bit there was no room for an oversized vehicle).

So should we book? What if we have to cancel or change dates later on down the line (I suppose I could get that info from the site but I just figured while I was here....................)

Thanx for any info you might be able to provide.

 

[NikitaZee]

With the AutoTrain, the longer you wait, the more chance of prices going up. They book using price 'buckets' - when one tier of prices fills up, they move up to the next highest level. We waited too long for our last trip, and our initial quote of $882 went up to over $2000 (coach seats - not rooms) by 2 months out.
This time we booked early, and surely enough the prices have gone up since. What you can do, is call and have them put a 'courtesy hold' on a reservation for you. That will hold it for a week. We did that for a couple of weeks in a row, calling and placing courtesy holds, until our funds became available. They'll charge your credit card when you actually book your seats, but they advise you to NOT have tickets printed until you reach the Lorton station. That way, having not been ticketed, you can cancel if you need to and get a full refund - no penalties - up until the day you leave.