J
Jenny McCarthy
Guest
I have had reservation for a 20 person group for many many months, tonight one has told me he is bailing, leaving me at 19 people. Will Amtrak honor my tickets? Make me pay more? What do I do?
Last edited:
20 seems to be the threshold for a group discount. Even with less than 20, it sounds as if they give special consideration, such as blocking out seats for the group and preboarding. However, it also sounds as if they're gearing these for student field trips or the like.As long as all 20 tickets are paid for, there shouldn't be a problem. Is 20 tickets a minimum to get a special rate? If it is, then spreading the cost of the ticket over the remaining 19 people would be the solution. If it's just a 20-person group traveling on a regular fare, then become a 19-person group. Of course, I really don't know what I'm talking about, so perhaps this whole message should be forgotten.
http://www.amtrak.com/group-travel-requests
Groups may be eligible to receive discounts for each 20 paying passengers. The half-fare children's discounts may be applied to eligible members of the group. Discounts are not valid on all trains. Further restrictions may apply.
- Group leaders and designated chaperones are responsible for the conduct and supervision of their group at all times during the field trip.
- Please remind your students to be considerate of the other passengers. Amtrak personnel cannot assist in the supervision of your group.
Sounds to me as if the money has already been collected, but the OP is concerned that without an actual 20 butts in seats that Amtrak may retroactively kill the volume discount. I've read some places that the discount may be as much as 20%.Here's the real question. The tickets are paid for. Does the person who dropped out expect a refund? I would be hacked off if I had to pay more because someone dropped out (unless it was a life-altering situation like a death in the family). If the 20th person isn't expecting a refund, no harm no foul. Keep the ticket. Let someone's spouse tag along. If s/he wants a refund, apologize and explain that it can't happen.
If there is money that needs to move around, ie refund, cost sharing, etc., only contacting Amtrak and getting a firm answer is a legitimate response. If there is no money being moved around, then hop on and go.
Enter your email address to join: