My friend booked a trip (coach) on NE Regional a month ago and few days ago he wanted to move it for 1 day.
He thought that the easiest way is to cancel his reservation online and buy a new one.
So when he cancelled it - he didn't get refund, but the "voucher" instead.
He was told that this is because his fare was "advance" fair (more than 14 days in advance).
This is ridiculous because when your purchase your ticket online more than 14 days in advance -
you have no other option except buying advance fare. Moreover, website does not specify that this fare is
advance fare and non-refundable! When you buy airline tickets - you are always warned that they are
non-refundable.
And this is not the last problem. He tried to apply his voucher to another trip, 1 day later, but he was told
that he can not use this voucher online or even by PHONE!!! The only way to use it - at the station.
So basically for people who doesn't live near Amtrak station it is absolutely useless voucher. Even if you pay for your trip in advance and then try to apply your voucher at the station - they will refund your ticket and let you use your voucher, but your ticket price will most likely double because you will be buying the last minute ticket.
So, BEWARE - when you are buying NE coach tickets - you risk to lose your money without any warning if you need to modify your trip!
P.S. Reading new cancellation policy:
Some advance booking/purchase fares are not refundable.
Very "clear" rule! "Some" fares are refundable, "some" are not! Only agent will decide that!
He thought that the easiest way is to cancel his reservation online and buy a new one.
So when he cancelled it - he didn't get refund, but the "voucher" instead.
He was told that this is because his fare was "advance" fair (more than 14 days in advance).
This is ridiculous because when your purchase your ticket online more than 14 days in advance -
you have no other option except buying advance fare. Moreover, website does not specify that this fare is
advance fare and non-refundable! When you buy airline tickets - you are always warned that they are
non-refundable.
And this is not the last problem. He tried to apply his voucher to another trip, 1 day later, but he was told
that he can not use this voucher online or even by PHONE!!! The only way to use it - at the station.
So basically for people who doesn't live near Amtrak station it is absolutely useless voucher. Even if you pay for your trip in advance and then try to apply your voucher at the station - they will refund your ticket and let you use your voucher, but your ticket price will most likely double because you will be buying the last minute ticket.
So, BEWARE - when you are buying NE coach tickets - you risk to lose your money without any warning if you need to modify your trip!
P.S. Reading new cancellation policy:
Some advance booking/purchase fares are not refundable.
Very "clear" rule! "Some" fares are refundable, "some" are not! Only agent will decide that!