Well the pricing buckets for the family room (one way, Chicago to Seattle) on the Empire Builder are going up to the following on August 22: FS 992.00, FA 826.00, FB 625.00, FC 473.00, FD 323.00
Currently (and until August 22) they will be as follows: FS 826.00 FA 625.00 FB 473.00 FC 358.00 FD 272.00
It appears that the highest bucket is being charged when you price the reservation, although I am not sure why since you are booking so far in advance. I am sure you know the rail fares for each passenger are added on top of the single accommodation charge. I would think the bucket would be much lower booking this far in advance, but I guess they are using the yield management forecast to predict that the rooms will be sold out regardless on the date of your travel (which I am sure they probably will be). That same bedroom priced for late January currently shows a $272 accommodation charge (will go up to $323 on August 22 when the new fares go into effect).
That said the fare will definitely change on August 22 if you do not lock it in. Whether it is better to book now and guarantee the current highest accommodation charge is better than waiting until after the 22nd and seeing if the room might drop to a lower pricing bucket I am not sure. If it doesn't drop to a different bucket level, the price could go up to the new highest bucket. What does everyone else think would be best for Gingee?
<_< :unsure: