Rewards

Just like the major airlines, Amtrak offers a rewards program. Unlike some of the airlines, we were not allowed to add the trip to our travel record once booked. Cancelling and re-booking subjected the ticket to re-pricing and availability. In other words, the trains were full and we might lose out on our spot. We also discovered you need to be careful to specify each rider’s rewards number with each ticket booked. When my wife booked the LA to Tucson portion, the agent simply credited her trip and not the rest of the family, the explanation offered was that she did not separately sign up each rider, book each ticket, and give each number during the call. Can’t see ourselves becoming frequent ‘trainers’ at this point, so no big deal missing out on the points. Still, I recommend signing up for the rewards program before hand, and leaving enough time to work the small problems as they arise.

 AAA Discount

My Arizona AAA membership has the Hertz Gold Rewards Plus membership as a perk. Hertz did allow me to add the Gold Rewards benefits to my previously made reservation without any hassle, they applied the rate adjustment and made itinerary modifications right on the phone, no problem. However, they did not credit me with the trip.

No more pillows and blankets

Amtrak discontinued offering pillows and blankets to coach passengers in 2014. Best to bring your own if you need. I purchased a travel pillow–the kind that fits snugly around your neck–for each of the kids and myself before the trip.  Good thing.

Ticket prices on the same train can vary

The Texas Eagle is added to the end of the Sunset Limited in Texas, becoming one train.  Depending on how full each train is, you can book a ticket on one or the other out of points west.  Strange thing is the prices can be significantly different.  So look before you book.