DEAR TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER: I had a enterprise class ticket on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight practice from Seattle to Los Angeles. I booked enterprise class due to my low imaginative and prescient and the power to have entry to Amtrak’s enterprise class lounge. I additionally get 25 % extra Amtrak factors for meals and beverage purchases.
Simply earlier than my journey, Amtrak eliminated the enterprise class automotive and downgraded my seats. I misplaced my lounge entry in Los Angeles and my 25 % Amtrak Visitor Relations factors after it modified my tickets from “worth” to “normal” class.
I feel Amtrak can do higher. I’d like an improve to a roomette or entry to the enterprise class lounge on the practice station and meal vouchers with drinks. Are you able to please assist me repair this?
— Daniel Onn, Saratoga
ANSWER: Amtrak routinely reconfigures its trains, however when it does, it wants to make sure the passengers who paid for the next stage of service get compensated. Amtrak’s refund coverage addresses downgrades made by passengers however not by the rail service.
And what does it must say about these downgrades? It affords no refunds, however suggests a fare adjustment could also be so as. Individually, the rail service says if it makes a schedule change, an tools substitution or a cancellation and the brand new lodging cost or rail fare is decrease in consequence, it would challenge an eVoucher for any residual worth. So examine your account — you need to have some credit score in your downgraded ticket.
You contacted me earlier than your departure, that means Amtrak should still have supposed to answer your request for extra compensation. I feel a fare adjustment would have been applicable. Definitely, as a goodwill gesture, just a few further factors or an improve would have been a pleasant contact.
In case you ever discover Amtrak is responding too slowly — or in no way — you possibly can contact the rail service by means of the Amtrak government contacts I record on my client advocacy website, Elliott.org.
I contacted Amtrak in your behalf. A consultant referred to as and provided you 1,000 loyalty factors and a $100 low cost on a roomette improve. You might be proud of that supply.
Christopher Elliott is the founding father of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit group that helps shoppers remedy their issues. E-mail him at chris@elliott.org or click on the “get assist” button at www.elliott.org.
© 2023 Christopher Elliott.