How To Get Upgrade On Amtrak Train

If you’ve booked seats on Amtrak train, you can check on various upgrade options if you’d like to enjoy more legroom & superior facilities on your trip. Continue reading to learn about how to upgrade on Amtrak train, what are steps involved, & other important info.

How Do I Upgrade Amtrak Train?

Firstly, there are 4 premium service classes available on Amtrak. They are roomette, bedroom, business class, and first class. So, you can upgrade to either of these classes.

Now, there are two ways to make the upgrade. Either you do a direct purchase or there's a bidding option. Choose whichever is per your convenience.

Amtrak Upgrade With Direct Purchase

This is simple & straightforward. You just have to pay for the desired upgrade & you can travel in a premium class. The exact steps are mentioned below.

1. Go to Amtrak official website (you can do it from the Amtrak app as well).
2. Login to your account.
3. Go to bookings & select the flight you’d like to upgrade.
4. Check if there is an availability. And, if there's, go ahead with the payment.
5. After payment, you will receive the confirmation by mail.

Besides, you also have the option to speak to an Amtrak executive on call at 1-800-USA-RAIL to make your preferred upgrade request who will facilitate the process for you.

Amtrak Bid Upgrade

This is a more convenient option for many passengers if you want to save on your travel which is through bidding. In fact, Amtrak has a special tool or feature called Amtrak BidUp with which you can make the bidding easily.

What is Amtrak BidUp?

Amtrak BidUP is the online tool by Amtrak which allows you to upgrade an Amtrak ticket at a fraction of the retail price close to the journey date. Using the same, you just have to place a bid for the desired premium class & there you go! The steps are laid down more systematically below.

1. Visit the official website of Amtrak.
2. Go to the BidUp page.
3. Enter your reservation number & last name to retrieve your booking.
4. Next, check for availability first.
5. Place a bid as per your budget against the desired premium class.
6. If your bid is accepted before the journey date, you will be able to travel in your chosen premium class.

When Will I Know If My Amtrak Bid Is Accepted?

So, if you are making a bid for Business class or First class, you will find out 1-2 hours before the departure time. Further, if you are upgrading to Roomettes or Bedrooms, the winning bids will be awarded before departure around 36 hours.
Also, if you are purchasing an instant upgrade then it will be accepted or rejected immediately at the time of submission.

Tips to Make an Upgrade on Amtrak

• Lastly, below are the handy tips that you should further be aware of to save even more on your travel budget when you are using Amtrak’s services.
• When choosing the right upgrade class, consider the travel distance & time it will take. For shorter distances, upgrading won’t matter much but for a longer distance getting just a bedroom suite would be greatly beneficial.
• If you need further assistance regarding how to make the upgrade easily, you can get in touch with an Amtrak representative.
• If an upgrade isn’t a make or break for your trip, then go for a bid at the lowest amount so that you get a really good deal.

You should take note that once your Amtrak ticket has been upgraded, ticket becomes non-refundable, non-changeable & non-transferable.

Can I Request Instant Upgrade From The Station?

Yes, you can. During the official staffed hours, Amtrak station agents can help you with the upgrade by direct purchase.

Cost of an Instant Upgrade on Amtrak

The instant purchase cost depends greatly on the travel segment & route. When you are checking for eligibility, you can always check for the specific upgrade fares as per your itinerary & desired premium class.

Conclusion

Thus, you are now aware of all info you need to make a successful bid on Amtrak. You either purchase the upgrade based on the availability or you make a bid for an upgrade on your premium cabin class. Once your upgrade request is accepted, you will now be able to travel in your desired premium class & enjoy all its benefits. Thus, a comfortable & relaxed cabin class experience awaits you now on your journey!