Key Difference – Amtrak Value vs Premium
Amtrak is a passenger railroad that provides long and medium distance intercity services in the United States and some parts of Canada. Amtrak offers a range of options, and it is important to know the difference between each of these options in order to choose the best option that suits your needs. There are three basic fare options in Amtrak based on refunding options and other policies: Saver, Value and Premium. Amtrak Value is a fare option with several refunding options. Amtrak premium is a service that is in addition to the basic fare options. As the name premium itself implies, this service offers more comfortable facilities, but at a higher cost. This is the key difference between Amtrak Value and Premium.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Amtrak Value
3. What is Amtrak Premium
4. Side by Side Comparison – Amtrak Value vs Premium
5. Summary
What is Amtrak Value
Amtrak Value option is fully refundable although there are some restrictions regarding the refunding. The Value ticket is fully refundable if it is cancelled 48 hours before the scheduled departure. However, a 20% fee will be charged if it is cancelled less than 48 hours before the departure. If the Value fare is not cancelled before the trip, that is, if the passenger does not show up, the entire amount will be charged.
The passengers can also cancel the ticket and store the ticket value as a credit in an e-voucher to be used for future Amtrak travel. But, this has to be done before the scheduled departure.
Amtrak Value fare option is available on all trains, but the number of seats with this option may be limited.
When compared with other two fare options, Amtrak Value option has many advantages over the Save option but is not as convenient as the Flexible options, which offers a full refund without any restrictions.
Figure 1: An Amrak Train
What is Amtrak Premium
Amtrak Premium is a service that is in addition to the three basic fare options: Saver, Value and Flexible. This includes upgraded services such as Acela Express First class, non-Acela Express Business class and sleeping accommodations (rooms). This service, however, may vary by train and the number of premium seats and rooms in a train is limited.
Amtrak Premium is more costly than Amtrak Value fare although it offers more comfort. The refunding options may differ on seats and sleeping accommodation.
Acela Express First Class and non-Acela Business Class
The ticket is fully refundable if cancelled before the scheduled departure. If not cancelled before, the ticket is refundable with a 20% refund fee.
Sleeping Accommodations
- A 20% fee will be charged if cancelled 15 days prior to the scheduled departure.
- The amount is not refundable if cancelled 14 days or fewer prior to the departure, but the value may be applied to an e-voucher, which can be used for future travel within one year.
- The entire amount will be charged if not cancelled.
What is the difference between Amtrak Value and Premium?
Amtrak Value vs Premium |
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| Amtrak Value is a basic fare option offered by Amtrak. | Amtrak Premium is a service offered in addition to basic fare options. |
| Tax | |
| Amtrak Value is less expensive than Amtrak Premium. | Amtrak Premium is more expensive than Amtrak Value. |
| Refunding Options | |
| Amtrak Value is 100% refundable if cancelled 48 hours prior to departure. A 20% fee is charged if cancelled less than 48 hours.
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Acela Express First Class and non-Acela Business Class tickets are fully refundable if cancelled before the scheduled departure.
Sleeping accommodation is fully refundable if cancelled 15 days prior. |
Summary – Amtrak Value vs Premium
Amtrak Value is a basic fare option offered by Amtrak. Amtrak Premium is a service offered in addition to the three basic fare options. The difference between Amtrak Value and Premium lies in the cost, services and refunding policies offered by these two options. Amtrak Premium is more expensive as well as comfortable Value and has more convenient refunding options.
Image Courtesy:
“Amtrak 145 Phase III Paint Scheme (6121792457)”By jpmueller99 from Shenandoah Valley of VA, USA – Amtrak 145 Phase III Paint Scheme, (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia