AutoTrain Questions Options

[Nancy]

We're considering taking the AutoTrain and I have a few questions.

1. Can a mini-van be considered a car or does it have to be considered a van?

2. The bedroom says it sleeps 2, but can sleep 3. I'm unable to book the 3 online. Do you know what the rules are for the third person?

3. I remember getting a code that a child rides free on the autotrain. Does anyone know what that code is and if it is still valid?

4. Lastly, where is the place that shows the Amtrak codes?

Thanks for any help,
Nancy

[KevinKorell]

I'll take a stab at question #1.

Motorcycles aside, there are really only two classifications of vehicles on the Auto Train. Cars fall into one category, and the other includes anything larger that is allowed, namely minivans, vans, ATV's. SUV's, etc.

When they greet you and put the magnetic placard on your car that you will use to claim it at the other end, a car is given a number with up to 3 digits, while the larger classification is given an alphanumeric placard with the prefix "AV" followed by up to 3 digits.

[AlanB]

1. Can a mini-van be considered a car or does it have to be considered a van?

It all comes down to the size of the vehicle as to how Amtrak will classify it. For example most people consider the Subaru Forester to be an SUV. It looks pretty much like any SUV out there. However, it is actually small enough in demensions that it falls under the car category on the Auto Train.

Check out this page for the demensions that Amtrak uses to determine car vs SUV/Van.

2. The bedroom says it sleeps 2, but can sleep 3. I'm unable to book the 3 online. Do you know what the rules are for the third person?

It can't be done on line, you have to call up Amtrak to do that. They want to be sure that you understand that Amtrak doesn't officially recommend 3 people in a bedroom. So it can't be booked online. You can call the special AutoTrain number 1-877-754-7495, which generally has a shorter hold time than the normal Amtrak number.

3. I remember getting a code that a child rides free on the autotrain. Does anyone know what that code is and if it is still valid?

The code is H749 and your trip must be between June 1 and September 30, 2008, and there are few blackout dates. Like I'm sure that a few days around the 4th of July, as well as Labor Day weekend are blacked out. More info on the discount can be found here in Amtrak's press release.

4. Lastly, where is the place that shows the Amtrak codes?

That would be Flyertalk.

[Nancy]

Thanks Kevin and Alan for the responses. Need to go measure our van.

Nancy

[Nancy]

Okay I booked our autotrain trip. Can hardly wait. Found out I could only use one discount code and not with AAA fares.

Thanks all.
Nancy

[KevinKorell]

Nancy, have a great trip, and if you get the chance please report back and let us know how it went!