WASHINGTON -- Amtrak said its spring value pricing, called Great
Getaway Fares, and other promotions will help agents sell rail
tours to families.
When clients book the value fares, valid for travel April 19 to
May 21, the first person pays the regular fare; the second
passenger gets 50% off, and the third rides for free.
Tickets must be purchased by May 9 and must be reserved seven
days in advance. The fares, commissionable at 10%, are not
available on certain Amtrak routes.
Agents can sell packages to families by emphasizing the "unique
experience and quality time they enjoy on a train," according to
Kathleen Gordon, assistant vice president of sales for Amtrak.
Amtrak said its version of the popular Carmen Sandiego CD-ROM, a
U.S. geography game, will help drive family sales to agencies. The
special spring fares are valid for sites highlighted in the game,
Amtrak said.
The computer game features the character Carmen Sandiego, a
crook who has climbed aboard an Amtrak train. The new CD-ROM,
"Where in America Is Carmen Sandiego? The Great Amtrak Train
Adventure," introduces players to train travel as they chase Carmen
and her cohorts across the U.S. It is designed for children ages 7
to 12 and showcases Amtrak destinations as well as its trains, such
as the California Zephyr, Adirondack, Southwest Chief, Coast
Starlight and Empire Builder.
Travel agents can offer their clients coupons to purchase the
game for $7.95 plus tax, which is $2 off the advertised price.
Agents can obtain the coupons by calling (800) TEL-TRAK.
Amtrak Great Getaway Fares are for coach class travel.
Upgrades to custom class preferred seating and first class
sleeping accommodations can be reserved for an additional charge,
subject to availability. The fares are based on roundtrip purchase,
which is double the one-way fare.
Fifteen selected routes are subject to Great Getaway Fares,
including:
Chicago to Washington. A one-way rail trip for three is $73.50;
full fare for three is regularly $147.New York to Savannah, Ga. A one-way rail trip for three is
$139.50; full fare for three is regularly $279.Los Angeles to Flagstaff, Ariz./Grand Canyon. A one-way rail
trip for three is $73.50; full fare for three is regularly
$147.Travel agents can package these fares with hotel accommodations,
rental cars or other add-ons for increased commissions.
Amtrak
Phone: (800) TEL-TRAK
Web: www.amtrak.com