Amtrak Adds Value and Flex Options to First Class Fares

Amtrak is introducing segmentation to its first class tickets, now offering a Value and Flex option for passengers.

At a high level, Value fares are less expensive but come with more restrictions, while Flex fares are more expensive but have fewer restrictions.

Let’s take a look at all the details.

Amtrak’s New Value and Flex Fares

Amtrak has added new tiers to its first class fares: Value and Flex. Passengers can choose to accept more restrictions in exchange for a small discount with a Value fare, or pay a little bit more and face fewer restrictions with a Flex fare.

Here’s what this new segmentation looks like in practice. Take, for example, this first class ticket from New York Penn Station to Boston’s Back Bay Station on board the high-speed Acela service.

The search results advertise a first class ticket “from $202” one-way. When you click to see more details, you’ll notice the $202 price is for a Value fare, while the Flex fare costs $228 one-way.

If you choose the less-expensive Value fare, you’ll need to pay a 25% cancellation fee if you cancel before departure, and no changes are allowed.

On the other hand, for $26 more, you can opt for the Flex fare, which offers a full refund if the ticket is canceled before departure and allows changes for no additional fee.

All first class tickets, regardless of which option you choose, come with seat selection, a choice between single, double, or table seating, complimentary food and drink served at your seat, and lounge access and priority boarding (available at select stations).

Additionally, Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn 2 points per $1 spent, along with a 50% points bonus.

Final Thoughts

Amtrak is taking a page out of several airlines’ books by introducing segmentation to its premium fares. Some airlines have begun rolling out “stripped-down” premium fares that come with more restrictions in exchange for a lower cost, and the nation’s leading train provider is now emulating that strategy.

A spokesperson said this is “part of Amtrak’s nationwide rollout of standard fare plans,” which means it soon will come to all routes with a first class car. Based on some early examples we’ve seen so far, the premium for selecting the Flex fare isn’t too steep, so if you value flexibility in your schedule, you’ll likely want to spring for that option. However, if your plans are set in stone, you’ll probably be just fine choosing a more restrictive Value fare.