TONY

Family of 3 looking to take the train from NYC area to Orlando vicinity. Several dates, including ~Nov 22 and April 3 '02.

I need tips on how to get cheapest AMTRAK fares.

Any fare codes;

co-marketing agreements with partners;

Airline offers (do they accept airline tickets in lieu of rail pass); Can I buy a dirt cheap air ticket and have it be accepted by AMTRAK?

Web sites to 'buy' return trips [as all AMTRAK fares used to be one way, with a 'free' return]

Tricks like booking for Miami and getting off at Sanford (or wherever);

Open Jaw fare strategies

Any experiences and advice would be appreciated.

I am very confident I know how to shop for the lowest airfare; But I am very short of knowledge on obtaining the best rail fare.

HELP PLEASE!!!

xxx

Simple question. Have you tried contacting Amtrak directly with these questions?

toot toot

www.amtrak.com -- click on promotions and special offers. I know they have some family packages, but there are also things like student advantage that allow discounts.

Joanne

Kids usually go for half-fare on Amtrak, not sure what the cutoff for age is. And AAA members get a 10 percent discount. But you have to specifically ask for these.

ss

I believe in the spring Amtrak offers a 1st passenger - full price, 2nd half price and the third passenger travels free!

ohoh

You can also sign up to get frequent traveler miles/points (good at hotels, for travel, etc.) Visit the website. I love Amtrak.

Tony

OK.

I've seen fares on Amtrak.com's website for $3.40 (Indy - Chicago) .. For example, NYC to Chicago for $16. [Under Rail Sale Online Discounts] For less than eating out, I can go from NYC to anywhere along the route to Chicago.

Pretty good deals. Not my destination, though.