I have taken the AT a lot and watched fares for 10 years. The lowest price used to be when they 1st came out--but no more. A default higher price will be loaded for a few months. The low fares are not sold out--they have not been loaded yet, trust me, no one has bought all the nov 25 or dec 5 low fares this far out. Sold out means there are no more to sell--because there were never any at this point.
For ex, april 7, 2017, friday before spring break, had only the higher fares until summer 2016. low fare was "sold out"--then in june/july, it opened up--and still has the low fare available 3 mths out.
Sometimes high season dates never get a low fare, but early Dec should have one. I have seen this over the past 2 years, when I was looking to book. The $95 sale would not offer for Dec until about sept of next year, but sometimes you an get a similar price even without a sale.
For the low price, you need to be in seats, not a sleeper car. The fare is still higher than a few years ago--we did a family of 5 for about $500 many times. Choose lower level seats for less people and a quieter night. Good luck. No need to be up at 7am booking. It does not sell out like a cheap plane fare. Check every few weeks, but don't expect any discounts to show for a few months, and no sale until Aug/Sept.
For ex, april 7, 2017, friday before spring break, had only the higher fares until summer 2016. low fare was "sold out"--then in june/july, it opened up--and still has the low fare available 3 mths out.
Sometimes high season dates never get a low fare, but early Dec should have one. I have seen this over the past 2 years, when I was looking to book. The $95 sale would not offer for Dec until about sept of next year, but sometimes you an get a similar price even without a sale.
For the low price, you need to be in seats, not a sleeper car. The fare is still higher than a few years ago--we did a family of 5 for about $500 many times. Choose lower level seats for less people and a quieter night. Good luck. No need to be up at 7am booking. It does not sell out like a cheap plane fare. Check every few weeks, but don't expect any discounts to show for a few months, and no sale until Aug/Sept.
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