Deviation by Train
 

Are the class of service rules the same when deviating by train....Can I book a business class seat on Amtrak, and pay with the corporate card if the length of the trip is 2+16?

Your mileage may vary, but I have always used business class and will continue to do so.

Amtrak tickets and receipts clearly show the upgraded service so there is no doubt that you took an upgrade, but I have never been asked about it and my trips are always about 1-2 hours. I know other pilots that book biz class as well and have not had problems.

Book answer? Who knows, but this has been my experience.

I upgraded on the Shinkansen bullet train between NRT-TOKYO-KIX with no problem from the audit folks. As long as the ticket is below $200 (of course, anything above $100 needs your manager's approval) I don't think it matters.

I used to upgrade to First class on Amtrak from Newark Penn Station to Wilmington, DE during deviations to DOV all the time! The upgrade would get me a meal! Good ol' CW was an @$$ about deviation ground transportation, so.....

limo to Penn Station - $45
train to Wilmington - $125
limo from Wilmington to DOV - $94
Not having to deal with CW - priceless

I have taken Amtrak between OAK and SLC several times. Upgraded to a sleeper car and never had a problem.

Unless things have changed in the last 6 months or so, Trains aren't considered GT for some reason so the $200 limit shouldn't apply.

The $100 and $200 limits DO apply to trains. You can submit the request after the fact, just make sure you do it before you submit your travel report.

Also, I've taken Amtrak a few times and always purchased a first class ticket without any problems on trips less than 5 hours. Its still usually cheaper than a plane ticket.

Sure about that? Have that in writing somewhere? I've never been denied a train ticket at ANY cost over $100 or $200 and have NEVER even asked permission! Until you show me in writing, I am with fecav8r, for good reason! ;)

I purchased a last minute train ticket over $100 and forgot to put in a request. When I tried to submit my expense report it limited the amount to $100. It took an email from my ACP to reconcile the expense.

How have you submitted your expenses in excess of $100 without an approval? I'd be more than happy to be with fecav8r too!

I was just told yesterday that my 200$ first class train ticket from CDG-CGN did not need prior approval. It's just a deviation expense.