In this edition of travel news, Amtrak urges prospective rail passengers to book tickets as early as possible for the best price. Also, Avelo Airlines adds two new nont-stop flights from the Delaware Valley.
Taking A Train for the Holidays? Book Early, Amtrak Urges
WASHINGTON DC – As interest in travel increases during the approaching Thanksgiving and winter holidays, national passenger rail carrier Amtrak is urging prospective riders to book their tickets sooner rather than later.
Why? In part, travel experts explain, because Amtrak uses a dynamic pricing model under which ticket prices rise as passenger demand grows.
Fares can vary based on the number of purchasers (the more who buy, the higher the cost), the day and time of travel (particularly during holidays and peak times), and the length of the route. The practice is similar to one used by many airlines, the pros say.
Value Fares, Sale Fares, Discounts, and Flex Fares
Depending on its promotional schedule, Amtrak says it also may offer less expensive travel with “value fares,” which cost less up front but cannot be changed and which incur a cancellation fee. It also offers “sale fares” that represent the carrier’s best deals but also cannot be changed, and for which a higher cancellation fee is charged.
Additionally, Amtrak provides discounts on regular fares for infants (younger than age 2, they ride free when accompanied by a paying adult); and children (ages 2-12, they are charged half the regular fare when accompanied by a paying adult). Senior travelers age 65 and older are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains.
For greater flexibility, Amtrak offers what it calls “flex fares.” Flex fare passengers have the flexibility to cancel their booking up until departure. They receive a full refund to their original form of payment.
Ticket changes also are permitted up until departure without penalty. They allow riders to “modify (their) trip without jumping through hoops or paying extra fees, Amtrak adds.
Top photo by Nina Zeynep Güler on Unsplash+, used under license
Above photo by Travels With The Post
Avelo Offering Non-Stop Flights to Chicago, Atlanta
WILMINGTON DE – Two new non-stop routes to Chicago and Atlanta, departing from Wilmington Airport, have been added by Avelo Airlines, the company says. Also, a third aircraft will be stationed at the airport beginning in March 2026, it adds.
Avelo reports it will open the routes during the first quarter of 2026, using Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. They will further expand its air service, introduced nearly three years ago. Travelers bookings are being accepted online.
Travel to Atlanta, via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is set to begin Feb. 12 (2026) with five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Service to Chicago, via O’Hare International Airport, is scheduled to start March 12 (2026) with four flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The company operates a total of 16 non-stop destinations from Wilmington Airport, reached in a 90-minute drive south of Pottstown using Route 100, U.S. Route 202, and Interstate 95.
Its Delaware base currently employs more 100 crew members. Since its start in Delaware, the company says it has flown more than 750,000 customers from or to Wilmington on more than 5,500 flights.
Photo provided by Avelo Airlines
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