Viarail - Get Business Class with Economy Class Fare

[rebjorne]

Does taking full advantage of your travel time matter to you? Whether it’s to work, relax or play, your travel time is yours to enjoy when you choose VIA Rail. And now, thanks to the VentureOne and VIA partnership, you can enjoy VIA Rail's Business class at Economy class fare! There’s no better time to try or to experience once again VIA’s Business class service!

To take advantage of this promotion, simply request a VIA Rail e-coupon and use it towards the purchase of a one-way or round trip Business class ticket valid for travel in the Québec City-Windsor corridor (southern Ontario and southern Québec).

All these benefits can be yours for the adult regular fare of Economy class! Travel must take place between October 30, 2009 and December 14, 2009 (inclusive).

Go here to request a coupon - one coupon per email address:
http://www.viarail.ca/en/ventureone

Hope this helps someone out!

[shepd]

VIA would get a lot more passengers, and wouldn't need to run constant specials if they would just realize that charging more for the train than an airplane is ridiculous, except perhaps for multi-day trips.

[coopercold]

via would get a lot more passengers, and wouldn't need to run constant specials if they would just realize that charging more for the train than an airplane is ridiculous, except perhaps for multi-day trips.

+1

[psyko514]

Think I can use this on a ticket that's already purchased? I'm travelling Toronto-Montreal tomorrow night and wouldn't mind an upgrade to Business class.

[youbet]

VIA would get a lot more passengers, and wouldn't need to run constant specials if they would just realize that charging more for the train than an airplane is ridiculous, except perhaps for multi-day trips.

They can charge more than airlines but they need to speed it up. Bombardier helped Chinese High Speed Railway and should have done something for the Canadian people.

[psyko514]

Think I can use this on a ticket that's already purchased? I'm travelling Toronto-Montreal tomorrow night and wouldn't mind an upgrade to Business class.

Found my answer. I'd have to pay the service charge of $41 to change my ticket assuming I hadn't booked using my corporate rate. But since I booked on the corporate rate, I'm not eligible at all

[kendrew]

They can charge more than airlines but they need to speed it up. Bombardier helped Chinese High Speed Railway and should have done something for the Canadian people.

The tracks in Canada are too old (and not straight enough) and they run on diesel, so we'd need to electrify everything (which is expensive and for some odd reason they refuse to do it)

[timl]

has anyone here taken via business class? what are the food and drink amenities like?

[stugautz]

has anyone here taken via business class? what are the food and drink amenities like?

Took it back in August. Food portions are tiny and nothing to write home about. Drinks are good as the lounge car is open bar, has satellite TV and snacks (like chips and pretzels).

[grumps]

Only problem with these coupons (and you can get them quite frequently) is that Economy Regular costs almost as much as the Special Business rates provided you book early enough. These coupons are only good if you're booking last minute. Otherwise Economy Special rates are often 1/2 the price.

[Jai_Ho]

open bar meaning free alcohol?

[psyko514]

has anyone here taken via business class? what are the food and drink amenities like?

I took it 3 times last month between Montreal and Toronto and enjoyed it very much. Depending on fare availability when you book, it can occasionally be cheaper than economy class.

Prior to boarding (at major stations), you have access to the Via 1 lounge. Complimentary drinks (non-alcoholic), newspapers, couches and TV. You also get priority boarding.

You get drink (beer or spirits) service and snacks after departure. A decent meal is served about 90 mins into the trip and you have at least 2 choices of main dish. Wine is served and topped up during the meal. After dessert, hot towels, liqueur (aperatif) and a chocolate are provided. On most trains, the lounge car is also available as noted above.

Once thing to note is that the actual seats themselves are the same in economy and business class.

open bar meaning free alcohol?

Yep! There's no extra charges for anything.

[quanta]

Thanks for the coupon! It's odd though...I have to sign up for "VentureOne" despite me already having logins for both reserVIA and VIA Preference. I feel for their IT department.

I love the train. I reckon it's just as fast taking the train from Union Station to Dorval as it is to drive to Pearson, go through security, wait for a plane, etc.

Not to mention not having to agonize over carrying liquids or luggage larger than a suitcase.

VIA 1 is great. Exceptionally great service, and the food is far and away better than airline food. You will also be able to eat with METAL utensils!

First Class chairs are also slightly wider, have much more legroom and you are guaranteed dedicated AC outlets at your seat.

[timl]

I took it 3 times last month between Montreal and Toronto and enjoyed it very much. Depending on fare availability when you book, it can occasionally be cheaper than economy class.

Prior to boarding (at major stations), you have access to the Via 1 lounge. Complimentary drinks (non-alcoholic), newspapers, couches and TV. You also get priority boarding.

You get drink (beer or spirits) service and snacks after departure. A decent meal is served about 90 mins into the trip and you have at least 2 choices of main dish. Wine is served and topped up during the meal. After dessert, hot towels, liqueur (aperatif) and a chocolate are provided. On most trains, the lounge car is also available as noted above.

Excellent summary thanks!

Another question... Does anyone know if there is any way to find out if there is a lounge car available for specific trips?

[psyko514]

Excellent summary thanks!

Another question... Does anyone know if there is any way to find out if there is a lounge car available for specific trips?

As far as I know, only the Renaissance trains have a lounge car. I'm not sure how to find out which train you'll be on, though.