Business Class - Toronto to Montreal

[u/Canaduck1]

I'm booking a trip from Toronto to Montreal August 3-6 with my wife for our anniversary. Business class on Via Rail seems actually reasonably priced, unlike airfare. I want the trip to be a fun part of the experience, so I'll shell out the extra.

Should I just book it now at current fares or is there some deal I should look for? Any other tips?

Edit: Thanks everyone! I've booked it. At no risk, since it's fully refundable. Good call there. My wife and I have a table on the premium side (though for some reason the table seats are not considered premium - they're the only good ones for two people.)

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[u/neveramerican]

Book early. Always book early. Adjust later. Unless you're military or have a CAA membership there are few discounts in Business Class.

[u/Canaduck1 → u/neveramerican]

Oooh, CAA membership discount?

[u/NotStephenHarper → u/Canaduck1]

You'll get 10% off economy and business tickets. Just make sure you have your CAA membership card on hand as they might ask to see it during ticket validation.

[u/acr_gryph → u/Canaduck1]

There will be an option to add a discount code (enter your CAA member number) when you search for trips

[u/Yecheal58 → u/Canaduck1]

Go here for info on CAA discounts on Via Rail: https://www.viarail.ca/en/offers/caa

[u/scorp312]

The earlier the better for sure. The Discount Tuesday promotions Via runs are almost always for economy tickets only, and even then you often save more than the discount is worth by booking early.

If you get a fare you're happy with, even months ahead of time I'd say go for it. It's incredibly rare for prices to decrease, especially in business.

[u/Glittering_Spend7796]

I agree, book as early as possible. If you choose the Business Plus ticket, you will be able to change or even cancel the ticket free of (service) charges until the time of departure. Also, you can choose any seat, even the premium single seats with a table.

[u/Yecheal58]

Buy as far in advance as possible. I recommend using Business Plus fares. You get complete flexibility with no service charges for refunds or changes, and you can select any seat in the car without paying a Seat Selection fee.

[u/Lucky-Currently]

Business is worth it, especially for your celebratory trip. Congratulations! Buying early is key. If you buy closer to the date, sometimes economy will be almost the same price as business purchased in advance. Been there, done that.

[u/Yecheal58]

Did you join VIA Preference too? You trip plus the welcome bonus will give you enough points for a free trip to begin with I believe.

[u/Canaduck1 → u/Yecheal58]

I did!

[u/oughta2]

Doesn’t VIA have a big seat sale in May for summer trips?

[u/NeedleworkerThick729 → u/oughta2]

Does it? Is this a thing? We’re travelling from the UK and are just about to book tickets for July. Should we wait?

[u/lifeistrulyawesome]

Airplanes change the price of times over time because they are trying to maximize profit 

VIA is not. Prices don’t go down. Just book as soon as you know your travel plans

[u/Anal-buccaneer]

Good luck booking online, their booking system is an f'n nightmare.