Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Even if you have been vaccinated, you will probably be required to wear a face mask. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. I was excited. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. Brown also says vaccine requirements to travel are nothing new. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. And again, plan to arrivewearing a mask: Passengers are required to wear facial coverings both at the station and onboard unless they are in a private room with the door closed or actively eating and drinking while maintaining distance from others. . J. CDC, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in . Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. Once youre done getting your vaccine shot(s), protect that fragile document like a Faberg egg. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . People who don't want quiet sit elsewhere. Customers should not travel when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms . However, this was not the case on my train. March 15, 20213:28 PM. Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. By combining our safety efforts with the guidance of our medical director and partnership with George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we want our customers to have a renewed sense of confidence. Making Reservations for Passengers with a Disability, Meal Service for Passengers with a Disability, Mechanical Bulletins for Private Rail Cars, share your train travel experience with us. Ridership is still down leaving inter-city trains with scores of open seats from which to choose. Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and launch new initiatives to support personal safety. Private Rooms Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. And since we believe the vaccine offers the best way to keep our employees and customers safe, Amtrak is requiring that all employees get vaccinated or submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? And while safety and sanitization were largely prioritized no matter which train I rode, the experience wasnt uniform. . The journey was smooth, . In short: people want different options for travel, and Amtrak threads the needle, accommodating varying needs. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Listen to article. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. With that funding, Amtrak which is publicly funded and privately operated said Wednesday that it would be able to execute on many of those goals, including improving Northeast Corridor trip. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.. For passengers in private cabins, formal traditional dining with chef-prepared meals has returned to most long-distance trains. Sleepy small towns and vast stretches of farmland also whizzed by outside, blurring into one another and introducing stories and characters that existed only for seconds. There was also a metal utility sink, molded plastic wall, and an airplane-sized bathroom with a handheld shower nozzle over the toilet. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. ! " For More Information Jason Abrams MediaRelations@Amtrak.com Amtrak Contact 202 906.3860 About Amtrak Pack a face mask and a backup. Amtrak has implemented many other innovations in part due to the pandemic, including gate & track push notifications sent to mobile devices and digital wallet payments made with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. And if it is, make sure youre familiar with any restrictions in place. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Topline. _ @ " $ # ,). Masks covering your nose and mouth are required by Amtrak in all stations, as is keeping proper social distance from others. After a year of bad news, travelers finally have something to look forward to again. WASHINGTON - Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. Linking to a non-federal Website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Everything you need to know about vaccine passports. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try We will send password reset instructions. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Welcome aboard. The railroad entity told. Offers may be subject to change without notice. While onboard any Amtrak train please note the following for a safer and more enjoyable trip: While in any Amtrak station please note the following for a safer more enjoyable trip: Whether onboard the train or at the station, if you see something, say something. My lunch was delivered right as we entered my favorite stretch of the journey, when the scenery of central California expanded with the wineries of Paso Robles, then surrounded us on all sides with mountains. It was our very first time on any Amtrak train. Amtrak has new COVID-19 safety protocols for the holidays. COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. Let's try a different question. Im Linda, and Ill be your cabin attendant taking care of you all the way to Los Angeles. Lindas cheerful spirit was contagious, giving me the first real feeling of excitement and adventure since my last trip, a food-filled exploration of Houston back in late February. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. Let's try a different question. The sudden dropping of mask regulations on public transportation comes just weeks before the current mandate was set to expire on May 3. While the science is clear that universal . "Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.". Most passengers were respectful of the rules, though there was the occasional person who used this rule as a way to get around wearing a mask for an extended period of time in other sections, like the observation car. This means you won't have to travel this . National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/tickets-id-safety-security/personal-safety. TSA Will Not Enforce COVID Mask Mandate on Planes, Public Transit After Judge's Ruling, U.S. Airlines Quick to Drop Mask Mandate After Federal Court Ruling, These Are the U.S. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Leave personal food items and baggage at your seat. We will send password reset instructions. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Service remains a mixed bag on Amtrak's state-supported trains and corridors, and the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and its branches. Is this your first time on the Coast Starlight? Linda asked. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Let's try a different question. Learn more about our baggage policies. ), Nine other long-distance trains are reduced to operating five days a week, instead of daily. Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group, says travelers should check with their insurance company (if you have insurance) to find out what will be covered by their policy, then supplement what is missing through travel insurance. And thats when I got to work. This is how to plan a good one. Only use authorized Amtrak Red Cap service for assistance. We will send password reset instructions. Please enter a password. Some stations require more time. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a change fee. At first, the feeling was confusing and almost unrecognizable, but then it hit me: For the first time in seven months, I wasnt just going somewhere I was traveling. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. ! " Another Flight, There are children in room 1 without an adult, You didn't specify child's age for room 1, There are children in room 2 without an adult, There are children in room 3 without an adult, There are children in room 4 without an adult, There are children in room 5 without an adult, Please select a trip duration less than 28 days, There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap, Exclusive Walgreens Cash rewards for members, AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Vacation Packages, Members save when booking a flight vacation package, AARP Identity Theft Protection powered by Norton, Up to 53% off comprehensive protection plans, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. again. Caf service is available on most trains but is suspended on two California lines: the Capitol Corridor between Sacramento and San Jose, and the San Joaquins service connecting the Central Valley to Oakland. Review restriction information by looking up your destinations local government websites. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. One unexpected highlight of my train trip was the food both tasty and filling. I had 29 and a half hours to go. Amtrak is ending daily service to hundreds of stations. Seating accommodations vary depending on your route and the kind of train equipment in use. If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This article was published more than1 year ago. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Walking through the rows of roomettes, it appeared that people were taking advantage of a loophole in the mask rule they were maskless while in their rooms as required, but their doors were wide open. Linda and her boisterous charm bid me adieu, promising to return to show me around my new digs after she was able to meet, greet, and guide her other sleeping car passengers to their rooms. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. As I approached the platform outside the sleeping car, I flashed my paperwork to a welcoming employee who managed to flash back a big smile, even with her face hidden behind a mask. Complete line list for Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. The tablecloth dining will return June 23 to the six trains serving the western United. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. Customers can view where there might be empty seats to allow for greater distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. Make physical copies of it, keep those copies in a few different places and get one of those copies laminated (some places like Staples and Office Depot will do it free). We have useful tips and information for travelers like you to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as it could be. Tickets purchased onboard include a service fee built into the fare. Amtrak will run more train service in Pennsylvania beginning on June 1 in coordination with PennDOT. To maximize space between passengers and manage flow, Amtrak is encouraging customers to arrive 30 minutes before departure (60 minutes if they need ticketing or baggage assistance). The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. Notify patients/residents and their families, as appropriate, of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 7. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Amtrak is issuing travel guidelines that aim to reassure customers that several added cleanliness and convenience measures have been implemented on their trains as the country begins to reopen during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. Fee waivers: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for any changes made by December 31, 2023 on fares that have change fees. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Other precautions include the removal of non-safety materials from seatback pockets, and automatic door open buttons that customers can tap with their foot to move between cars. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Stations (and trains) are receiving enhanced cleaning, particularly of high-touch surfaces like door handles and countertops. This expansion also marks the first time customers can reserve a seat in the Quiet Car. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Vaccine questions, answered. Many countries require specific inoculations to visit; the coronavirus vaccine is just another one to add to the list. While the view itself wasnt breathtaking, I found myself holding my breath. Warren Webster, chief executive of the travel and media company Atlas Obscura, recommends protecting your vaccine card the way you would protect your passport: Take photos of it and save them on your phone. Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. Please enter a password. Pre-Departure Checklist Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible Baggage Policy & Service Pack or ship your luggage according to our baggage guidelines and make the most of our service. For TTY service, call 1-800-523-6590. Our timing was impeccable and lined up with the sunset. privacy policy. The national rail service has temporarily cut back operations due to staffing shortages fueled by the omicron variant. Seating Accommodations Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You may also want to pack refreshments for your trip, particularly if youre flying or taking a train. We were off. A car is only as safe as the precautious you take, according to Suzanne Pham, a physician who directs Weiss Memorial Hospital's COVID-19 hospital response in Chicago. (Amtrak declined to answer my inquiries on whether or not this violated their mask policy, but they did say that refusing to wear a mask in a public space will result in prompt removal from the train.). William J. Flynn took over as CEO of Amtrak at the worst possible . Review the policy for unaccompanied minors. Amtrak is temporarily suspending a requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by early January, the railroad said Tuesday, a move that could stave off a feared . TripIts Moyse warns travelers that shirking local restrictions such as mask-wearing is not just a health risk, but a financial one. After locking the door behind me and closing the privacy curtain, I immediately took out my tub of Clorox wipes. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this same approach could be taken in relation to masking. Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket counters, and hand sanitizer dispensers in stations. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. While nearly 97 percent of Amtrak workers are fully vaccinated, several hundred employees including service personnel, conductors, engineers and mechanical crew members have been sidelined. Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Upon reaching out to Amtrak, a spokesperson for the company said, "The health and safety of our riders and crew continues to be our number one priority. Rapid hospital readiness checklist: Interim Guidance Harmonized health service capacity assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Harmonized health service capacity assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Global Regions WHO Regional websites Africa Americas South-East Asia Europe Eastern Mediterranean Western Pacific Amtrak's unique travel experience for families, individuals and groups, Tickets & fares, accessible travel service, security & ID requirements, Boarding information, station lounges, baggage & station services, Seating & sleeping, baggage info, train amenities, food & dining, Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers, Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More, Train vacation packages throughout North America, USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets, Earn points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades and more, Discover member benefits, ways to earn or redeem points and more, Explore ways to earn points that can quickly add up to great rewards, Get even more benefits with an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card. That time, I had bought a business class ticket, an upgrade that came with two free bottles of water, an onboard food credit, and even a free early evening wine tasting. Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: + We have studied, analyzed, and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience from beginning to end, focusing on the safety and health of our people and travelers.". The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. Customers can travel with extra confidence knowing all our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes. First up:facial coverings. Travel tips you can trust. Anyone who has a trip canceled due to the service cuts will be notified and offered alternative travel plans. Amtrak's ridership hit an all-time record nationwide in 2019, then skidded by about 90% in April when cases of COVID-19 began soaring. Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. In my pre-pandemic life, I traveled for work two to three times a month a far cry from the one-mile radius I had confined myself to in Brooklyn between March and August. terms and conditions At the time, it also limited bookings, switched to cashless onboard payments, and promoted physical distancing on trains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Other resources are available for conducting that research, including the State Department and CDC websites or the travel-organizing app TripIt which allows users to learn about coronavirus infection rates, entry and exit rules, and other guidelines. Heres your pre-trip checklist. / : ; < = > ? We have made upgrades to the Amtrak app, where customers can book, get boarding information, and check train status from a mobile device and receive real-time information before boarding. The CDC recommends domestic and international travelers get a viral test one to three days before departure and three to five days after travel. How can I fill out this form, and get in touch with u? Depending on where youre traveling, you may still need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test result even when vaccinated. For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. Add terms and conditions Passengers boarding at any staffed station or station with an Amtrak kiosk should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train. _ @ " $ # ,). Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Check-in early to arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance. By the time I reached the dining car, I was relieved to see that Sandy, the dining room attendant, was masked and wiping down tables. Let's try a different question. Amtrak will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. Notify staff of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 6. Though it was a shared space . As I set my things down, the train rolled into motion. Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. Amtrak has required its customers and workers to wear masks since May of 2020. If youre taking a substantial trip, you will want to protect yourself with travel insurance even if you have never been inclined to before. Even though health experts are less concerned about coronavirus transmission from surfaces than they are from respiratory droplets in the air, pack sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer that is at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Passwords are case sensitive. and Amtrak's unique travel experience for families, individuals and groups, Tickets & fares, accessible travel service, security & ID requirements, Boarding information, station lounges, baggage & station services, Seating & sleeping, baggage info, train amenities, food & dining, Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers, Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More, Train vacation packages throughout North America, USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets, Earn points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades and more, Discover member benefits, ways to earn or redeem points and more, Explore ways to earn points that can quickly add up to great rewards, Get even more benefits with an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card. . Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Passwords are case sensitive. Let's try a different question. Amtrak's unique travel experience for families, individuals and groups, Tickets & fares, accessible travel service, security & ID requirements, Boarding information, station lounges, baggage & station services, Seating & sleeping, baggage info, train amenities, food & dining, Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers, Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More, Train vacation packages throughout North America, USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets, Earn points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades and more, Discover member benefits, ways to earn or redeem points and more, Explore ways to earn points that can quickly add up to great rewards, Get even more benefits with an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card. During the 2019 fiscal year, Amtrak carried a record 32.5 million passengers; however, an Amtrak internal analysis in April showed a 95 percent drop in ridership because of the coronavirus. Over the past few months, Ive taken four trains over three Amtrak routes, Wunderman told me. Thanksgiving travelers who plan to ride the train between Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 need to reserve . privacy policy. If you are going to be traveling for long periods of time, pack food and a water bottle (that you can refill after passing through the TSA checkpoint) as a backup. The policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled in a 59-page decision that the "mask mandate exceeds the CDC's statutory authority and violated the procedures required for agency rulemaking." For someone like me with immune issues that put them in a higher-risk category for COVID-19, having this option offered an off-load of anxiety. _ @ " $ # ,). Heres more on Amtraks latest policies and practices. The following forms of identification are acceptable for persons 18 and older: Examples of acceptable forms of ID include: Following federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, we regularly conduct random ticket verification checks onboard trains to ensure that passengers are properly ticketed. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Pack your vaccine card with your passport , then check if you need an actual vaccine passport, too, 4. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Please enter a password. Text. and Due to COVID relief funding, Amtrak will sustain and restore operations and recall the more than 1,200 furloughed employees through the remainder of FY21 and into FY22. 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. For the foreseeable future, we will still be following coronavirus precautions and restrictions. Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. Prepare to get tested before, and potentially after, you travel, 5. While the ruling is being reviewed, the Biden administration confirmed on Monday night that the TSA will not enforce mask-wearing. If you reply YES to any of the questions in the checklist, stay home (with pay) and follow the steps below: Call your supervisor and. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If your trip involves travel across the US-Canadian border on a train or Thruway bus, review our border crossing information. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Report any suspicious behavior to police, station personnel. That includes contactless boarding, enhanced disinfection through a partnership with Lysol, and onboard filtration systems that exchange fresh air every four to five minutes. When searching for travel, the percentage of seats sold displays next to each trip option and adjusts as more reservations are made, which gives customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded.