With the Amtrak app. Despite these rules, the woman directly behind me left her nose poking out over the top of her mask as she carried on an animated conversation with her traveler partner. Seats are auto assigned on trains with the reserved seating option; however, they can be changed using an interactive diagram on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. In other words, unless I chose to, I wouldnt have to interact or share space with any other passengers on my 30-hour journey from Portland to Los Angeles. The number adjusts as additional seats are sold, which gives passengers the chance to switch to a train that is less crowded without a fee, although a fare difference may apply. Sometimes, doing all this extra work makes me feel paranoid, and I almost didnt do it this time. First up:facial coverings. "Try to travel in a car with . Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. This fee cannot be waived. Youre in car 31 thats my car! Passwords are case sensitive. Coronavirus and Travel: What You Should Know, Many restrictions ease with lower COVID-19 case numbers, What to Do if Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed, How to keep your trip on track with bad weather and staff shortages disrupting travel, The Latest TSA Security Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Youll need a mask, and patience, when passing through airport screenings this winter. 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. 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. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. 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. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Please enter a password. We have useful tips and information for travelers like you to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as it could be. again. However, the room was almost remarkably dated nostalgic even. Onsite Personnel COVID-19 Checklist - UMass Amherst Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? / : ; < = > ? The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. fully vaccinated people can travel again. / : ; < = > ? The journey was smooth, . ! " An email with password reset instructions is on the way. The same goes while aboard their trains. (Riders can still use the Silver Star or Palmetto routes to reach destinations served by the Silver Meteor. Battery fire on Spirit flight to Florida sends 10 to hospital. Amtrak train travel tips for the holidays amid COVID-19 - Los Angeles Times I was excited. / : ; < = > ? Please enter a password. Fee waivers: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for any changes made by December 31, 2023 on fares that have change fees. Amtrak on Twitter @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. As I plopped down on the folded seating bench and pulled out my phone to start taking pictures, I remembered reading about other overnight Amtrak experiences that detailed the freshly disinfected roomettes. 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. Take a virtual tour of our sleeping accommodations on Amtrak long-distance train routes. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. This left a total of five dining tables open (all of which must be reserved for a specific time in advance). AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. Amtrak became the latest company to require vaccinations for employees on Thursday, joining several airlines that have mandated the jab. Accessible Travel Requests | Amtrak 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.". Personal Safety | Amtrak Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. 1. Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Food Safety Checklist. I noticed signage stating that passengers and staff must wear masks at all times unless in the privacy of their own rooms had replaced Amtrak promotional posters on the walls. Amtrak has canceled about two dozen trains, blaming bad weather and COVID-19 cases among workers. As I set my things down, the train rolled into motion. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. 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. 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. Amtrak wants you to have sweet dreams the next time you travel so much so that it's sweetening . COVID-19 Innovative Adaptations | Amtrak It is worth noting that masks are not mandatory in the dining car when seated for meals, nor are passengers required to wear masks elsewhere while they are eating or drinking. How to Stay Safe Traveling By Train During the Coronavirus # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. Officials are still not recommending travel for everyone due to the rising number of cases in the United States and globally. 'A new standard of travel': Amtrak's enhanced - WTOP News Check where you can go and what you can do there, 3. Amtrak's 50th Anniversary COVID-19 Innovative Adaptations As COVID-19 has greatly impacted the transportation industry, Amtrak has had to make some innovative adaptations. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. After taking Amtrak's Coast Starlight train from Portland to Los Angeles during the pandemic, one traveler shares her experience of the 30-hour journey. Some Amtrak trains canceled starting New Year's Eve following bad FDA is providing a food safety re-opening checklist . One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. The CDC name and logo may not be utilized if the tool is recreated for use by an external entity. COVID travel: Is taking Amtrak trains safer than flying? - USA TODAY The policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball. SEATTLE (AP) In another hopeful sign that the travel industry is bouncing back in Washington state after pandemic-induced lows last year, Amtrak says it will restore daily service on 12 long distance routes across the country, including two that run through Seattle. The affected trains include the Southwest Chief (Chicago-Los Angeles), Coast Starlight (Los Angeles-Seattle), California Zephyr (Chicago-San Francisco), Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle or Portland, Ore.), Crescent (New York-New Orleans), Texas Eagle (Chicago-San Antonio), Capitol Limited (Washington, D.C.-Chicago), Lake Shore Limited (New York-Chicago) and City of New Orleans (Chicago-New Orleans.). Customers can view where there might be empty seats to allow for greater distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 2 . The company updated its policy in reaction to the TSA no longer enforcing the mask mandate. Amtrak customers 18 years of age and older must produce valid photo identification when: Exchanging, refunding or reprinting Amtrak travel documents Purchasing documents with a stored eVoucher or Transportation Credit Traveling as a Pass Rider (active or retired) Storing baggage at stations Checking baggage (including firearms) U.S. railroad Amtrak to require employee COVID-19 vaccinations Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. Please enter a password. Amtrak says it has taken additional steps to ensure cleanliness and safety for those traveling during the coronavirus pandemic. Rapid hospital readiness checklist: Interim Guidance For passengers in private cabins, formal traditional dining with chef-prepared meals has returned to most long-distance trains. Amtrak will reduce its service between Friday and Jan. 6 as it grapples with a rising number of COVID-19 cases among workers and poor weather conditions, according to The Washington Post.Among the affected routes include four trains between Washington and Springfield, Mass., overnight trains between Newport News, Va. and Boston and several trains between New York and New Orleans, among others . Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/policies/coronavirus. Amtrak restores service on routes following COVID cutbacks. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Notify staff of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 6. The change fee waiver does not apply to a previously purchased fare rebooked for the same train, date and origin/destination at a lower fare. Amtrak Suspends Vaccine Mandate For Employees Though it was a shared space . Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Everything you need to know about vaccine passports. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Amtrak will run more train service in Pennsylvania beginning on June 1 in coordination with PennDOT. "Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.". In a crowded place, a face mask or respirator keeps the virus away, The investigation into covids origins must continue, Your questions about covid-19, answered by Dr. Leana Wen, Lab leak report energizes Republicans covid probes, We are asking the wrong question about the origins of covid, Doctors who touted ivermectin as covid fix now pushing it for flu, RSV, First combination home test for flu and covid cleared by the FDA. I took a few last glimpses outside the window and wondered what views Id miss as we passed by in the darkness. Heres more on Amtraks latest policies and practices. I grabbed a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and put in my order for lunch. 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. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/planning-booking-tips/riding-on-amtrak-train-for-the-first-time. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. The details come ahead of the holiday travel season, with many. terms and conditions COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. Please enter a password. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Check where you can go and what you can do there Before you lock in a plane. By the time I stepped onto the platform in Union Station this time in Los Angeles I was ready to go home, but already missing the train. Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 9, 2020. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Something to consider when weighing the pros and cons of booking a private room they all come with free meals, including select soft drinks and your first alcoholic drink, plus you have the option of eating off the dining car menu or going with something more casual in the caf car. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. Riding Amtrak for the first time? However, this was not the case on my train. Check-in early to arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Food and drink options could stay limited on planes, trains and at airports. And be sure to contact your particular airline about any changes in travel rules, including: Current mask policies for kids and adults (throughout check-in, boarding and the flight itself) Traveling with infants on your lap Changes in meal service Leave personal food items and baggage at your seat. I felt pretty confident that Amtrak was on top of their pandemic protocols, a collection of new and enhanced cleaning and health safety measures that they developed with their full-time medical and health safety team who has experience on the frontlines of COVID-19. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a fee (a fare difference may apply). While the view itself wasnt breathtaking, I found myself holding my breath. Help children when boarding and leaving the train. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. Amtrak Drops Its Vaccine Mandate, Avoiding Cuts to Service - The New To keep station crowds to a minimum, Amtrak is also urging passengers not to arrive too far in advance. Customers can make reservations for set mealtimes in the dining car, or they can chose complimentary room service in their private cabin. Weve made and continue to make incredible investments so that we can come out of this pandemic as a new and improved Amtrak. As a result, you will be allowed access to foreign countries, cruise ships, flights and more. Amtrak revises COVID guidelines for customers - Roads and Bridges To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. 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. Amtrak says the reductions should have minimal impact because ridership remains down by 25 percent, and the schedule changes coincide with a slower travel season. Rules that apply to Reward Tickets redeemed using Amtrak Guest Reward points are not affected by this waiver. As with airlines, federal regulations require all Amtrak passengers to wear masks at all times aboard trains and in stations, regardless of vaccination status and state and local laws. This time, I was in one of the private bedrooms located on the second floor of the trains two-bedroom sleeper cars. Up until this point, all of my anxiety about traveling during a pandemic had managed to drown out something I hadnt even considered: the excitement of traveling. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. Seamless gate service: To reduce crowds at departure boards, Amtrak app users automatically receive boarding gate and track information via push notification at select stations. 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. To find out if train travel is safe right now, we talked to experts and an Amtrak representative to find out risks to know when boarding during COVID.