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. Let's try a different question. Weve also focused on making the experience touch free, including contactless boarding, scanning tickets directly from the Amtrak app and the installation of new Amtrak kiosks throughout the country. While airlines, ride-sharing services, and other forms public transportation have been announcing its own policies, it remains unclear whether the U.S. Department of Justice will file an appeal to halt the order. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a fee (a fare difference may apply). These include things like cleaning every seat, private room, baggage rack, bathroom, button, caf car, dining car, and other publicly shared spaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant before the train leaves not to mention continuing to spray and wipe down all major touchpoints, including bathrooms, every couple of hours. The long-awaited guidance is welcome news for travelers who want to visit family and take vacations for the first time in more than a year. FDA proposes switching to annual coronavirus vaccine, mimicking flu model. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. _ @ " $ # ,). fully vaccinated people can travel again. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Call or Email the COVID-19 HR Response Team at 413-687-2283 or COVID19HR@umass.edu. we do know they will be important for travel. This time, I was in one of the private bedrooms located on the second floor of the trains two-bedroom sleeper cars. 1. Overall, it has reduced service by 8 percent, including on its busy Northeast Regional service (from Boston to Virginia). Some stations require more time. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. I love autumn, so this was a huge deal and a big surprise I relished every turning leaf, knowing it was the only glimpse of fall foliage I'd get this year. Check where you can go and what you can do there Before you lock in a plane. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. The Best Train Trips to Take Across America . Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. It's been updated to reflect recent Amtrak procedures. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Amtrak has canceled about two dozen trains, blaming bad weather and COVID-19 cases among workers. I also realized that absolutely none of the windows on the train were open, and frequent reminders over the intercom made it clear that passengers were not to attempt to open them. At certain stations you might also see clear plastic barriers at the customer counter. Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. 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. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. 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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. Let's try a different question. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. Dont forget to read the fine print to make sure you are protected for exactly what you need. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/tickets-id-safety-security/personal-safety. ), Nine other long-distance trains are reduced to operating five days a week, instead of daily. www.fda.gov 1 May 21, 2020 Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments . The Pennsylvanian and Keystone lines covering Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and New . 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Check-in early to arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance. We are seniors and had taken a room for the trip. J. CDC, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in . Topline. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. 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Passengers must remain masked unless in a private room (available on long-distance routes) or actively eating or drinking while maintaining appropriate distance from other passengers. This is how to plan a good one. 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. Is this your first time on the Coast Starlight? Linda asked. Only use authorized Amtrak Red Cap service for assistance. I flagged down Linda, who promptly set up my bed, made sure I was set for the night, and then left me to listen to the audiobook Id downloaded and text my friends during the on-and-off pockets of service (I didnt attempt to join the Wi-Fi this go-around.) / : ; < = > ? During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Food Safety Checklist. Amtrak began selling all seats on its trains in May after limiting capacity at half for most of the pandemic. On pure reflex, I shot to the window to watch as we rode over the Willamette River. A fare difference may apply for itinerary changes. 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. For the most part, it seemed the protocols were being adhered to, but when staff seemed more lax about sanitizing and enforcing mask policy, passengers used that opportunity to be less safe themselves.. 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. 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By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. In fact, the whole room looked like what I would have expected to find in a first-class suite on an international flight back in the 1970s (if they made them this big). 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." 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. WASHINGTON - Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. (For a low-key getaway nearby when there is less money on the line, travel insurance might not be warranted.). 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. . Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light that fully vaccinated people can travel again. Her pieces on science, art and culture have appeared inThe Atlantic, where she was previously an editorial fellow,Californiamagazine and elsewhere. Here is how they should work: You will upload proof of your vaccination, plus any required coronavirus test results or health waivers, into a mobile app (or if you dont have a smartphone, there will be something you can print out). privacy policy. Review restriction information by looking up your destinations local government websites. 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). 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. Like theairlines, Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity and cant guarantee an empty seat next to you for social distancing. Amtrak app: The Amtrak app makes contact-free travel easy. The curtain of my cabin was closed, and not wanting me to miss the view, Linda hopped on our cars intercom to make an announcement. Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. However, on the routes where the boarding announcements didnt sound as intense about COVID policies, passengers seemed less inclined to follow the rules. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. 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. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. WATCH LIVE Chicago & Suburban Cook Co. North Suburbs West Suburbs South Suburbs NW Indiana . again. The affected routes include some trains in the Northeast Corridor and a New Orleans route. 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. The removal of some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor is extended through December 31, 2023. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Report any suspicious behavior to police, station personnel. 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. Amtrak has undertaken heightened security measures for the benefit of our customers. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Customers can make reservations for set mealtimes in the dining car, or they can chose complimentary room service in their private cabin. Download English Immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Non-immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Text. I wanted to determine if my experience was more the exception or the norm. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Congressman Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, introduced a new piece of legislation on Thursday that if passed would require proof of COVID-19 vaccine . Our timing was impeccable and lined up with the sunset. Amtrak has new COVID-19 safety protocols for the holidays. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. That answer wasnt correct either. We will send password reset instructions. Update: Amtrak in the Age of COVID-19. Over the past few months, Ive taken four trains over three Amtrak routes, Wunderman told me. Detours with locals. Download the Amtrak app to check train status, get gate and track information at select stations, travel with contact-free eTicket scanning and access helpful information at your fingertips. The real problem occurred when we were boarding the train. I was excited. Service remains a mixed bag on Amtrak's state-supported trains and corridors, and the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and its branches. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. 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. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. We will send password reset instructions. Blount McCormick says that for now, travel insurance is a must, as the status of the pandemic can change daily on personal, local and global levels. Travel tips you can trust. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Watch your step moving from car to car while the train is in motion, as the vestibules can be slippery. Amtrak has required its customers and workers to wear masks since May of 2020. For the foreseeable future, we will still be following coronavirus precautions and restrictions. But even though nearly 100 million Americans have had at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, we are not out of the woods yet. It comes at a time when COVID-19 numbers are on the rise again and mask-wearing has been encouraged and even enforced again, with cities like Philadelphia reinstating its indoor mask mandate on Monday. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Youre vaccinated and ready to travel. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/about-amtrak/50th-anniversary/covid-adaptations. Bryan Del Monte, president of the Aviation Agency, says travelers can expect a reduction in service when they start traveling again. Instead of eating in the dining car, I took advantage of Amtraks new room service option and had all my meals delivered right to my room at a time of my choosing. 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. The details come ahead of the holiday travel season, with many. Stations (and trains) are receiving enhanced cleaning, particularly of high-touch surfaces like door handles and countertops. (2 minutes) Amtrak said it would suspend its Covid-19 vaccine mandate for employees, a reversal from last week's policy stance that the rail . The policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this same approach could be taken in relation to masking. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. For TTY service, call 1-800-523-6590. 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Use seat backs and handrails while walking through the train. Amtraks Coast Starlight is a Superliner, a fancy term that basically means its a double-decker train which, as I would find out, is great for views, but can get a little rocky in your private room. Vaccine questions, answered. We reached my room and I was immediately impressed. All baggage should contain an ID tag. Ridership is still down leaving inter-city trains with scores of open seats from which to choose. For passengers in private cabins, formal traditional dining with chef-prepared meals has returned to most long-distance trains. Making Reservations for Passengers with a Disability, Meal Service for Passengers with a Disability, Mechanical Bulletins for Private Rail Cars. GET THE APP Amtrak RideReserve for Multi-Ride Passes Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Be careful when crossing the gap between the train and platform. 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. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. This is what 6 experts say. 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.). Tickets purchased onboard include a service fee built into the fare. Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible. Amtrak will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. Making Reservations for Passengers with a Disability, Meal Service for Passengers with a Disability, Mechanical Bulletins for Private Rail Cars, Exchanging, refunding or reprinting Amtrak travel documents, Purchasing documents with a stored eVoucher or Transportation Credit, Traveling as a Pass Rider (active or retired), Asked onboard trains by train crew members, other Amtrak or operating railroad employees, Asked any time by Amtrak police or any law enforcement officer, Guardian purchasing an unaccompanied minor travel documents or signing the release form, One piece of photo identification issued by a government authority, or, Two pieces of identification, at least one of which is issued by a government authority, Official government-issued identification (federal, state, city or county government or foreign government), Canadian provincial health card ID card with photo, Student identification (university, college or high school photo ID). Heres more on Amtraks latest policies and practices. Amtrak customers 18 years of age and older must produce valid photo identification when: To be valid, your identification must be current and in-force. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to BBC Travel and the creator of CivilRightsTravel.com.