The Best Train Trips to Take Across America, The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World, I'm a Travel Writer, but I Don't Fly Here's Why, I Grew Up in Atlanta Here's How the Culinary Scene Changed Before My Eyes, I Traveled to Maui During the COVID-19 Pandemic Here's What It Was Really Like, Aspen Is Just As Enchanting in Summer Here's Where to Stay, What to Do, and Where to Eat, California's Russian River Valley is Full of Family-owned Wineries, Restaurants, and Hotels Here's How to Plan Your Trip, I Took My Family on a Cruise to Iceland During COVID Here's What It Was Like, What It's Really Like to Take a European River Cruise Right Now, Younger Travelers Are Flocking to Palm Beach Here's How the Ritzy Florida Town Became Cool Again, I Took a Ski Trip to Lake Tahoe During COVID Here's What It Was Like, I Went on a Dubai Vacation During the Pandemic Here's What It Was Like, I Took the World's Longest Flight Twice in 4 Days and This Is What I Learned, Visiting St. Barts During the Pandemic Changed How I Travel Here's How, I Stayed at Iceland's Luxurious Blue Lagoon Hotel and It Has In-water Massages, Stunning Views, and Gourmet Food, How I Found Solitude and Freedom on a Weeklong Solo Road Trip Along California's Famed Highway 1, The Best Moisturizing Skin Care Products for Travel, What It Was Like Going on a Safari Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, new and enhanced cleaning and health safety measures. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the safety card found in most seat backs. 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. Be careful when crossing the gap between the train and platform. Heres your pre-trip checklist. It wasnt. The removal of some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor is extended through December 31, 2023. You asked: Can I get a refund if the airline changed my flight time? Since then, Amtrak has enhanced both its fleet and travel experiences to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. privacy policy. 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). Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? In fact, I had taken my inaugural journey on the bucket-list route back in early February, riding south from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo and then, a few days later, catching the train down again to the end of the line in Los Angeles. Notify staff of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 6. The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. That answer wasnt correct either. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Battery fire on Spirit flight to Florida sends 10 to hospital. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Seating accommodations vary depending on your route and the kind of train equipment in use. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. After locking the door behind me and closing the privacy curtain, I immediately took out my tub of Clorox wipes. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the The sudden dropping of mask regulations on public transportation comes just weeks before the current mandate was set to expire on May 3. As the sun set on my first day, I was ready to call it a night. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. The journey was smooth, . As I set my things down, the train rolled into motion. Amtrak will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. I noticed that on the Empire Builder, my attendant was frequently sanitizing the car, my roomette smelled of disinfectant when I boarded, and the conductor sounded very serious about policing passengers about wearing masks., She went on to say that she never saw a room attendant without a mask on, unless they were in their own room with the door closed and even then, they rushed to put on a mask before opening the door for her. Text. Leave personal food items and baggage at your seat. Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: + 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. Id spent the day watching the outside world flicker by like a silent film, a few minutes at a time. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. As a result,. Amtrak restores service on routes following COVID cutbacks. and Read More: I flew Delta for the first time since it stopped blocking middle seats and found cracks showing in its mask enforcement here's what it was like, Read More: I rode Amtrak up and down the Northeast Corridor during the pandemic and found it surprisingly clean, cheap, and stress-free here's what it was like, Read More: Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass, a ticket that lets you travel the country for 30 days for $299, Read More: New York just debuted a $1.6 billion train hall to upgrade its notorious Penn Station, complete with skylight ceilings and a premium lounge see inside, I flew Delta for the first time since it stopped blocking middle seats and found cracks showing in its mask enforcement here's what it was like, I rode Amtrak up and down the Northeast Corridor during the pandemic and found it surprisingly clean, cheap, and stress-free here's what it was like, Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass, a ticket that lets you travel the country for 30 days for $299, New York just debuted a $1.6 billion train hall to upgrade its notorious Penn Station, complete with skylight ceilings and a premium lounge see inside. 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. Please enter a password. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. FDA is providing a food safety re-opening checklist . 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 Pennsylvanian and Keystone lines covering Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and New . 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. 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. The national rail service has temporarily cut back operations due to staffing shortages fueled by the omicron variant. Seating Accommodations 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. "While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19," the statement read. We will send password reset instructions. 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. 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. May 24, 2021. With the Amtrak app. 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. Amtrak began selling all seats on its trains in May after limiting capacity at half for most of the pandemic. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. 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. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. ! " Amtrak estimates that 97.3% of its workforce has at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 95.7% is fully vaccinated, leaving fewer than 500 active employees who have not complied with the vaccine . GET THE APP Amtrak RideReserve for Multi-Ride Passes National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/policies/coronavirus. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. You may also want to pack refreshments for your trip, particularly if youre flying or taking a train. Let's try a different question. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. If youre taking a substantial trip, you will want to protect yourself with travel insurance even if you have never been inclined to before. . 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. Dec. 14, 2021 5:46 pm ET. Tips: Advice column | Coronavirus testing | Vaccinations | Vaccine passports | Sanitizing your hotel | Updating documents | Summer trips |Travel vouchers | Ask us your travel questions, Flying: Pandemic packing | Airport risks | Staying healthy on planes | Fly or drive? It depends. Heres more on Amtraks latest policies and practices. Employees are also required to wear masks at all times, unless in their private rooms. Please enter a password. However, this was not the case on my train. While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. Ridership is still down leaving inter-city trains with scores of open seats from which to choose. The railroad said in an email to . 1. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Take a virtual tour of our sleeping accommodations on Amtrak long-distance train routes. Amtrak will run more train service in Pennsylvania beginning on June 1 in coordination with PennDOT. 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. Private Rooms # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . After a year of bad news, travelers finally have something to look forward to again. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Watch your step moving from car to car while the train is in motion, as the vestibules can be slippery. Making Reservations for Passengers with a Disability, Meal Service for Passengers with a Disability, Mechanical Bulletins for Private Rail Cars. 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. 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. Customers should avoid travel if currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, if tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days or if meeting public health criteria for quarantine. 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. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. 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. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . It's been updated to reflect recent Amtrak procedures. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. 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. I grabbed a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and put in my order for lunch. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. 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). Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. CDC's COVID-19 Community Levels provide information about the amount of severe illness in the community where you are located to help you decide when to take action to protect yourself and . 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 . Since not all routes have the reserved seating option, customers are able to see seating availability to get a sense of how busy their train will be. When searching for travel online or on the Amtrak app, the percentage of seats sold displays next to each trip option. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. Amtrak became the latest company to require vaccinations for employees on Thursday, joining several airlines that have mandated the jab. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. Face Coverings While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Is this your first time on the Coast Starlight? Linda asked. In fact, we have a full-time medical director and public health and safety team who have been on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. _ @ " $ # ,). Brown says even if a test is not required for your trip, its always good to know your health status before you venture out and interact with others. 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. A fare difference may apply for itinerary changes. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. By Mary Forgione. Amtrak has canceled about two dozen trains, blaming bad weather and COVID-19 cases among workers. This left a total of five dining tables open (all of which must be reserved for a specific time in advance). 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. J. CDC, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in . Please enter a valid station, city, or address. @Amtrak and @SharonDevol It looks like the COVID check form is having problems on your website, as it continuously says it is having trouble finding our reservation, and your main 1-800 number is giving a busy signal every time I try to call today. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. For the foreseeable future, we will still be following coronavirus precautions and restrictions. I also bring my own pillow. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. 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. 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. Check-in early to arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance. 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. Amtrak has temporarily dropped its mandate for all employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19, a requirement that the rail service had said would likely result in cuts to service. 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. Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible. Pack a face mask and a backup. The tool, however, is in the public domain and may be recreated, utilized, and adapted by the public at will. www.fda.gov 1 May 21, 2020 Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments . ncov/hcp/hcp-hospital-checklist. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. And if it is, make sure youre familiar with any restrictions in place. 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. Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. Amtrak is ending daily service to hundreds of stations. ! " Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Its the ultimate transient experience: Almost as soon as you see something out the window, its gone, and then everything eventually fades to black. 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. Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term -43% off the standard annual rate, Access exclusive discounts, programs, & services, Double down with a FREE second membership. 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 policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. . Please enter a password. Listen to article. Angela Adto Tepper, chief executive and founder of AZA Luxury Travel, says travelers should consider options like cancel for any reason coverage, as well as Medjet or COVAC GLOBAL memberships, which can fly you home in case of a medical emergency. Suddenly, taking an overnight train from Portland to Los Angeles felt like an adventure. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. ! " | Layovers, Road trips: Tips | Rental cars | Best snacks | Long-haul trains | Rest stops | Cross-country drive, Destinations: Hawaii | Private islands | Australia | Mexico | Alaska | Puerto Rico. At the time, it also limited bookings, switched to cashless onboard payments, and promoted physical distancing on trains. To keep station crowds to a minimum, Amtrak is also urging passengers not to arrive too far in advance. We will send password reset instructions. Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. Call or Email the COVID-19 HR Response Team at 413-687-2283 or COVID19HR@umass.edu. Watch your step on station stairs, escalators and train platforms. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. terms and conditions privacy policy. Every other table had a sign on it, instructing passengers to leave the booth empty in order to maintain social distancing. The Best Train Trips to Take Across America . Offers may be subject to change without notice. Many countries require specific inoculations to visit; the coronavirus vaccine is just another one to add to the list. And thats when I got to work. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. 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. 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. 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. COVID-19, and more than 1,600 of those workers have died. We will send password reset instructions. Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and launch new initiatives to support personal safety. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.. Per new CDC guidance, fully vaccinated domestic travelers (who have had their final shot for at least two weeks) do not need to get a coronavirus test before or after trips, and they do not need to self-quarantine after travel. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a change fee. 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. Some stations require more time. Before their trips, passengers are encouraged to download theAmtrak app, which allows you to scan an e-ticket to board and receive gate and track information on your device at certain stations eliminating the need to crowd around departure boards. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request. Amtrak is projecting to add between 2,500 and 3,500 workers this fiscal year as it restores service that was canceled during the pandemic and moves forward on major capital projects aided by the. 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. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/about-amtrak/50th-anniversary/covid-adaptations. The affected routes include some trains in the Northeast Corridor and a New Orleans route. 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. On-the-Spot Requests In instances when it is not feasible or practical to make a request in advance, passengers can request an "on-the-spot" modification to the policy, procedure or practice at any time to any Amtrak employee. 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.