And at any given meal time, I found that only three out of five tables were ever occupied. / : ; < = > ? Passwords are case sensitive. This time, I was in one of the private bedrooms located on the second floor of the trains two-bedroom sleeper cars. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? With its medical director, public health and safety team and partnership with the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we have studied, analyzed and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience - from beginning to end - for the safety and health of our . Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket counters, and hand sanitizer dispensers in stations. As a result, you will be allowed access to foreign countries, cruise ships, flights and more. 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. Sept 21 (Reuters) - U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak said on Tuesday it will require nearly all of its 18,000 employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Nov. 22. 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. Weve made and continue to make incredible investments so that we can come out of this pandemic as a new and improved Amtrak. Listen to article. Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. It remains to be seen how important vaccine passports will be in your day-to-day life, but we do know they will be important for travel. @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. Tickets purchased onboard include a service fee built into the fare. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. 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. 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. Please enter a password. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. Exposures may depend on a variety of factors including the physical environment of the Amtrak wants you to have sweet dreams the next time you travel so much so that it's sweetening . The sudden dropping of mask regulations on public transportation comes just weeks before the current mandate was set to expire on May 3. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. fully vaccinated people can travel again. 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. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . GET THE APP Amtrak RideReserve for Multi-Ride Passes However, this was not the case on my train. ncov/hcp/hcp-hospital-checklist. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. 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). As soon as I stepped into the boarding line at Portlands Union Station, I noticed signs of the times: masks and markers on the floor, instructing people where to stand. Amtrak has upgraded its technology, fleet, stations and processes to make travel as seamless and safe as possible. 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. Never attempt to board or exit a moving train. It wasnt. Pack or ship your luggage according to our baggage guidelines and make the most of our service. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). 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. Amtrak restores service on routes following COVID cutbacks. 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. You can check your airline's COVID-19 policies by choosing from a dropdown menu here. With the Amtrak app. The removal of somerestrictions on Multi-Ride ticketson the Northeast Corridor is extended through April 30, 2022. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. Employees are also required to wear masks at all times, unless in their private rooms. Amtrak, which employs more than 20,000 people, is subject to the White House vaccine mandate that government contractors require employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, with . (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 . Download English Immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Non-immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) 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. I took a few last glimpses outside the window and wondered what views Id miss as we passed by in the darkness. ! " Please enter a password. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the app. Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. _ @ " $ # ,). Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. And if it is, make sure youre familiar with any restrictions in place. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the privacy policy. If you start feeling sick during your shift, follow steps 1 and 2 above. The same goes while aboard their trains. WASHINGTON - Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. Brandon Brown, an epidemiologist and a public health and medical ethics professor at University of California at Riverside, says vaccine passports are a helpful way to encourage people to get vaccines, and thus a way of protecting a travelers health (not to mention protecting other people a traveler encounters on a trip). You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. And while safety and sanitization were largely prioritized no matter which train I rode, the experience wasnt uniform. Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? 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 will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. News Airlines United Airlines Amtrak Joe Biden. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/about-amtrak/50th-anniversary/covid-adaptations. Battery fire on Spirit flight to Florida sends 10 to hospital. 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. Officials are still not recommending travel for everyone due to the rising number of cases in the United States and globally. 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. Jen Moyse, senior director of product at TripIt, says that as travelers choose destinations to visit, they may still want to avoid places with increasing or high levels of infection. Fee waivers: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for any changes made by December 31, 2023 on fares that have change fees. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. Seating Accommodations Presidents gain too much power when emergencies like covid hit, The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Three important studies shed light on long covid, We are not overcounting covid deaths in the United States, China, speeding through phases of covid, gets on with living with virus, FDA advisers favor retiring original covid shot and using newer version. 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. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Passwords are case sensitive. Passengers purchasing tickets onboard trains from conductors must provide photo identification and be at least 16 years old. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. Passwords are case sensitive. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a fee (a fare difference may apply). (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.). 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. Since my journey seemed to vary from what I had read about other pandemic Amtrak experiences, I decided to reach out to travel writer Ali Wunderman, who had journeyed overnight on Amtraks Empire Builder train, which runs from Chicago to Portland, Oregon. Stand back from the edge of the platform. Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. The railroad entity told. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Topline. 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. This is how to plan a good one. The CDC recommends domestic and international travelers get a viral test one to three days before departure and three to five days after travel. I was excited. 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. Depending on where you are going (and what the status of vaccine passports are when you go), you may need to show the vaccine card before you board a plane, or before you pass customs and immigration, among other entry points. During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Food Safety Checklist. privacy policy. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this same approach could be taken in relation to masking. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. 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. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Overall, it has reduced service by 8 percent, including on its busy Northeast Regional service (from Boston to Virginia). Bad weather and employee COVID-19 cases led Amtrak to reduce its trains' schedule between New Year's Eve and Jan. 6. . Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Like theairlines, Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity and cant guarantee an empty seat next to you for social distancing. Dont laminate the original, as you may need to document future booster shots on it. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. For the safety and comfort of our passengers we strictly enforce certain baggage restrictions. 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. / : ; < = > ? 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. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. 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). Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. 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. But I reminded myself that I was booked in one of Amtraks private bedrooms, a space where Id have my own sitting area, en suite bathroom with a toilet and shower, a sink, and, when I was ready to call it a night, a bed. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. 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. 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. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Sometimes, doing all this extra work makes me feel paranoid, and I almost didnt do it this time. 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. Be careful when crossing the gap between the train and platform. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. When I finally made it to the dining room the next day, after official breakfast hours were over, Sandy and Linda greeted me. 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. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. At certain stations you might also see clear plastic barriers at the customer counter. Since COVID-19 disrupted much of the world in March, Railway Age has followed developments, documenting transit's decline in the spring and its slow recovery in October. Amtrak has undertaken heightened security measures for the benefit of our customers. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. But be warned: Travel insurance doesnt cover everything. Rules that apply to Reward Tickets redeemed using Amtrak Guest Reward points are not affected by this waiver. Review restriction information by looking up your destinations local government websites. 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. Youre vaccinated and ready to travel. One you have done your research and found out which test you need and when, figure out how you will be able to get it within the accepted time limit. / : ; < = > ? "I enjoyed the privacy and comfort of the Viewliner Roomette sleeper car and felt Amtrak delivered on promises for strong COVID-19 policies. 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. WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg today announced that the Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is making more than $1.69 billion available to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to provide relief from the impacts of COVID-19 to the company's business operations, workforce, and state funding partners. Blame the coronavirus pandemic, the railroad says. For TTY service, call 1-800-523-6590. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary. terms and conditions Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible. 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. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. 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. Passwords are case sensitive. Its really understanding where am I going, what do I want to get out of this trip and what will be the expectations for me? says Elizabeth Blount McCormick, the president of international travel management company Uniglobe Travel Designers. 1. Amtrak became the latest company to require vaccinations for employees on Thursday, joining several airlines that have mandated the jab. Over the past few months, Ive taken four trains over three Amtrak routes, Wunderman told me. 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. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. 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. 2021 may be the Year of the Road Trip. This expansion also marks the first time customers can reserve a seat in the Quiet Car. "We've made and continue to make incredible investments so that we can come out of this pandemic as a new and improved Amtrak," the company's site reads. However, on the routes where the boarding announcements didnt sound as intense about COVID policies, passengers seemed less inclined to follow the rules. School and child care screening Take the school and child care screening online. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. J. CDC, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in . 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. 1. Many countries require specific inoculations to visit; the coronavirus vaccine is just another one to add to the list. CDC Notice on Facility Access. 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. We reached my room and I was immediately impressed. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 1 1 andy/sycoraxrock/REDKANG/hiiiiiicks! Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. Let's try a different question. 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. COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. 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Private Rooms The affected routes include some trains in the Northeast Corridor and a New Orleans route. This is what 6 experts say. 2 . So far on the journey, Id soaked in the wooded landscape of the Pacific Northwest, gluing myself to the window as we snaked through trees already painted with golden yellows, bright oranges, and fiery reds. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. 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. 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. Laser1987/iStock/Getty Images Plus. 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. The details come ahead of the holiday travel season, with many. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. Thanksgiving travelers who plan to ride the train between Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 need to reserve . Amtrak offers buy-one, get-one promotion on its sleeper trains amid COVID-19 with a catch. Once youre done getting your vaccine shot(s), protect that fragile document like a Faberg egg. Passwords are case sensitive. Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Cond Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. When searching for travel online or on the Amtrak app, the percentage of seats sold displays next to each trip option. Customers should not travel when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms . ! " Lets leave the covid origin mystery to scientists, Covid, flu, RSV declining in hospitals as tripledemic threat fades. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. 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. For the foreseeable future, we will still be following coronavirus precautions and restrictions. 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. and Update: Amtrak in the Age of COVID-19. Detours with locals. Id spent the day watching the outside world flicker by like a silent film, a few minutes at a time. terms and conditions COVID-19 Download COVID19 screenings Download the COVID19 school and child care screening to use offline and in other languages. Though it was a shared space . The company updated its policy in reaction to the TSA no longer enforcing the mask mandate.