Amtrak President Stephen Gardner told a House Transportation subcommittee that roughly 95% of its 17,000 employees have been fully vaccinated ahead of a Jan. 4 deadline. These 4 basic steps will help you prep for COVID-19, plus feel informed, forearmed, and less anxious. Amtrak will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. Heres your pre-trip checklist. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the We have useful tips and information for travelers like you to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as it could be. 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 . 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. / : ; < = > ? A car is only as safe as the precautious you take, according to Suzanne Pham, a physician who directs Weiss Memorial Hospital's COVID-19 hospital response in Chicago. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. terms and conditions One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. I observed room attendants entering the private rooms of passengers who were not wearing masks. Linking to a non-federal Website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Its the ultimate transient experience: Almost as soon as you see something out the window, its gone, and then everything eventually fades to black. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . A Coronavirus Checklist: Prepare for the Possibility You May Get Very Sick. TripIts Moyse warns travelers that shirking local restrictions such as mask-wearing is not just a health risk, but a financial one. Amtrak will no longer require masks to be worn on board its trains as the COVID-19 mask mandate will no longer be enforced by the Transportation Security Administration. Passengers who want quiet choose the quiet car. Blame the coronavirus pandemic, the railroad says. 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. Passwords are case sensitive. ! " 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 . (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.). @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. But if youre returning to the United States from an international trip, you have to provide a negative test result or documentation of recovery regardless of your vaccination or antibody status. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the 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). 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. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. That time, I had bought a business class ticket, an upgrade that came with two free bottles of water, an onboard food credit, and even a free early evening wine tasting. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. This means you won't have to travel this . For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. Add 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. Brown also says vaccine requirements to travel are nothing new. Be careful when crossing the gap between the train and platform. privacy policy. Please enter a password. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. If you start feeling sick during your shift, follow steps 1 and 2 above. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. 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. Please enter a password. 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. Amtrak has undertaken heightened security measures for the benefit of our customers. 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." privacy policy. Like theairlines, Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity and cant guarantee an empty seat next to you for social distancing. 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. Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? Never attempt to board or exit a moving 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. Let's try a different question. 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. This fee cannot be waived. And thats when I got to work. 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) Private Rooms The real problem occurred when we were boarding the train. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. 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. (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 . Use seat backs and handrails while walking through the train. You can check your airline's COVID-19 policies by choosing from a dropdown menu here. Not only are those places riskier for both visitors and locals, Moyse says, they are also likely to have more restrictions. 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. William J. Flynn took over as CEO of Amtrak at the worst possible . Our timing was impeccable and lined up with the sunset. 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. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. 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. COVID-19, and more than 1,600 of those workers have died. www.fda.gov 1 May 21, 2020 Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments . Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. We will send password reset instructions. 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. In short: people want different options for travel, and Amtrak threads the needle, accommodating varying needs. 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. _ @ " $ # ,). . Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. WATCH LIVE Chicago & Suburban Cook Co. North Suburbs West Suburbs South Suburbs NW Indiana Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. We reached my room and I was immediately impressed. Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. 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. If your trip involves travel across the US-Canadian border on a train or Thruway bus, review our border crossing information. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. That answer wasnt correct either. 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. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Since then, Amtrak has enhanced both its fleet and travel experiences to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks covering your nose and mouth are required by Amtrak in all stations, as is keeping proper social distance from others. . Amtrak will run more train service in Pennsylvania beginning on June 1 in coordination with PennDOT. _ @ " $ # ,). Make sure you familiarize yourself with the safety card found in most seat backs. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Pack your vaccine card with your passport , then check if you need an actual vaccine passport, too, 4. and March 15, 20213:28 PM. 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. 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. 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. Even if you have been vaccinated, you will probably be required to wear a face mask. 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. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 9, 2020. 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. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. 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. A half hour before departure is recommended for most passengers, 60 minutes for those who need help with ticketing or baggage. Never attempt to board or exit a moving train. One unexpected highlight of my train trip was the food both tasty and filling. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? 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. I took a few last glimpses outside the window and wondered what views Id miss as we passed by in the darkness. 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. We will send password reset instructions. Customers can make reservations for set mealtimes in the dining car, or they can chose complimentary room service in their private cabin. Learn more about our baggage policies. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. The journey was smooth, . A growing wave of travel companies is making a stronger push for vaccinations. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). and The only reason I needed to leave my roomette was to use the restroom, a regularly cleaned compartment about the size of an airplane bathroom at the end of the hall. Her pieces on science, art and culture have appeared inThe Atlantic, where she was previously an editorial fellow,Californiamagazine and elsewhere. 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. 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. That answer wasnt correct either. Rules that apply to Reward Tickets redeemed using Amtrak Guest Reward points are not affected by this waiver. Before you lock in a plane ticket or hotel reservation, make sure the destination you would like to visit is open to Americans. 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. 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. Fee waivers: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for any changes made by December 31, 2023 on fares that have change fees. Onboard dining service is largely back to pre-pandemic practices. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Everything you need to know about vaccine passports. Please enter a password. Tickets purchased onboard include a service fee built into the fare. Free tags are available at our stations. 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. . Download English Immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Non-immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) This is how to plan a good one. Amtrak began selling all seats on its trains in May after limiting capacity at half for most of the pandemic. The removal of somerestrictions on Multi-Ride ticketson the Northeast Corridor is extended through April 30, 2022. The Best Train Trips to Take Across America . Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. An Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train at Moorpark Station in California. The sudden dropping of mask regulations on public transportation comes just weeks before the current mandate was set to expire on May 3. During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Food Safety Checklist. 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. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. "I enjoyed the privacy and comfort of the Viewliner Roomette sleeper car and felt Amtrak delivered on promises for strong COVID-19 policies. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Amtrak has required its customers and workers to wear masks since May of 2020. The agency also suggests self-quarantining for seven days when you get home, even if your test is negative. Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and launch new initiatives to support personal safety. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/about-amtrak/50th-anniversary/covid-adaptations. A fare difference may apply for itinerary changes. Amtrak is suspending its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees and now doesn't anticipate needing to slash service next year, the transit agency announced Tuesday. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. As the sun set on my first day, I was ready to call it a night. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Call or Email the COVID-19 HR Response Team at 413-687-2283 or COVID19HR@umass.edu. GET THE APP Amtrak RideReserve for Multi-Ride Passes All trains are also equipped with onboard air filtration systems that Amtrak says offer a fresh air exchange rate every four to five minutes. Augmented onboard cleaning procedures include the use of EPA-registered disinfectant. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. 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. Over the past few months, Ive taken four trains over three Amtrak routes, Wunderman told me. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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 . Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket counters, and hand sanitizer dispensers in stations. As I set my things down, the train rolled into motion. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. 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. Laser1987/iStock/Getty Images Plus. Travel tips you can trust. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request. 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. 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. The CDC director answered your questions. 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). 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. 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. Officials are still not recommending travel for everyone due to the rising number of cases in the United States and globally. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. "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. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a change fee. When searching for travel, customers will see the percentage of seats sold next to each route as customers make reservations. and ! " It's been updated to reflect recent Amtrak procedures. May 24, 2021. However, this was not the case on my train. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Cond Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? The funding is pending President Biden's signature on the final bill. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Passwords are case sensitive. 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. That answer wasnt correct either. Since then, ridership crept partway back to its. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Check where you can go and what you can do there, 3. But even though nearly 100 million Americans have had at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, we are not out of the woods yet. Dont forget to read the fine print to make sure you are protected for exactly what you need. Watch your step moving from car to car while the train is in motion, as the vestibules can be slippery. Review the policy for unaccompanied minors. Sometimes, doing all this extra work makes me feel paranoid, and I almost didnt do it this time. 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. 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. Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. We were off. Detours with locals. Private rooms, available on long-distance and overnight routes, are another option for customers hoping to keep their distance from others while onboard. Let's try a different question. 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 Text. terms and conditions Riding Amtrak for the first time? Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you reply YES to any of the questions in the checklist, stay home (with pay) and follow the steps below: Call your supervisor and. If Amtrak needs to change your reservation, it will contact you and offer you an alternative trip. But be warned: Travel insurance doesnt cover everything. / : ; < = > ? Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Passwords are case sensitive. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. 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. Everything Id read so far about riding Amtrak in the time of COVID-19 seemed to rank long-distance train travel as safe, smart, and dare I say even relaxing. 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. 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.). I had 29 and a half hours to go. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Amtrak passengers can now see how full their train will be upon booking amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light that fully vaccinated people can travel again. 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. Make sure you still have pandemic essentials. 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. Passwords are case sensitive. 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.