A growing wave of travel companies is making a stronger push for vaccinations. It has also temporarily suspended operation of the Silver Meteor train, which runs between New York and Miami. The real problem occurred when we were boarding the train. Laser1987/iStock/Getty Images Plus. Amtrak has upgraded its technology, fleet, stations and processes to make travel as seamless and safe as possible. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. The rail company will require all employees be either. terms and conditions And since we believe the vaccine offers the best way to keep our employees and customers safe, Amtrak is requiring that all employees get vaccinated or submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly. Help children when boarding and leaving the train. Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 9, 2020. 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. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request. On pure reflex, I shot to the window to watch as we rode over the Willamette River. 2021 may be the Year of the Road Trip. and Private rooms, available on long-distance and overnight routes, are another option for customers hoping to keep their distance from others while onboard. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. 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. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Notify staff of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 6. 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. However, this was not the case on my train. 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. 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. 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. and Please enter a password. It is worth noting that masks are not mandatory in the dining car when seated for meals, nor are passengers required to wear masks elsewhere while they are eating or drinking. Check where you can go and what you can do there, 3. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. Let's try a different question. How can I fill out this form, and get in touch with u? Once youre done getting your vaccine shot(s), protect that fragile document like a Faberg egg. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/policies/coronavirus. TSA Will Not Enforce COVID Mask Mandate on Planes, Public Transit After Judge's Ruling, U.S. Airlines Quick to Drop Mask Mandate After Federal Court Ruling, These Are the U.S. All baggage should contain an ID tag. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. 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. Some places may fine (or in extreme cases, arrest) travelers who do not adhere to local guidelines. 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. Never attempt to board or exit a moving train. 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. We have useful tips and information for travelers like you to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as it could be. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. For the safety and comfort of our passengers we strictly enforce certain baggage restrictions. Passwords are case sensitive. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. We will send password reset instructions. People who don't want quiet sit elsewhere. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the safety card found in most seat backs. 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. Take a virtual tour of our sleeping accommodations on Amtrak long-distance train routes. Heres your pre-trip checklist. . Never attempt to board or exit a moving train. We will send password reset instructions. At certain stations you might also see clear plastic barriers at the customer counter. Although its already twice the size of a roomette, the bedroom cabins are much more spacious than they appear online. And while safety and sanitization were largely prioritized no matter which train I rode, the experience wasnt uniform. 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. again. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. Customers can travel with extra confidence knowing all our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes. 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 Its the ultimate transient experience: Almost as soon as you see something out the window, its gone, and then everything eventually fades to black. (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.). The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Amtrak is ending daily service to hundreds of stations. Curious what the rest of the train looked like, I put my mask back on and ventured out into the wild, opening the doors between cars by using the trains hands-free, foot-level release button. 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. Brown also says vaccine requirements to travel are nothing new. Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. The same goes while aboard their trains. . 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Every other table had a sign on it, instructing passengers to leave the booth empty in order to maintain social distancing. 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. This time, I was in one of the private bedrooms located on the second floor of the trains two-bedroom sleeper cars. Our timing was impeccable and lined up with the sunset. 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. This means you won't have to travel this . 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. When I finally made it to the dining room the next day, after official breakfast hours were over, Sandy and Linda greeted me. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket. We will send password reset instructions. U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak told a U.S. House of Representatives panel on Thursday it expects to be forced to temporarily cut some service in January because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. 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. 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? terms and conditions 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 . These 4 basic steps will help you prep for COVID-19, plus feel informed, forearmed, and less anxious. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. 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). Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. That answer wasnt correct either. Despite these rules, the woman directly behind me left her nose poking out over the top of her mask as she carried on an animated conversation with her traveler partner. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. Weve been working diligently to enhance our safety protocols, including partnering with Lysol to reinforce disinfection protocols, utilizing EPA-registered cleaning products and enhancing cleaning on commonly used surfaces. Passwords are case sensitive. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Amtrak became the latest company to require vaccinations for employees on Thursday, joining several airlines that have mandated the jab. 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. While the science is clear that universal . Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. Leave personal food items and baggage at your seat. 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. If your trip involves travel across the US-Canadian border on a train or Thruway bus, review our border crossing information. The CDC name and logo may not be utilized if the tool is recreated for use by an external entity. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The tool, however, is in the public domain and may be recreated, utilized, and adapted by the public at will. / : ; < = > ? National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/tickets-id-safety-security/passenger-identification. and I had 29 and a half hours to go. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. We are seniors and had taken a room for the trip. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. 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). If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a fee (a fare difference may apply). The railroad entity told. Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. 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. 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. Stations (and trains) are receiving enhanced cleaning, particularly of high-touch surfaces like door handles and countertops. 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. If youre taking a substantial trip, you will want to protect yourself with travel insurance even if you have never been inclined to before. 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. 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. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. "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. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. But be warned: Travel insurance doesnt cover everything. 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. and Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. 2 . And if it is, make sure youre familiar with any restrictions in place. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the 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. terms and conditions 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. Let's try a different question. Amtrak passengers can now see how full their train will be upon booking amid the COVID-19 pandemic. An Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train at Moorpark Station in California. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. GET THE APP Amtrak RideReserve for Multi-Ride Passes Please enter a password. 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. The agency also suggests self-quarantining for seven days when you get home, even if your test is negative. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - .