Watch your step when boarding and leaving the train. 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. 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. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket counters, and hand sanitizer dispensers in stations. Passengers who want quiet choose the quiet car. I had 29 and a half hours to go. 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. About 1.5% of Amtrak's trains are being reduced until Thursday, with . 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 restores service on routes following COVID cutbacks. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Rapid hospital readiness checklist: Interim Guidance Harmonized health service capacity assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Harmonized health service capacity assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Global Regions WHO Regional websites Africa Americas South-East Asia Europe Eastern Mediterranean Western Pacific Amtrak offers buy-one, get-one promotion on its sleeper trains amid COVID-19 with a catch. Please enter a password. _ @ " $ # ,). 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. terms and conditions Watch your step moving from car to car while the train is in motion, as the vestibules can be slippery. Stand back from the edge of the platform. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. Since then, ridership crept partway back to its. 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. ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . I was excited. Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 9, 2020. There was also a metal utility sink, molded plastic wall, and an airplane-sized bathroom with a handheld shower nozzle over the toilet. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. 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). Seating accommodations vary depending on your route and the kind of train equipment in use. In my pre-pandemic life, I traveled for work two to three times a month a far cry from the one-mile radius I had confined myself to in Brooklyn between March and August. 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. terms and conditions Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. It's been updated to reflect recent Amtrak procedures. 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. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. _ @ " $ # ,). However, the room was almost remarkably dated nostalgic even. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Make sure you still have pandemic essentials. Vaccine questions, answered. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Photo Disclaimer: Some imagery shown throughout our website does not represent current operational and safety guidelines. Passwords are case sensitive. Watch your step on station stairs, escalators and train platforms. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. 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. And at any given meal time, I found that only three out of five tables were ever occupied. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. 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. On pure reflex, I shot to the window to watch as we rode over the Willamette River. 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 . While the ruling is being reviewed, the Biden administration confirmed on Monday night that the TSA will not enforce mask-wearing. However, my room did not have any signs of being newly cleaned, prompting me to do a thorough inspection and ultimately wipe everything down. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Make physical copies of it, keep those copies in a few different places and get one of those copies laminated (some places like Staples and Office Depot will do it free). 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. Do I need another booster? 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. 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. 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 . The sudden dropping of mask regulations on public transportation comes just weeks before the current mandate was set to expire on May 3. After locking the door behind me and closing the privacy curtain, I immediately took out my tub of Clorox wipes. And, for a moment, everything felt normal again. If youre taking a substantial trip, you will want to protect yourself with travel insurance even if you have never been inclined to before. Report any suspicious behavior to police, station personnel. I wanted to determine if my experience was more the exception or the norm. The real problem occurred when we were boarding the train. Pack or ship your luggage according to our baggage guidelines and make the most of our service. 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. 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. 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. privacy policy. 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. privacy policy. Dont laminate the original, as you may need to document future booster shots on it. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Service remains a mixed bag on Amtrak's state-supported trains and corridors, and the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and its branches. Seamless gate service: To reduce crowds at departure boards, Amtrak app users automatically receive boarding gate and track information via push notification at select stations. The process of getting a coronavirus test is going to vary widely, whether you are finding one in the United States or scheduling one abroad. Somewhere after Santa Barbara, golden hour set in, and the tracks brought us nearly to the edge of cliffs running along the Pacific Ocean. 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. 2021 may be the Year of the Road Trip. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Passengers boarding at any staffed station or station with an Amtrak kiosk should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train. At certain stations you might also see clear plastic barriers at the customer counter. Our timing was impeccable and lined up with the sunset. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Suddenly, taking an overnight train from Portland to Los Angeles felt like an adventure. 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. 1. _ @ " $ # ,). Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? That answer wasnt correct either. Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. 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. 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. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Although its already twice the size of a roomette, the bedroom cabins are much more spacious than they appear online. Never attempt to board or exit a moving train. For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. and Help children when boarding and leaving the train. AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light that fully vaccinated people can travel again. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Passwords are case sensitive. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. That answer wasnt correct either. The removal of some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor is extended through December 31, 2023. Let's try a different question. You asked: Can I get a refund if the airline changed my flight time? Please enter a password. "Try to travel in a car with . Please enter a password. 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. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. 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. Never attempt to board or exit a moving train. First up:facial coverings. Before you lock in a plane ticket or hotel reservation, make sure the destination you would like to visit is open to Americans. Text. Overall, it has reduced service by 8 percent, including on its busy Northeast Regional service (from Boston to Virginia). Over the past few months, Ive taken four trains over three Amtrak routes, Wunderman told me. 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. That includes contactless boarding, enhanced disinfection through a partnership with Lysol, and onboard filtration systems that exchange fresh air every four to five minutes. Weve also focused on making the experience touch free, including contactless boarding, scanning tickets directly from the Amtrak app and the installation of new Amtrak kiosks throughout the country. For passengers in private cabins, formal traditional dining with chef-prepared meals has returned to most long-distance trains. Dec. 14, 2021 5:46 pm ET. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - 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. Let's try a different question. WATCH LIVE Chicago & Suburban Cook Co. North Suburbs West Suburbs South Suburbs NW Indiana In short: people want different options for travel, and Amtrak threads the needle, accommodating varying needs. 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. 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. 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. 5. A fare difference may apply for itinerary changes. . Use seat backs and handrails while walking through the train. During the 2019 fiscal year, Amtrak carried a record 32.5 million passengers; however, an Amtrak internal analysis in April showed a 95 percent drop in ridership because of the coronavirus. Listen to article. Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Cond Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/policies/coronavirus. Onboard dining service is largely back to pre-pandemic practices. The curtain of my cabin was closed, and not wanting me to miss the view, Linda hopped on our cars intercom to make an announcement. Brown also says vaccine requirements to travel are nothing new. 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. . Tickets purchased onboard include a service fee built into the fare. 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. While the science is clear that universal . 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. We will send password reset instructions. Amtrak wants you to have sweet dreams the next time you travel so much so that it's sweetening . This means you won't have to travel this . and fully vaccinated people can travel again. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. When searching for travel, customers will see the percentage of seats sold next to each route as customers make reservations. Riding Amtrak for the first time? It depends. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Check where you can go and what you can do there Before you lock in a plane. The funding is pending President Biden's signature on the final bill. I also bring my own pillow. Exposures may depend on a variety of factors including the physical environment of the Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Amtrak app: The Amtrak app makes contact-free travel easy. "I enjoyed the privacy and comfort of the Viewliner Roomette sleeper car and felt Amtrak delivered on promises for strong COVID-19 policies. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket. Employees are also required to wear masks at all times, unless in their private rooms. News Airlines United Airlines Amtrak Joe Biden. 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. Oct. 26, 2020 6:30 AM PT. Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. ! " You may also want to pack refreshments for your trip, particularly if youre flying or taking a train. SEATTLE (AP) In another hopeful sign that the travel industry is bouncing back in Washington state after pandemic-induced lows last year, Amtrak says it will restore daily service on 12 long distance routes across the country, including two that run through Seattle. The CDC director answered your questions. Download English Immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Non-immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Pack your vaccine card with your passport , then check if you need an actual vaccine passport, too, 4. 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. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try 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. For More Information Jason Abrams MediaRelations@Amtrak.com Amtrak Contact 202 906.3860 About Amtrak Passwords are case sensitive. By the time I reached the dining car, I was relieved to see that Sandy, the dining room attendant, was masked and wiping down tables. I flagged down Linda, who promptly set up my bed, made sure I was set for the night, and then left me to listen to the audiobook Id downloaded and text my friends during the on-and-off pockets of service (I didnt attempt to join the Wi-Fi this go-around.) Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. Once youre done getting your vaccine shot(s), protect that fragile document like a Faberg egg. Masks covering your nose and mouth are required by Amtrak in all stations, as is keeping proper social distance from others. 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. Notify staff of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 6. I observed room attendants entering the private rooms of passengers who were not wearing masks. This article was published more than1 year ago. Some stations require more time. Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. Like theairlines, Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity and cant guarantee an empty seat next to you for social distancing. WASHINGTON - Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. 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? WASHINGTON - June is National Safety Month and Amtrak is using the annual observance to remind the public of the importance of railroad safety onboard trains, in stations and around tracks this summer. This is how to plan a good one. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. The agency also suggests self-quarantining for seven days when you get home, even if your test is negative. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? 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. Is driving still safer than flying if youre vaccinated? (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.). Vaccine passports may be as essential as a photo ID. and Amtrak's ridership hit an all-time record nationwide in 2019, then skidded by about 90% in April when cases of COVID-19 began soaring. Check-in early to arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance. Youre vaccinated and ready to travel. . 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. May 24, 2021. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) The affected routes include some trains in the Northeast Corridor and a New Orleans route. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Passengers purchasing tickets onboard trains from conductors must provide photo identification and be at least 16 years old. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Food and drink options could stay limited on planes, trains and at airports. By Mary Forgione. People who don't want quiet sit elsewhere. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. This process is automatic. For the most part, it seemed the protocols were being adhered to, but when staff seemed more lax about sanitizing and enforcing mask policy, passengers used that opportunity to be less safe themselves.. Sometimes, doing all this extra work makes me feel paranoid, and I almost didnt do it this time. Passwords are case sensitive. _ @ " $ # ,). Crossing borders will come with new complications. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Dont forget to read the fine print to make sure you are protected for exactly what you need. | 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. 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. _ @ " $ # ,). William J. Flynn took over as CEO of Amtrak at the worst possible . / : ; < = > ? 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.