Rapid hospital readiness checklist: Interim Guidance Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. _ @ " $ # ,). I noticed that on the Empire Builder, my attendant was frequently sanitizing the car, my roomette smelled of disinfectant when I boarded, and the conductor sounded very serious about policing passengers about wearing masks., She went on to say that she never saw a room attendant without a mask on, unless they were in their own room with the door closed and even then, they rushed to put on a mask before opening the door for her. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. When I finally made it to the dining room the next day, after official breakfast hours were over, Sandy and Linda greeted me. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The CDC recommends domestic and international travelers get a viral test one to three days before departure and three to five days after travel. However, the room was almost remarkably dated nostalgic even. Stations (and trains) are receiving enhanced cleaning, particularly of high-touch surfaces like door handles and countertops. The affected routes include some trains in the Northeast Corridor and a New Orleans route. After a year of bad news, travelers finally have something to look forward to again. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. 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. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. And at any given meal time, I found that only three out of five tables were ever occupied. For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. Passwords are case sensitive. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Amtrak likely to cut service over coronavirus vaccine rules - The 1. and At the time, it also limited bookings, switched to cashless onboard payments, and promoted physical distancing on trains. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. "While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19," the statement read. Up until this point, all of my anxiety about traveling during a pandemic had managed to drown out something I hadnt even considered: the excitement of traveling. Add COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. 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. Weve made and continue to make incredible investments so that we can come out of this pandemic as a new and improved Amtrak. / : ; < = > ? 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.. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket counters, and hand sanitizer dispensers in stations. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. 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. While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. Amtrak app: The Amtrak app makes contact-free travel easy. 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. Learn more about our baggage policies. 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 Will Require Employees to Get Vaccinated or Submit 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. This is what 6 experts say. 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. Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the "Try to travel in a car with . By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the 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. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. 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. Amtrak revises COVID guidelines for customers - Roads and Bridges 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). First-Time Train Riders - Useful Tips and Information | Amtrak 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. 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. 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.). terms and conditions But it has made it easier to determine if youll find the train crowded once youre aboard. 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. You may also want to pack refreshments for your trip, particularly if youre flying or taking a train. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. We have useful tips and information for travelers like you to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as it could be. Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. You can check your airline's COVID-19 policies by choosing from a dropdown menu here. Laser1987/iStock/Getty Images Plus. Exposures may depend on a variety of factors including the physical environment of the Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. News Airlines United Airlines Amtrak Joe Biden. . . It wasnt. Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. As long as the seat itself is available, seat assignments can be altered up until a passenger is onboard. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. Only use authorized Amtrak Red Cap service for assistance. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request. 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. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket. I observed room attendants entering the private rooms of passengers who were not wearing masks. AARP Membership - LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. That answer wasnt correct either. 1 1 andy/sycoraxrock/REDKANG/hiiiiiicks! The CEO of Amtrak Thinks Americans Are Ready for Trains Again The CDC director answered your questions. Let's try a different question. COVID-19 Prevention Actions. The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. Passengers purchasing tickets onboard trains from conductors must provide photo identification and be at least 16 years old.