amtrak covid checklist

Amtrak restores service on routes following COVID cutbacks. 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. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. The Best Train Trips to Take Across America . When searching for travel online or on the Amtrak app, the percentage of seats sold displays next to each trip option. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. "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. Let's try a different question. That answer wasnt correct either. 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. ncov/hcp/hcp-hospital-checklist. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Since then, ridership crept partway back to its. The journey was smooth, . The Pennsylvanian and Keystone lines covering Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and New . You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. William J. Flynn took over as CEO of Amtrak at the worst possible . Pack a face mask and a backup. That answer wasnt correct either. 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. 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 process of getting a coronavirus test is going to vary widely, whether you are finding one in the United States or scheduling one abroad. Amtrak has upgraded its technology, fleet, stations and processes to make travel as seamless and safe as possible. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 9, 2020. Offers may be subject to change without notice. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Passengers who want quiet choose the quiet car. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. privacy policy. After a year of bad news, travelers finally have something to look forward to again. 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 . ! " 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. 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. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Bryan Del Monte, president of the Aviation Agency, says travelers can expect a reduction in service when they start traveling again. Since then, Amtrak has enhanced both its fleet and travel experiences to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Pre-Departure Checklist Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible Baggage Policy & Service Pack or ship your luggage according to our baggage guidelines and make the most of our service. ! " Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. and Watch your step moving from car to car while the train is in motion, as the vestibules can be slippery. Never attempt to board or exit a moving 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. terms and conditions Even if you have been vaccinated, you will probably be required to wear a face mask. The policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Private Rooms But be warned: Travel insurance doesnt cover everything. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. _ @ " $ # ,). Passwords are case sensitive. 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). 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. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Report any suspicious behavior to police, station personnel. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. and 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. The real problem occurred when we were boarding the train. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. 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. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Stand back from the edge of the platform. (For a low-key getaway nearby when there is less money on the line, travel insurance might not be warranted.). Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. 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. Text. 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. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Add Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Welcome aboard. Officials are still not recommending travel for everyone due to the rising number of cases in the United States and globally. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Private rooms, available on long-distance and overnight routes, are another option for customers hoping to keep their distance from others while onboard. . www.fda.gov 1 May 21, 2020 Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments . Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. 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. Amtrak has required its customers and workers to wear masks since May of 2020. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. May 24, 2021. 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.. _ @ " $ # ,). COVID-19, and more than 1,600 of those workers have died. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Amtrak is ending daily service to hundreds of stations. Anyone who has a trip canceled due to the service cuts will be notified and offered alternative travel plans. This expansion also marks the first time customers can reserve a seat in the Quiet Car. 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. ! " Update: Amtrak in the Age of COVID-19. This is what 6 experts say. Offered on many routes, private rooms offer the perfect option for customers seeking privacy and space on a short trip and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight. As I set my things down, the train rolled into motion. (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 . Passengers boarding at any staffed station or station with an Amtrak kiosk should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. And if it is, make sure youre familiar with any restrictions in place. Amtrak has undertaken heightened security measures for the benefit of our customers. Customers can make reservations for set mealtimes in the dining car, or they can chose complimentary room service in their private cabin. 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. It turned out to be a rough night, full of rattles and rumbles. Photo Disclaimer: Some imagery shown throughout our website does not represent current operational and safety guidelines. I was excited. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. If your trip involves travel across the US-Canadian border on a train or Thruway bus, review our border crossing information. School and child care screening Take the school and child care screening online. 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.). 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. | 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. 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. / : ; < = > ? After locking the door behind me and closing the privacy curtain, I immediately took out my tub of Clorox wipes. If you start feeling sick during your shift, follow steps 1 and 2 above. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. 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. 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. 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. Riding Amtrak for the first time? 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. Be careful when crossing the gap between the train and platform. 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 Is driving still safer than flying if youre vaccinated? 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. I had 29 and a half hours to go. One unexpected highlight of my train trip was the food both tasty and filling. Employees are also required to wear masks at all times, unless in their private rooms. The removal of somerestrictions on Multi-Ride ticketson the Northeast Corridor is extended through April 30, 2022. While the view itself wasnt breathtaking, I found myself holding my breath. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/planning-booking-tips/riding-on-amtrak-train-for-the-first-time. Before their trips, passengers are encouraged to download theAmtrak app, which allows you to scan an e-ticket to board and receive gate and track information on your device at certain stations eliminating the need to crowd around departure boards. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light that fully vaccinated people can travel again. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Fee waivers: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for any changes made by December 31, 2023 on fares that have change fees. The affected routes include some trains in the Northeast Corridor and a New Orleans route. FDA proposes switching to annual coronavirus vaccine, mimicking flu model. privacy policy. Customers should not travel when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms . Amtrak offers buy-one, get-one promotion on its sleeper trains amid COVID-19 with a catch. Congressman Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, introduced a new piece of legislation on Thursday that if passed would require proof of COVID-19 vaccine . 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 . Watch your step on station stairs, escalators and train platforms. A growing wave of travel companies is making a stronger push for vaccinations. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. 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. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. That answer wasnt correct either. 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. This article was published more than1 year ago. Please enter a password. 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). At certain stations you might also see clear plastic barriers at the customer counter. Dec. 14, 2021 5:46 pm ET. 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 internet was spotty at best, forcing me to spend the hours admiring the scenery, reading, and making quick and easy lunchtime friends at my table in the dining room. Though it was a shared space . 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. @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. 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. Id spent the day watching the outside world flicker by like a silent film, a few minutes at a time. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Hi, there, she said before getting surprisingly excited. This time, I was in one of the private bedrooms located on the second floor of the trains two-bedroom sleeper cars. Notify staff of the presence of a COVID-19 case and/or outbreak in the facility based on facility policy and procedure 6. 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. Passwords are case sensitive. Overall, it has reduced service by 8 percent, including on its busy Northeast Regional service (from Boston to Virginia). After taking Amtrak's Coast Starlight train from Portland to Los Angeles during the pandemic, one traveler shares her experience of the 30-hour journey. The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. First up:facial coverings. Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: + 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. 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As I plopped down on the folded seating bench and pulled out my phone to start taking pictures, I remembered reading about other overnight Amtrak experiences that detailed the freshly disinfected roomettes. Oh, look at that! Her voice sounded like she had just won the lottery. The CDC name and logo may not be utilized if the tool is recreated for use by an external entity. Download the Amtrak app to check train status, get gate and track information at select stations, travel with contact-free eTicket scanning and access helpful information at your fingertips. This process is automatic. 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. Passwords are case sensitive. Heres your pre-trip checklist. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. We will send password reset instructions. While the science is clear that universal . Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to BBC Travel and the creator of CivilRightsTravel.com. 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. 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. Crossing borders will come with new complications. A Coronavirus Checklist: Prepare for the Possibility You May Get Very Sick. 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. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. And while safety and sanitization were largely prioritized no matter which train I rode, the experience wasnt uniform. For the most part, the check in procedure went fairly well, except for the fact that the train would be running a couple of hours late before it even started. / : ; < = > ? Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. 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. The CDC recommends domestic and international travelers get a viral test one to three days before departure and three to five days after travel. How can I fill out this form, and get in touch with u? If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a fee (a fare difference may apply). 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). Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. All baggage should contain an ID tag. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? 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. This is how to plan a good one. Everything you need to know about vaccine passports. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. 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. You may also want to pack refreshments for your trip, particularly if youre flying or taking a train. For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. 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. Check where you can go and what you can do there, 3. COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Vaccine questions, answered. 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. COVID-19 Download COVID19 screenings Download the COVID19 school and child care screening to use offline and in other languages. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Seating Accommodations Before you lock in a plane ticket or hotel reservation, make sure the destination you would like to visit is open to Americans. privacy policy. The railroad entity told. 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. Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? 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. Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. The same goes while aboard their trains. At the time, it also limited bookings, switched to cashless onboard payments, and promoted physical distancing on trains. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Amtrak will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. Listen to article. While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. Some stations require more time. and These 4 basic steps will help you prep for COVID-19, plus feel informed, forearmed, and less anxious. 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. For More Information Jason Abrams MediaRelations@Amtrak.com Amtrak Contact 202 906.3860 About Amtrak Help children when boarding and leaving the train. However, this was not the case on my train. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Weve made and continue to make incredible investments so that we can come out of this pandemic as a new and improved Amtrak. 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. _ @ " $ # ,). 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. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. 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. 1. The CDC director answered your questions. You asked: Can I get a refund if the airline changed my flight time?

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