Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Amtrak points

Does Alska give miles for Amtrak ,can you get both Alaska miles and Amtrak points

Yes, you can earn Alaska miles while travelling on Amtrak (on the West Coast). I have done it many times on the Capitol Corridors service in California (150 miles each way on that service, more on other routes). You need to pick up the special AS card at the Amtrak station (I have extra if you want me to mail you some). Fill out the card, and give it to the conductor when he checks your ticket. He will punch the card and keep it.

The Amtrak points are separate; you earn those based on the amount you spend on your Amtrak ticket. Give your Amtrak Rewards card to the Amtrak tkt booth person when you buy yout tkt. Pay with your AS Visa or Amtrak Rewards Mastercard for even more points. (And present your AAA card for a 10% discount on the Amtrak tkt).

Thanks for the info, I saw a 50% California Amtrak promo, so from Burbak Airport to DowntownLA its $1, good deal I think

How long does it take for these miles to post?

Also, for those with SEA - PDX experience is the $11 worth it to upgrade to Business Class on the Cascades?

I take the Pacifc Surfliner from LA Union Station (which Amtrak calls LAX, but it's nowhere near LAX - The Airport[TM]) to San Diego quite a bit and get 150 miles each way. The conductors often do not have the Alaska Airines form, so I just save the stubs from the ARC and then fax it to the MileagePlan service center in WA. It takes about a week to post.

Sadly, there is no bonus in Alaska miles for travelling Business Class on Amtrak. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by FlyinHawaiian (edited 06-04-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Points Scrounger:
How long does it take for these miles to post?

Also, for those with SEA - PDX experience is the $11 worth it to upgrade to Business Class on the Cascades?</font>

I think it is worth it. You get a coupon for $4 off in the Bistro car (including on alcohol), so now you're only paying $7 more. I like the seats better and the roomier coach, and once I was the sole occupant of the car from OLW to PDX.