Now I just have to figure out how to get "status" with Amtrak. "Qualifying tier points" are very difficult to determine. (Even after reading T&C/s) Amtrak fails to differentiate partner promotions such as: Samsonite, Gas Company, Flowers, etc...and "qualifying tier points" Almost all rewards programs I know of, make it crystal clear as to what qualifies and what doesn't. Thankfully I called them before I bought 10 "Samsonite luggage tags @ $5 apiece" to claim the 1,000 points per purchase. I did get a 40% bonus on purchased points. I love Amtrak, but it is blatantly obvious why they are hemorrhaging money... For $565 dollars, I just purchased 21,000 points (including bonus) That alone, is enough for a 2-zone roomette (bare in mind that paying with points, only one seat fee is charged and both get their meals comp'ed during the duration of the trip)

EX: November 13, 2015: [CHI-SEA] in a roomette, via Texas Eagle [65 hours long] connecting to Coastal Starlight via LAX to SEA [34 hours long] is currently priced at $1,406 dollars. Furthermore, the roomette on the Texas Eagle includes a total of 8 "comp'ed" meals PER PERSON and the Coastal Starlight includes a total of 6 "comp'ed meals PER PERSON. Combined....... That is a staggering 28 meals that Amtrak is providing (not to mention the Coastal Starlight menu in the Pacific Parlor Car for sleepers is a tier up above all other Amtrak routes) Now to be generous... Lets just say at $15 dollars a meal (some of the dinner entrees on Amtrak are upwards of $25 each)
28 meals at $15 each is $420 dollars. So the $565 dollars I paid to Amtrak for the points to purchase the 2-zone redemption plummeted to $145 dollars. Clearly, what they pay for the food and what they sell it for are two different things; however, I think the point has been made. To conclude, I love Amtrak and I am happy to give my tax dollars to help keep it afloat. BUT........ I have been struggling for work since I was laid off; meanwhile, some "genius" who probably doesn't know a damn thing about Amtrak, is making 6 figures a year salary because on paper, his/hers Harvard degree looks so pretty... Ahhhh the joys of government... Put them in charge of the Sahara and we will run out of sand in two months.... Maybe the saying is true regarding jobs.... It's not what ya know, but who ya know.... Could sure use one of those in my life!! Hahahaha