Coronavirus in the US. What would Amtrak do?
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: TPA for now. Hopefully LIS for retirement
Posts: 13,677
To update this question of mine, according to a March 31 Service Advisory, the California Zephyr is now not operating between Reno and Denver:
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service...ronavirus.html
I guess it will be two "stub" trains, one Chicago - Denver and one Emeryville - Reno (and vv).
Also, the Auto Train is cancelled in both directions today (April 1 departures), but the other Florida trains are operating, suggesting it is not due to a CSX disruption. I wonder if that is a one-off for today or if the AT is going to disappear for awhile even though it is not on that Service Advisory.
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service...ronavirus.html
I guess it will be two "stub" trains, one Chicago - Denver and one Emeryville - Reno (and vv).
Also, the Auto Train is cancelled in both directions today (April 1 departures), but the other Florida trains are operating, suggesting it is not due to a CSX disruption. I wonder if that is a one-off for today or if the AT is going to disappear for awhile even though it is not on that Service Advisory.
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,069
To update this question of mine, according to a March 31 Service Advisory, the California Zephyr is now not operating between Reno and Denver:
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service...ronavirus.html
I guess it will be two "stub" trains, one Chicago - Denver and one Emeryville - Reno (and vv).
Also, the Auto Train is cancelled in both directions today (April 1 departures), but the other Florida trains are operating, suggesting it is not due to a CSX disruption. I wonder if that is a one-off for today or if the AT is going to disappear for awhile even though it is not on that Service Advisory.
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service...ronavirus.html
I guess it will be two "stub" trains, one Chicago - Denver and one Emeryville - Reno (and vv).
Also, the Auto Train is cancelled in both directions today (April 1 departures), but the other Florida trains are operating, suggesting it is not due to a CSX disruption. I wonder if that is a one-off for today or if the AT is going to disappear for awhile even though it is not on that Service Advisory.
Hard to believe (maybe not) that Amtrak just has a few crews doing that run.
dh
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Got this by email today...
Coupons
For members who have earned upgrade, companion and other coupons, we want to give you additional time to use them. Therefore, we are pausing the expiration of coupons currently in your account between now and September 25, 2020.
Your Points
You deserve the points you have earned. To ensure that you have enough time to use your points and to keep your account active, we are pausing the expiration of points between now and September 25, 2020.
Tier Status
We know that Tier Status is important to you. We are actively evaluating potential adjustments for 2021 Tier Qualification and will keep you posted as details are confirmed.
Travel Flexibility
We understand that you may need to change or cancel your travel plans. We are waiving change fees on all existing or new reservations made before May 31, 2020. This includes reservations booked with points. To change your reservation, use our app or visit Amtrak.com. To cancel your reservation without fees, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL and speak with one of our representatives.
Coupons
For members who have earned upgrade, companion and other coupons, we want to give you additional time to use them. Therefore, we are pausing the expiration of coupons currently in your account between now and September 25, 2020.
Your Points
You deserve the points you have earned. To ensure that you have enough time to use your points and to keep your account active, we are pausing the expiration of points between now and September 25, 2020.
Tier Status
We know that Tier Status is important to you. We are actively evaluating potential adjustments for 2021 Tier Qualification and will keep you posted as details are confirmed.
Travel Flexibility
We understand that you may need to change or cancel your travel plans. We are waiving change fees on all existing or new reservations made before May 31, 2020. This includes reservations booked with points. To change your reservation, use our app or visit Amtrak.com. To cancel your reservation without fees, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL and speak with one of our representatives.
#34
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: DEN: WN or UA, AA LT Gold, VIA Preference Preferred
Posts: 1,550
A revised version of service modifications is out effective 4/6:
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service...ronavirus.html
The long distance trains continue to operate, except for the California Zephyr between Denver and Reno, as noted by previous posters. If the crews emerge from quarantine virus free, the California Zephyr is expected to resume service over the full route. Daze
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/service...ronavirus.html
The long distance trains continue to operate, except for the California Zephyr between Denver and Reno, as noted by previous posters. If the crews emerge from quarantine virus free, the California Zephyr is expected to resume service over the full route. Daze
#35
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: DEN: WN or UA, AA LT Gold, VIA Preference Preferred
Posts: 1,550
https://www.amtrak.com/alert/nec-modified-schedule.html
As expected, the California Zephyr is back in full operation between Chicago and Emeryville. Daze
As expected, the California Zephyr is back in full operation between Chicago and Emeryville. Daze
#36
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,424
Got this by email today...
Coupons
For members who have earned upgrade, companion and other coupons, we want to give you additional time to use them. Therefore, we are pausing the expiration of coupons currently in your account between now and September 25, 2020.
Your Points
You deserve the points you have earned. To ensure that you have enough time to use your points and to keep your account active, we are pausing the expiration of points between now and September 25, 2020.
Tier Status
We know that Tier Status is important to you. We are actively evaluating potential adjustments for 2021 Tier Qualification and will keep you posted as details are confirmed.
Travel Flexibility
We understand that you may need to change or cancel your travel plans. We are waiving change fees on all existing or new reservations made before May 31, 2020. This includes reservations booked with points. To change your reservation, use our app or visit Amtrak.com. To cancel your reservation without fees, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL and speak with one of our representatives.
Coupons
For members who have earned upgrade, companion and other coupons, we want to give you additional time to use them. Therefore, we are pausing the expiration of coupons currently in your account between now and September 25, 2020.
Your Points
You deserve the points you have earned. To ensure that you have enough time to use your points and to keep your account active, we are pausing the expiration of points between now and September 25, 2020.
Tier Status
We know that Tier Status is important to you. We are actively evaluating potential adjustments for 2021 Tier Qualification and will keep you posted as details are confirmed.
Travel Flexibility
We understand that you may need to change or cancel your travel plans. We are waiving change fees on all existing or new reservations made before May 31, 2020. This includes reservations booked with points. To change your reservation, use our app or visit Amtrak.com. To cancel your reservation without fees, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL and speak with one of our representatives.
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Anyone else feel like this is not enough extension on coupons? It is looking more and more like there will be very little non-essential travel allowed through the summer, which does not leave much time to use coupons before a Sept 25th expiry. Hopefully they will extend again if things stay this bad?
However I have a coupon for a free RT on Acela and it will take longer for the northeastern corridor to reopen.
#38
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,424
Did you see the White House press conference yesterday and the guidelines for opening up? Some of the wide open western states will immediately move to phase 1 of reopening and maybe two weeks later to phase 2 where business travel can resume. That's great news for people in those states and Amtrak does operate there.
However I have a coupon for a free RT on Acela and it will take longer for the northeastern corridor to reopen.
However I have a coupon for a free RT on Acela and it will take longer for the northeastern corridor to reopen.
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I think with these new guidelines and progress in containing the virus that the Acela could restart sometime in June. Maybe only to transport bureaucrats between New York and Washington DC but later in July or August we should be able to take a leisure weekend trip on Acela.
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Knoxville TYS TN
Programs: Hilton (D)
Posts: 256
I think small businesses reopening and Amtrak recovering, versus getting customers through your door are two different challenges. Corporate pandemic policy is still very restrictive regarding travel. I believe the general public remains uncomfortable in confined settings as well. Recovery will be slow and remain devastating financially.
Last edited by etna; Apr 23, 2020 at 7:33 am
#41
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 149
I recently took a Acela RT Bos to NY, it was about $250.
a 4hr trip became 6hrs, BOTH times, for diff reasons, jesus christ.
The seating was, 1 person per double seat pair.
I was in a business car, and every seat row had a passenger. so, not empty at all, but very reasonabily spaced.
a 4hr trip became 6hrs, BOTH times, for diff reasons, jesus christ.
The seating was, 1 person per double seat pair.
I was in a business car, and every seat row had a passenger. so, not empty at all, but very reasonabily spaced.
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I think with these new guidelines and progress in containing the virus that the Acela could restart sometime in June. Maybe only to transport bureaucrats between New York and Washington DC but later in July or August we should be able to take a leisure weekend trip on Acela.
#44
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,424
I noticed with some dismay that Amrak decided to let unused coupons expire in late 2020 rather than extending again. Given the covid numbers in my area, it would have been irresponsible to travel by train for anything less than critical purposes. I get that they were under no obligation to extend further, but still disappointing. Contrast that with the airlines, who have generally been very generous with extending the expiration dates of credits, points, status, etc.
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I noticed with some dismay that Amrak decided to let unused coupons expire in late 2020 rather than extending again. Given the covid numbers in my area, it would have been irresponsible to travel by train for anything less than critical purposes. I get that they were under no obligation to extend further, but still disappointing. Contrast that with the airlines, who have generally been very generous with extending the expiration dates of credits, points, status, etc.