AMTRAK Program
 

I got a package last weekend telling me I was put into AMTRAK's Guest Rewards "Select" category. I did not know they had levels and their website says nothing. Anyone else get the package (including upgrades and club passes)? Any other preferred levels? Should there be a separate AMTRAK board?

Go to

http://www.amtrakguestrewards.com

And click on Select Benefits for all the information.

I just went to that link. Didn't know Amtrak had a program. If you stay at a Hilton in conjunction with Amtrak, do you get "triple dipping"? Air, hotel, and train?

Is Amtrak's frequent rider program worthwhile? Thank you.

It's worthwhile, in that AMTRAK is often the best and least expensive travel alternative. Get something for your travel, and it is free. The list of partners is expanding all the time; it includes Hilton, Starwood and Continental at this point. I do not think you can triple-dip.

If you use Amtrak, then it's probably worthwhile, all you have to od is to sign up and give your number when you purchase tickets.

If you don't use Amtrak, then it's probably not worth it if you have to go out of your way to take the train.

Points in Amtrak Guest Rewards are convertible into UA or CO miles on a 1 for 1 basis. Also, the Amtrak affinity Master Card has no annual fee and awards points on a 1 for 1 basis. The card could be particularly useful for non-Premier members of UA MP, since the First USA Visa card has both monthly and annual limits unless you are Premier or higher.

Last I heard, the AMTRAK MC also does not lop added fees onto charges made in a foreign currency. First USA added another 2% fee starting April 1, 2002.

The Amtrak card doesn't have any additional foreign transaction fees, only the regular 1% interchange that happens on all Mastercards and Visa's with any bank.

Amtrak has first class lounges in NYC, PHL, &WAS. Admission is by a first class ticket, or an AMEX Platinum Card.

I tried to get in with my Aclea ticket, and an Amtrak FR(frequent railer) card, and my Metro Club ticket, and was told no go.

Actually, I believe that the Amtrak card is issued by MBNA, not by First USA.

Just rode Amtrak Capitols Corridor the other day from Oakland-Sacramento. I got a 10% discount with AAA card, 150 miles (one way)on Alaska Mileage PLan, plus the Amtrak points for the price of the purchased ticket. Not a bad deal!

(and according to previous posts, I will eventually be able to transfer the Amtrak points into a FF program).

Where is the Amtrak first class lounge at NY Penn? Did Amtrak discontinue the lounge at Boston South Station? Any word on adding a lounge at Back Bay?

On a related note: when Congress pulls the plug on Amtrak later this year, who will buy the profit center of the NE Corridor? An airline? Greyhound (yikes) ?

It is the old MetroClub Lounge.
as you face the ticket windows, it is to your left, in the corner, before the exit doors to the street.

The Club Acela in Penn Station is near the NJ Transit ticketing windows. Access is for first class passengers (but not business class) and those with sleeping car accomodations.

There is no Club Acela in Boston Back Bay. Club Acelas are located in Washington Union Station, Phil. 30th. Street, New York Penn Station, and Boston South Station.

As I said in an earlier post, it is also available to AMEX Platinum(the real Platinum cardholders)