2008 Select Plus Packages
 

My2008 S+ package came yesterday. The card is very classy. The brochure is well-produced and catchy.

I just wish that Amtrak would have instead invested some of the money in new first class seats on the Acela trainsets. This has been promised for two years now... and no progress is in sight!

any details on what is in package?
 

Any coupons / freebies in package? any thing new this year? thanks

3 upgrades, 2 BOGO, 1 freebie magazine subscription. Just like last year.

There are fewer blackout dates, as discussed previously.

The S+ card and coupons have a new design - dark graphite.

I don't see any mention of CO Presidents Club access. Will check with AGR on this tomorrow.

I thought it interesting that they are promising to allow people to buy points starting soon, as well as to be able to give points to other AGR members. It's not clear if those perks will only be available to Select + members, Select & Select + members, or all members.

They also have some new and unique rewards, like Hot Air Balloon rides, a Harley-Davidson Rental, National Sporting event packages, and a few other items.

AGR says they know of no change in the CO Presidents Club benefit. I guess we'll only know for sure after March 1. But would they really have a completely unannounced benefit of substantial value?

My question always is: valuing an AGR point at say 2 cents (actually the value can be much higher), do these things really pay off using points, or is it more cost effective to pay cash for them?

OK, I realize some people that travel for business don't know what to do with their points. But your red-blooded FTer probably isn't in that category.