5 Ways Amtrak is Delivering a ‘New Standard of Travel’
As you prepare for your next trip, Amtrak wants you to know they have continued to enhance safety and cleaning measures with a ‘New Standard of Travel’. From beginning to end, you’ll experience a safe, convenient and contactless ride every step of the way. AAA Travel is excited to share Amtrak’s five ways that your favorite rail company is responding to the pandemic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPd5MrWvOLU
Face coverings are required
To ensure everyone’s safety, Amtrak is requiring that all customers wear facial coverings throughout their trip, in stations and on trains. Employees are also required to wear masks. When customers are in their private rooms, face masks can be removed.
Contactless travel with the Amtrak app
To make trips contactless and encourage physical distancing at stations, Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. To reduce crowding at departure boards, Amtrak app users can now receive gate and track information via push notification at select stations. Also, with reserved seating now available on all Acela® reservations, you can easily change your seat on the Amtrak app.
Enhanced cleaning and onboard filtration system
Amtrak is following industry recommendations for deep cleaning and sanitizing of trains prior to, during and after service. All of their trains are also equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4 – 5 minutes. In addition, they’ve removed all non-safety materials from seatback pockets to reduce exposure and will be installing hand sanitizer dispensers in café cars.
A seat with extra space
Amtrak is limiting bookings on most trains to allow for physical distancing. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members can easily find seats together. Also, private rooms provide privacy and space on short trips and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight.
Safely dine while onboard
Signage, protective plastic barriers and markers leading up to café counters are being installed to promote physical distancing. Amtrak is also temporarily offering café service as carryout only and flexible dining service on overnight routes (with the exception of the Auto Train®). Customers in private rooms are encouraged to opt for complimentary room service, while dining and lounge seating will remain available on select routes with physical distancing protocols in place.
Amtrak is also waiving change fees on all bookings through August 31, 2020 for your travel flexibility.
As you prepare to travel once again, AAA Travel is here to help. Our agents have been in constant contact with service providers, including Amtrak. In fact, Amtrak joined AAA for a recent discussion on train travel. Together, you and your travel agent can find the right vacation. To speak with a AAA Travel Agent, please call 1-800-222-7448.