If you’ve never traveled by train, you’ve missed a relaxing trip: There’s no need to search for gas stations and restrooms, no need to worry about car troubles, and you don’t even need to wonder if you’re too tired to keep driving.
Right now, Amtrak is making rail travel even more appealing. For one more day, when “you book a Roomette for travel from June 1 to September 30, you’ll get to bring a companion along for free,” Amtrak explains.
“We want to offer our customers a truly unique way to see the country this summer,” Roger Harris, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief marketing and revenue officer, said in a statement. “With our nationwide Roomette sale, customers can share the experience with a travel companion while taking advantage of some of the best sightseeing opportunities this country has to offer.”
Here’s The Deal
Amtrak’s Buy One/Bring One Free deal comes at just the right time. Indeed, research shows that — perhaps buoyed by rising COVID-19 vaccination rates — people are increasingly making travel plans for this spring and summer.
Here’s how the offer works: Through the end of Friday, April 16, when you book a Roomette for travel between June 1 and September 30, a companion can travel with you for free. If you aren’t familiar with Roomettes, the private rooms feature seats that convert into beds, a large window so you can watch the scenery roll by, and meals. More details about the deal can be found here.
The private Roomettes are available on 15 of Amtrak’s most famous routes, including the California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Northeast Regional, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, and Texas Eagle.
The Fine Print
As with all travel arrangements, there are some details to consider. In this case, for example, July 5 is a blackout date. Another stipulation to consider is that upgrades are not permitted. Also, routes and schedules are subject to change.
Know Before You Go
With the safety and health of travelers and staff alike in mind, Amtrak explains that “to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free, and convenience measures have been implemented into every part of the customer journey.” For instance, the trains have onboard filtration systems that deliver fresh air every 4 to 5 minutes.
Another key practice is that customers see the percentage of seats sold for each route when booking travel. This way, Amtrak explains, customers can book reservations on trains that are less crowded.
Finally, Amtrak explains that per federal law and Amtrak policy, both customers and staff must wear a face mask or face covering that completely covers the entire mouth and nose while inside train stations and on trains. However, face masks may be “removed briefly while actively eating, drinking, or taking medication.” More information about Amtrak’s COVID-19 standards can be found here.
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