amtrak covid checklist amtrak covid checklist

School and child care screening Take the school and child care screening online. Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. When we venture out again, travel will not look the same as it did in 2019. The CDC director answered your questions. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. And again, plan to arrivewearing a mask: Passengers are required to wear facial coverings both at the station and onboard unless they are in a private room with the door closed or actively eating and drinking while maintaining distance from others. And since we believe the vaccine offers the best way to keep our employees and customers safe, Amtrak is requiring that all employees get vaccinated or submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly. One you have done your research and found out which test you need and when, figure out how you will be able to get it within the accepted time limit. If you start feeling sick during your shift, follow steps 1 and 2 above. Amtrak has upgraded its technology, fleet, stations and processes to make travel as seamless and safe as possible. In fact, the whole room looked like what I would have expected to find in a first-class suite on an international flight back in the 1970s (if they made them this big). Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. Watch your step when boarding and leaving the train. ), Nine other long-distance trains are reduced to operating five days a week, instead of daily. Since then, Amtrak has enhanced both its fleet and travel experiences to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It has also temporarily suspended operation of the Silver Meteor train, which runs between New York and Miami. This process is automatic. privacy policy. Passwords are case sensitive. 1. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. Download English Immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Non-immunocompromised School and child care screening ( PDF) Onboard dining service is largely back to pre-pandemic practices. SEATTLE (AP) In another hopeful sign that the travel industry is bouncing back in Washington state after pandemic-induced lows last year, Amtrak says it will restore daily service on 12 long distance routes across the country, including two that run through Seattle. Here is how they should work: You will upload proof of your vaccination, plus any required coronavirus test results or health waivers, into a mobile app (or if you dont have a smartphone, there will be something you can print out). The curtain of my cabin was closed, and not wanting me to miss the view, Linda hopped on our cars intercom to make an announcement. Amtrak is temporarily suspending a requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by early January, the railroad said Tuesday, a move that could stave off a feared . | Layovers, Road trips: Tips | Rental cars | Best snacks | Long-haul trains | Rest stops | Cross-country drive, Destinations: Hawaii | Private islands | Australia | Mexico | Alaska | Puerto Rico. / : ; < = > ? Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. COVID-19 Download COVID19 screenings Download the COVID19 school and child care screening to use offline and in other languages. There are many ways your actions can help protect you, your household, and your community from severe illness from COVID-19. However, this was not the case on my train. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. TSA Will Not Enforce COVID Mask Mandate on Planes, Public Transit After Judge's Ruling, U.S. Airlines Quick to Drop Mask Mandate After Federal Court Ruling, These Are the U.S. Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. These 4 basic steps will help you prep for COVID-19, plus feel informed, forearmed, and less anxious. Linking to a non-federal Website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. During the 2019 fiscal year, Amtrak carried a record 32.5 million passengers; however, an Amtrak internal analysis in April showed a 95 percent drop in ridership because of the coronavirus. After a year of bad news, travelers finally have something to look forward to again. This tool was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use by CDC. By Mary Forgione. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Offers may be subject to change without notice. By combining our safety efforts with the guidance of our medical director and partnership with George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we want our customers to have a renewed sense of confidence. www.roadsbridges.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Pre-Departure Checklist Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible Baggage Policy & Service Pack or ship your luggage according to our baggage guidelines and make the most of our service. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Stand back from the edge of the platform. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Lets leave the covid origin mystery to scientists, Covid, flu, RSV declining in hospitals as tripledemic threat fades. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It remains to be seen how important vaccine passports will be in your day-to-day life, but we do know they will be important for travel. That answer wasnt correct either. Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. _ @ " $ # ,). Passwords are case sensitive. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. The only reason I needed to leave my roomette was to use the restroom, a regularly cleaned compartment about the size of an airplane bathroom at the end of the hall. Vaccine passports are on the way, but developing them wont be easy. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. However, my room did not have any signs of being newly cleaned, prompting me to do a thorough inspection and ultimately wipe everything down. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Warren Webster, chief executive of the travel and media company Atlas Obscura, recommends protecting your vaccine card the way you would protect your passport: Take photos of it and save them on your phone. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. For TTY service, call 1-800-523-6590. It is worth noting that masks are not mandatory in the dining car when seated for meals, nor are passengers required to wear masks elsewhere while they are eating or drinking. / : ; < = > ? Officials are still not recommending travel for everyone due to the rising number of cases in the United States and globally. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. As a result, you will be allowed access to foreign countries, cruise ships, flights and more. Amtrak began selling all seats on its trains in May after limiting capacity at half for most of the pandemic. Help children when boarding and leaving the train. Amtrak says it has taken additional steps to ensure cleanliness and safety for those traveling during the coronavirus pandemic. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/planning-booking-tips/riding-on-amtrak-train-for-the-first-time. As with airlines, federal regulations require all Amtrak passengers to wear masks at all times aboard trains and in stations, regardless of vaccination status and state and local laws. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Listen to article. If your trip involves travel across the US-Canadian border on a train or Thruway bus, review our border crossing information. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). terms and conditions A half hour before departure is recommended for most passengers, 60 minutes for those who need help with ticketing or baggage. terms and conditions Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Amtrak's unique travel experience for families, individuals and groups, Tickets & fares, accessible travel service, security & ID requirements, Boarding information, station lounges, baggage & station services, Seating & sleeping, baggage info, train amenities, food & dining, Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers, Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More, Train vacation packages throughout North America, USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets, Earn points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades and more, Discover member benefits, ways to earn or redeem points and more, Explore ways to earn points that can quickly add up to great rewards, Get even more benefits with an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card. Dont laminate the original, as you may need to document future booster shots on it. Another Flight, There are children in room 1 without an adult, You didn't specify child's age for room 1, There are children in room 2 without an adult, There are children in room 3 without an adult, There are children in room 4 without an adult, There are children in room 5 without an adult, Please select a trip duration less than 28 days, There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap, Exclusive Walgreens Cash rewards for members, AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Vacation Packages, Members save when booking a flight vacation package, AARP Identity Theft Protection powered by Norton, Up to 53% off comprehensive protection plans, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. Exposures may depend on a variety of factors including the physical environment of the Anyone who has a trip canceled due to the service cuts will be notified and offered alternative travel plans. We will send password reset instructions. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . It's been updated to reflect recent Amtrak procedures. The railroad said in an email to . On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light that fully vaccinated people can travel again. Since COVID-19 disrupted much of the world in March, Railway Age has followed developments, documenting transit's decline in the spring and its slow recovery in October. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Brown says even if a test is not required for your trip, its always good to know your health status before you venture out and interact with others. Amtrak also requires its employees to either be vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test on a weekly basis. / : ; < = > ? Instead of eating in the dining car, I took advantage of Amtraks new room service option and had all my meals delivered right to my room at a time of my choosing. Like theairlines, Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity and cant guarantee an empty seat next to you for social distancing. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. I was excited. Topline. Pack a face mask and a backup. . Employees are also required to wear masks at all times, unless in their private rooms. And while safety and sanitization were largely prioritized no matter which train I rode, the experience wasnt uniform. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. ! " William J. Flynn took over as CEO of Amtrak at the worst possible . Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Download the Amtrak app to check train status, get gate and track information at select stations, travel with contact-free eTicket scanning and access helpful information at your fingertips. To keep station crowds to a minimum, Amtrak is also urging passengers not to arrive too far in advance. J. CDC, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in . Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term -43% off the standard annual rate, Access exclusive discounts, programs, & services, Double down with a FREE second membership. ncov/hcp/hcp-hospital-checklist. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this same approach could be taken in relation to masking. As I plopped down on the folded seating bench and pulled out my phone to start taking pictures, I remembered reading about other overnight Amtrak experiences that detailed the freshly disinfected roomettes. The policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled in a 59-page decision that the "mask mandate exceeds the CDC's statutory authority and violated the procedures required for agency rulemaking." Blount McCormick says that for now, travel insurance is a must, as the status of the pandemic can change daily on personal, local and global levels. Something to consider when weighing the pros and cons of booking a private room they all come with free meals, including select soft drinks and your first alcoholic drink, plus you have the option of eating off the dining car menu or going with something more casual in the caf car. Amtrak customers 18 years of age and older must produce valid photo identification when: To be valid, your identification must be current and in-force. Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible. privacy policy. The CDC name and logo may not be utilized if the tool is recreated for use by an external entity. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Brown also says vaccine requirements to travel are nothing new. That answer wasnt correct either. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the In fact, we have a full-time medical director and public health and safety team who have been on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. "Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.". While airlines, ride-sharing services, and other forms public transportation have been announcing its own policies, it remains unclear whether the U.S. Department of Justice will file an appeal to halt the order. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. At certain stations you might also see clear plastic barriers at the customer counter. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to BBC Travel and the creator of CivilRightsTravel.com. terms and conditions For More Information Jason Abrams MediaRelations@Amtrak.com Amtrak Contact 202 906.3860 About Amtrak ! " Even if you have been vaccinated, you will probably be required to wear a face mask. The Pennsylvanian and Keystone lines covering Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and New . The same goes while aboard their trains. That answer wasnt correct either. COVID-19, and more than 1,600 of those workers have died. @Amtrak and @SharonDevol It looks like the COVID check form is having problems on your website, as it continuously says it is having trouble finding our reservation, and your main 1-800 number is giving a busy signal every time I try to call today. But I reminded myself that I was booked in one of Amtraks private bedrooms, a space where Id have my own sitting area, en suite bathroom with a toilet and shower, a sink, and, when I was ready to call it a night, a bed. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request. Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Cond Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. FDA is providing a food safety re-opening checklist . (2 minutes) Amtrak said it would suspend its Covid-19 vaccine mandate for employees, a reversal from last week's policy stance that the rail . Amtrak's unique travel experience for families, individuals and groups, Tickets & fares, accessible travel service, security & ID requirements, Boarding information, station lounges, baggage & station services, Seating & sleeping, baggage info, train amenities, food & dining, Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers, Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More, Train vacation packages throughout North America, USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets, Earn points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades and more, Discover member benefits, ways to earn or redeem points and more, Explore ways to earn points that can quickly add up to great rewards, Get even more benefits with an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card. Angela Adto Tepper, chief executive and founder of AZA Luxury Travel, says travelers should consider options like cancel for any reason coverage, as well as Medjet or COVAC GLOBAL memberships, which can fly you home in case of a medical emergency. Passengers who want quiet choose the quiet car. _ @ " $ # ,). Let's try a different question. If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every other table had a sign on it, instructing passengers to leave the booth empty in order to maintain social distancing. we do know they will be important for travel. Private rooms, available on long-distance and overnight routes, are another option for customers hoping to keep their distance from others while onboard. I noticed signage stating that passengers and staff must wear masks at all times unless in the privacy of their own rooms had replaced Amtrak promotional posters on the walls. Weve also focused on making the experience touch free, including contactless boarding, scanning tickets directly from the Amtrak app and the installation of new Amtrak kiosks throughout the country. Do I need another booster? Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Heres more on Amtraks latest policies and practices. The tablecloth dining will return June 23 to the six trains serving the western United. "Try to travel in a car with . When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Amtrak estimates that 97.3% of its workforce has at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 95.7% is fully vaccinated, leaving fewer than 500 active employees who have not complied with the vaccine . May 24, 2021. News Airlines United Airlines Amtrak Joe Biden. Prepare to get tested before, and potentially after, you travel, 5. The removal of some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor is extended through December 31, 2023. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. And at any given meal time, I found that only three out of five tables were ever occupied. I also realized that absolutely none of the windows on the train were open, and frequent reminders over the intercom made it clear that passengers were not to attempt to open them. Oh, look at that! Her voice sounded like she had just won the lottery. App users will also receive boarding gate and track information at select stations so they can head directly to their train. privacy policy. Before their trips, passengers are encouraged to download theAmtrak app, which allows you to scan an e-ticket to board and receive gate and track information on your device at certain stations eliminating the need to crowd around departure boards. While the view itself wasnt breathtaking, I found myself holding my breath. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Let's try a different question. After a dramatic drop in ridership during the first few months of the pandemic, Amtrak has been steadily welcoming back more customers but it's still operating with modified policies and guidelines to keep passengers safe in stations and onboard trains. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Caf service is available on most trains but is suspended on two California lines: the Capitol Corridor between Sacramento and San Jose, and the San Joaquins service connecting the Central Valley to Oakland. Amtrak will respond to passenger requests within 72 hours. The agency also suggests self-quarantining for seven days when you get home, even if your test is negative. For someone like me with immune issues that put them in a higher-risk category for COVID-19, having this option offered an off-load of anxiety. It comes at a time when COVID-19 numbers are on the rise again and mask-wearing has been encouraged and even enforced again, with cities like Philadelphia reinstating its indoor mask mandate on Monday. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. Sept 21 (Reuters) - U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak said on Tuesday it will require nearly all of its 18,000 employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Nov. 22. Ridership is still down leaving inter-city trains with scores of open seats from which to choose. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. Passengers boarding at any staffed station or station with an Amtrak kiosk should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Bryan Del Monte, president of the Aviation Agency, says travelers can expect a reduction in service when they start traveling again. Let's try a different question. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. Everything Id read so far about riding Amtrak in the time of COVID-19 seemed to rank long-distance train travel as safe, smart, and dare I say even relaxing. But if youre returning to the United States from an international trip, you have to provide a negative test result or documentation of recovery regardless of your vaccination or antibody status. Amtrak President Stephen Gardner told a House Transportation subcommittee that roughly 95% of its 17,000 employees have been fully vaccinated ahead of a Jan. 4 deadline. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. Amtrak is issuing travel guidelines that aim to reassure customers that several added cleanliness and convenience measures have been implemented on their trains as the country begins to reopen during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I noticed that on the Empire Builder, my attendant was frequently sanitizing the car, my roomette smelled of disinfectant when I boarded, and the conductor sounded very serious about policing passengers about wearing masks., She went on to say that she never saw a room attendant without a mask on, unless they were in their own room with the door closed and even then, they rushed to put on a mask before opening the door for her. If capacity exceeds comfort levels, customers can change their ticket without incurring a fee (a fare difference may apply). But it has made it easier to determine if youll find the train crowded once youre aboard. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Please enter a password. Youre vaccinated and ready to travel. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. Customers can view where there might be empty seats to allow for greater distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. . This is how to plan a good one. fully vaccinated people can travel again. Depending on where you are going (and what the status of vaccine passports are when you go), you may need to show the vaccine card before you board a plane, or before you pass customs and immigration, among other entry points. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. The change fee waiver does not apply to a previously purchased fare rebooked for the same train, date and origin/destination at a lower fare. . These include things like cleaning every seat, private room, baggage rack, bathroom, button, caf car, dining car, and other publicly shared spaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant before the train leaves not to mention continuing to spray and wipe down all major touchpoints, including bathrooms, every couple of hours. When searching for travel, the percentage of seats sold displays next to each trip option and adjusts as more reservations are made, which gives customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. terms and conditions Amtrak became the latest company to require vaccinations for employees on Thursday, joining several airlines that have mandated the jab. Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. Amtrak has temporarily dropped its mandate for all employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19, a requirement that the rail service had said would likely result in cuts to service. This left a total of five dining tables open (all of which must be reserved for a specific time in advance). Detours with locals. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. / : ; < = > ? WASHINGTON - Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. Amtrak has implemented many other innovations in part due to the pandemic, including gate & track push notifications sent to mobile devices and digital wallet payments made with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. . Make physical copies of it, keep those copies in a few different places and get one of those copies laminated (some places like Staples and Office Depot will do it free). Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. At first, the feeling was confusing and almost unrecognizable, but then it hit me: For the first time in seven months, I wasnt just going somewhere I was traveling. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. We are seniors and had taken a room for the trip. Learn more about our baggage policies. Linda and her boisterous charm bid me adieu, promising to return to show me around my new digs after she was able to meet, greet, and guide her other sleeping car passengers to their rooms. March 15, 20213:28 PM. Many countries require specific inoculations to visit; the coronavirus vaccine is just another one to add to the list. Amtrak app: The Amtrak app makes contact-free travel easy.