Amtrak Rewards Program

[Timeshare Von]

Big changes coming, starting with the replacement of their current Chase M/C rewards program. More info on the new partner later this month; only that Chase will be canceling all M/C with Amtrak branding and replacing with their Freedom VISA (no thank you).

The timing is coupled with the announcement that they will be overhauling their rewards program making many tickets (particularly those involving sleeping rooms) much more expensive in terms of number of points needed. The basis will be on a conversion from "cash price" of the ticket to points . . . so no longer will there be the standard "one zone" = XXX points. It will be $500 = XXX points, etc.

The changes go into effect with travel booked in Mid January 2016. More info is available on their website.

 

[Ken555]

Yes, this change sucks. I transferred points to Amtrak in order to redeem a room for a trip but not sure when I can go. Now I need to plan it soon or else face the potential for spending even more points.

All programs devalue over time...I just didn't expect it for Amtrak at this time.


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[Timeshare Von]

Yes, this change sucks. I transferred points to Amtrak in order to redeem a room for a trip but not sure when I can go. Now I need to plan it soon or else face the potential for spending even more points.

All programs devalue over time...I just didn't expect it for Amtrak at this time.


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I'm working hard to get my account up to 60k before the card is dropped . . . and then have until 1/24/16 to book my two 1-zone roomette (RT) trips.

I think you can book a year out, so it may still be viable to book roomette travel through 2016. At least that is what I believe and will attempt to do.

 

[Ken555]

I'm working hard to get my account up to 60k before the card is dropped . . . and then have until 1/24/16 to book my two 1-zone roomette (RT) trips.



I think you can book a year out, so it may still be viable to book roomette travel through 2016. At least that is what I believe and will attempt to do.

1-zone roomette's are just 15,000 each. Are you reserving two for each trip?

I'm planning a 2-zone roomette for 20,000... And yes, it seems I must take this trip by next year and plan by January or else deal with the new program. That's the point I was trying to make earlier...I had thought I had three years to do the trip, now that I recently went thru hoops to renew my account...oh well...


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[Timeshare Von]

1-zone roomette's are just 15,000 each. Are you reserving two for each trip?

I'm planning a 2-zone roomette for 20,000... And yes, it seems I must take this trip by next year and plan by January or else deal with the new program. That's the point I was trying to make earlier...I had thought I had three years to do the trip, now that I recently went thru hoops to renew my account...oh well...


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Sorry for the confusion . . .

15k for a 1-zone roomette each way = 30k roundtrip.

Your 2-zone roomette will be 20k each way = 40k roundtrip.

P.S. Currently with the reservation system you can book 11 months out!

 

[Beaglemom3]

If you are a disabled traveler, the one zone is 15,000 for the larger one bedroom, accessible room. Not the smaller, roomette. I am not sure if there is an accessible roomette.

When I was less mobile and using crutches/cane, we took this from Bos-Mia.

I was so surprised when they told me that they discount the accessible bedroom.

I was required to show proof of my condition before boarding. That xray with the screws and plate is most effective. Downright funny, actually, when I saw the expression on their faces.

Be sure to request this room, if needed, when booking on the phone with the agent.

=

 

[Ken555]

Sorry for the confusion . . .

15k for a 1-zone roomette each way = 30k roundtrip.

Your 2-zone roomette will be 20k each way = 40k roundtrip.

P.S. Currently with the reservation system you can book 11 months out!

Ah. I plan on flying one way...


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[heathpack]

Thanks for the heads up on this.

As an FYI, I was able to book a one-way roomette for next June. So even though the program is changing in Jan, it looks like they are allowing redemptions at the current "price" points-wise.

And his does this swell trip sound?
Ship a bike to a cycling friend in Denver. Fly to Denver. Two nights in Denver, with some kind of mountain climbing bike ride.

Then drive to Breckenridge for 1 week
TS stay Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Ride with Breckenridge cycling friend. Plus do other stuff as well.

Possibly add 2 nights in Aspen, if my Hyatt internal exchange requests comes through.

Return to Denver, ship bike back home. Amtrak Denver to Sacramento on the California Zephyr, crossing the Rockies & the Sierra Nevadas.

Fly home from Sacramento.

 

[Timeshare Von]

That sounds like a great trip!

And yes, you can book now for travel out as far as 11 months using the current rewards system.

I did book one of our R/T roomette trips . . . Milwaukee to Albuquerque for next March. I will have enough points at the end of this month for another 1 zone R/T in a roomette. I'm thinking New Orleans next fall!