Free Amtrak Travel: Everything You Need To Know About New Program

A new Amtrak rewards program that lets you earn free train trips goes into effect this month.

The new system changes the way points are earned and redeemed and could save you some money, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here’s how the old system worked:

• Two points were earned for every dollar spent on a train fare.
• Points were redeemed based on where you were going. So traveling from, say, Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. always cost the same amount of points, regardless of how much the trip cost.
• Blackout dates frequently prevented you from redeeming points.

The new system changes a lot of this. Here’s everything you need to know about what is changing:

Fare-based, not zone-based

Amtrak points can now be spent based on how much the actual trip costs, not where it’s going.

This could either hurt you or help you (depending on how much of a procrastinator you are), since train fares increase the closer you get to the trip date. Booking in advance will cost you fewer points than booking right before the trip.

CityLab recently crunched some numbers, comparing the old Amtrak points fares to new ones. Bottom line: If you book early, you’ll come out ahead in the new system.

No blackout dates

This is the other big change that will eliminate a big headache for some people.

Points can soon be redeemed for holidays and high-demand travel days. Acela time-of-day travel restrictions will also no longer apply.

But, Amtrak says, “Blackout dates will still apply to some offers and promotions including one-class upgrade coupons and free companion-fare coupon.”

Bonuses for upgrades

The two-point-per-dollar earnings system will still be in place, but you can now earn bonuses for upgrading travel.

Business class will get you a 25-percent point bonus, while Acela first class will earn you a 50-percent bonus.

When does this go into effect?

The new points system begins January 24, 2016. Travel booked before the 24th will fall under the old rules, and travel booked on or after the 24th will follow the new rules.

What else is new?

• The 100-point minimum to earn points will be gone, so you will earn points for any money you spend on Amtrak. And the minimum needed to redeem travel is now just 800 points.
• Points and cash will be able to be combined to purchase tickets.
• Points will only expire after 36 months of no activity. Activity includes redeeming and earning points, including making purchases on an Amtrak rewards credit card.
• Points cannot be earned on Amtrak 7000-series Thruway services or the Canadian portion of joint Amtrak/VIA Rail Canada services, as well as any already discounted fares.

For the full Amtrak rewards points system information and fare estimator, click here.