How to Take Advantage of Amtrak’s Latest Sleeper Service Offerings
Given concerns about social distancing and the transmission of coronavirus by air, a cross-country train ride seems like an even worse idea than getting on a plane right now, but sometimes you just need to move around the country. The general American reluctance to travel is certainly taking its toll on railroad giant Amtrak, which has cut service and laid off 20 percent of its workforce in the midst of the pandemic. Nonetheless, Amtrak hopes it can tempt you to buy a ticket with the sweet BOGO offer (buy one, get one free) for the sleeper service – an attractive offer that I would hardly recommend to anyone who doesn’t need to travel at all right now. given the current state of our nation.
However, if you just have to travel, here’s how you can pay a lot less than usual for the privilege of riding the rails in your personal sleeper car.
From now until July 17, you can purchase one roomette overnight ticket and get a second ticket for the same trip free of charge. Roomettes are simply “sleeping cars” in which the seats fold back into the bed. Rooms also have a large window, towels and bed linen, and a private bathroom with shower.
While this is certainly great for couples if you are traveling alone, buying a “free” second ticket will ensure that no one is sharing a room with you. These tickets will be available for travel from 13 July to 20 September 2020.
Amtrak spokeswoman Olivia Irwin said in a press release: “All private room customers receive free access to lounges at major stations, priority boarding and free meals on board.”
Passengers will be required to wear protective masks on trains and at stations, except when in their private rooms.
Roomettes are only offered on the following train lines:
- California Marshmallow
- Capitol Limited
- Cardinal
- City of new orleans
- Coast Starlight, Crescent
- Empire Builder
- Lake Shore Limited
- Silver service
- Southwest Chief
- Sunset Limited
- Texas eagle.
For full details of the BOGO deal, visit the Amtrak website for details on the terms of the deal.