Amtrak Guest Rewards

I have just booked plane tickets with miles, and donated the tickets to charity, with NO payment or consideration whatsoever in return, and no tax deduction taken.

I think that there would be plenty of charities along the Northeast Corridor that could use something like that.

Perhaps you could donate them to the Scouts for transport to Philmont on #3/4?

https://thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-ra ... ion-bonus/

I frankly find RPA annoying in their fundraising junk mail and spam emails, but the 10% discount on fares is worthwhile depending on how much you travel:

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Boosting your Amtrak Guest Rewards balance presents a bit of a challenge, though. Amtrak Guest Rewards was once an instant transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, but now points are much harder to come by. Generally, the easiest option is to take advantage of a credit card welcome bonus, but a new offer that popped into my inbox seemed worth a look, as well.

As the email subject line exclaims, “Imagine where you can go with up to 15,000 points.” Amtrak had my attention — 15,000 points could buy me several post-pandemic trips home to my family in the Philadelphia area. I was intrigued.

My excitement quickly evaporated as I continued to read on, but, given how difficult it can be to earn Amtrak points, I decided to still dig in and do some math.

Ultimately, the Silver Rail Society option offers the best return, at $1,000 for 7,000 points — a “cost” of 14.3 cents apiece, compared with 16.67 cents for the “PLUS” option. You’ll need to sign up by Jan. 31, 2021, in order to earn the bonus points.
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Guide: ThePointsGuy.com

Amtrak Guest Rewards: How to earn and redeem points with train travel

Whether you want to save money on expensive airline tickets or experience a different mode of travel transportation, you might consider taking the train. While the American train system pales in comparison to many European and Asian train systems, it can still offer a convenient alternative to flying.

If you do decide to take the train in the United States, Amtrak, which operates most of the medium- and long-haul passenger trains, offers its own loyalty program to reward frequent customers with free rides.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to maximize the Amtrak Guest Rewards program, including how to earn points, elite status, lounge access and more.
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The "Points Guy" is back with an interview: https://thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-lo ... milestone/

From upgrade ‘hack’ to IT fixes, Amtrak loyalty chief dishes on Guest Rewards' big growth


There's big news on the rails this week: Amtrak just reached 20 million members of its Guest Rewards program.

Launched in 2000, the Guest Rewards program was originally introduced to coincide with the launch of the Acela trains that travel along the Interstate 95 corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C.

And what might've once been a program focused on road warriors based in the Northeast has since grown its appeal to cover the entire country.

To celebrate the milestone, Amtrak's loyalty chief, Lisa Copeland, spoke exclusively to TPG about where the program is headed. Read on for the details.
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Press Release: https://media.amtrak.com/2024/12/amtrak ... d-members/

Amtrak Guest Rewards Celebrates Milestone of Eclipsing 20 Million Enrolled Members


WASHINGTON – Amtrak Guest Rewards, the loyalty program for America’s Railroad, has reached a historic milestone, welcoming its 20 millionth enrolled member, who alongside fellow members has started earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, gift cards and more. This achievement comes as Amtrak Guest Rewards members now make up nearly half of Amtrak’s ridership.

“Reaching 20 million enrolled Amtrak Guest Rewards members is a testament to Amtrak’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience, providing our guests with outstanding value,” said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Loyalty and Customer Engagement Lisa Copeland. “We thank all of our members and look forward to welcoming future members aboard to experience all Amtrak Guest Rewards has to offer.”

The 20 million enrolled Amtrak Guest Rewards members milestone comes on the heels of recent additions and improvements Amtrak has made to its loyalty program, train service, and customer experience, leading to record breaking ridership of 32.8 million customers in its Fiscal Year 2024. This includes, Points & Cash, a major enhancement that allows members to pay for Amtrak travel using a combination of points and cash, the new Borealis service between St. Paul and Chicago, which carried 100,000 customers in less than six months, the reinvention of the Cafe Acela menu, and more, with several new developments and improvements set to come within the next year and beyond.

Joining Amtrak Guest Rewards is free and members can immediately start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel and other redemptions, upon enrollment. Members earn two points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel, plus a 25% point bonus for Business Class travel and a 50% point bonus for Acela First Class travel. Amtrak Guest Rewards members with Tier status receive additional point bonuses on travel, as well as benefits to elevate the customer experience, including upgrades, lounge access and companion coupons. Members can book reward travel to experience Amtrak Across America for as few as 400 points.