A press release from Amtrak; October 30, 2017:
WASHINGTON – In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, Amtrak is prepared to accommodate the surge of holiday travelers with additional trains and added capacity – operating every available passenger railcar. Tickets sell out quickly, so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early.
In response to customer demand, Amtrak Acela Express (Boston – Washington, D.C.) and Northeast Regional (Boston – Washington, D.C./Virginia) services will operate extended schedules with additional frequencies and added capacity during the week of Thanksgiving. Regular Amtrak booking procedures apply.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, some customers may get to travel in newly-refreshed train cars as Amtrak is investing in a nearly $17 million refresh of its train interiors. Several services, including the Northeast Regional, are undergoing a series of phased improvements including new seat cushions, carpeting, curtains and refreshed restrooms to provide a more modern, comfortable experience onboard.
Last year, Amtrak carried 760,755 customers throughout its national network during the Thanksgiving travel period. Similar customer counts are anticipated this year.
Tips to ensure a smooth trip:
- Purchasing Tickets: Travelers can purchase tickets using Amtrak.com, at Quik-TrakSM ticket kiosks, ticket windows (where available), Amtrak mobile apps, or 800-USA-RAIL.
- Avoid the Rush, Arrive Early: The busiest travel days are the Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Customers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before departure.
- Enhanced Experience: Trains feature free Wi-Fi, the freedom to always use electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), large spacious seats, ample leg room and no middle seat.
- 2+2 = Free: Amtrak has the friendliest baggage policy in the travel industry. Customers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, up to 150 pounds collectively, for free!
- Travel with Your Furry Friend: For only $25, cats and small dogs (20 pounds or less) are welcome for trips up to seven hours on most routes.
- Check Train Schedules: Check holiday train schedules and status before arriving at the station on Amtrak.com, Track Your Train (on Amtrak.com), or Amtrak mobile apps.
- Carry Photo ID: Customers are required to show travel documents and valid photo identification at all times aboard trains.
- Safety First: If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity or unattended items to an Amtrak employee or the Amtrak Police Department at (800) 331-0008, by calling 911, or by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone, or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.
About Amtrak®
Amtrak – America’s Railroad® – is dedicated to safe and reliable mobility as the nation’s intercity passenger rail service provider and its high-speed rail operator. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak passengers for each of the past six years. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a 10-member board of directors, nine of whom are appointed by the President of the United States plus the Amtrak CEO. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Learn more at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and other information. Check us out at blog.Amtrak.com, Like us on Facebook.com and Follow us on Twitter @Amtrak.