Amtrak is offering a free roundtrip trip on a Northeast regional train after two roundtrips or four one-ways on same between January 7, 2010 and March 13, 2010. Registration is required.
Up to 8 free trips can be earned, and will be valid for use between June 1 and August 31.
They’ve basically outlawed straight mileage running for the promo by limiting folks to one qualifying roundtrip per day, and by imposing a minimum qualifying fare of $49 each way.
Finally the terms and conditions also state, “Other terms and conditions apply.” But of course they don’t tell you what those other terms and conditions are. I suspect there really aren’t any, but they’re covering themselves, this is a program with a history of making significant changes without notice — I don’t really trust Amtrak Guest Rewards, but it’s better for there to be a program for the occasional obligatory train trip than for there to be no program at all.
Ultimately this wouldn’t sway me away from flying the route, but if you’re going to take the train anyway you should certainly register.
There is an Acela offer too. 3 RT or 6 OW to get a free RT. Minimum spend of $85 per OW and you can’t use the free ticket to travel peak hours on weekdays (before 9am, or 2-6pm).
It’s registration code 10710 on the Amtrak Guest Rewards website.
If you live in the DC area, and even if you don’t, you can take advantage of the Washington Post’s Post Points program. One of their redemption partners is Amtrak Guest Rewards. Get points for subscribing, taking quizzes, and visiting certain merchants. It’s free…www.washingtonpost.com/postpoints
Of course, unlike with airlines, Amtrak doesn’t check to see if you actually showed up to take the trip. So you could buy four one-way $49 tickets on consecutive days, never use them, and get a free r/t.
I’m pretty sure Dan’s wrong about missed trains. I’ve missed an Amtrak connection before and not only was my ticket canceled, but my card was refunded in full. I had to take the next train out – at the prevailing full rate.
Besides…spending $196 (assuming you could actually find exactly $49 tickets) on Amtrak for travel you don’t take just to get an award seems pretty pointless. You can travel from BOS all the way to NPN one way for only $90 – that’s the full length of the Northeast Regional line. Why not just book your $180 trip at cost and save yourself $16?