Check your emails, because if you’re a member of Amtrak‘s Guest Rewards Program (it’s free to sign up and earn), you’re likely receiving an email entitling you to a free upgrade to Business Class on your next trip.
The free upgrades are only valid until April 7 and only on Northeast Regional trains (no Acela Express). They are space available and can only be redeemed within 3 hours of departure, but it’s better than sitting in coach, albeit the marginal difference. I’ve reviewed the Amtrak Business Class experience several times before.
I do not know the rhyme or reason Amtrak is sending out these upgrades, however I do know several people who have received them, all of which are non-elite Amtrak Guest Rewards members, and who have taken at least 1 paid Amtrak trip in the last year.
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.
I received the offer by email on 1/5 despite no paid trips on Amtrak in more than a year.
Who cares? You can’t even tell the difference between business and coach. Worth exactly $0 Plus you have to wrangle with long lines and horrible service at Amtrak counters.