Amtrak Tightens Lounge Access Rules
US train operator Amtrak is making some negative changes to its lounge access rules, to the dismay of some rail passengers.
Amtrak lounge access rules
Amtrak has revised its lounge access rules for its Metropolitan Lounges at major stations across its network.
The most important change is that access is now only granted before the departure of your train and no longer upon arrival – unless you are booked in Acela First Class or in a sleeping car on an Amtrak night train later that same day.
This effectively means you can no longer use an Amtrak lounge while connecting to a commuter train — not even if you’ve just arrived by long-distance sleeper or in first class on an Acela high-speed train.
Northeast Regional train at Newark Penn station. ©AndyBTravels
Three hour rule
Another new rule states that if you’re travelling in a sleeping car on a long-distance train, or in first class on an Acela high-speed train, lounge access is only granted starting three hours before your train’s scheduled departure.
An Amtrak spokesman said the company views the new set of rules as “a fair approach to our guests”, noting that similar lounge entry policies apply to departing passengers flying with major US airlines.
Exception
The new lounge access restrictions do not apply to top-tier members of the Amtrak Guest Rewards programme.
These passengers will continue to have lounge access at major stations even if they’re not booked in Acela First or a sleeping car, as long as they arrive or depart on the same day on any Amtrak train in coach or business class.
New York’s Moynihan Train Hall. ©AndyBTravels
Amtrak lounges
Amtrak operates Metropolitan lounges for its top-tier Amtrak Guest Rewards members, as well as passengers travelling first class on Acela high-speed trains and in sleeping cars on night trains.
These lounges are located at all major stations, including New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland.
The lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, and free Wi-Fi.
At some stations, passengers can also purchase a day pass, which currently costs between $35 and $50 depending on the location.
Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
Amtrak is tightening its lounge access rules – limiting access to three hours before departure and no longer allowing arrival access for Acela first-class or night train sleeping car passengers – unless they have a same-day departure in an eligible class or a high enough status in Amtrak Guest Rewards.
These new lounge access rules will especially impact travellers who previously used Amtrak lounges on arrival of their long-distance train while waiting for a connecting commuter train, as this will no longer be possible for many.
It’s certainly interesting that on one hand Amtrak tries to attract high-spending passengers by upgrading the food in first class on trains, but on the other hand makes negative changes that won’t go over well with the same group.
