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Amtrak releases a new promotion every few weeks, and now they’ve brought back their free summer travel promotion.  In reality, this is two separate promotions, one for the Northeast Regional Line (Boston-Virgina), and the other for the Acela Express train (Boston-DC).  Unfortunately, it looks like this promotion is targeted only for those two lines, and no Amtrak riders in other areas of the country.

Check your email for the subject line “New year, free ride. Earn free summer travel now.”  Or keep reading for information on how to register!

Here’s what you need to know:

Earn a Free Trip On Amtrak Acela Rides

  • Register for the promotion at Amtrak.com/123FREEAcela
  • Must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards Member
  • Take six qualifying one-way trips on Acela from January 2, 2020 through February 29, 2020
  • Minimum spend of $89 per one-way segment is required for travel to qualify
  • Maximum of four coupons (4 one-way trips) can be earned
  • Members who have Select Executive status during the qualifying period will earn coupons redeemable for Acela First class travel

Earn a Free Trip On Amtrak Northeast Regional Rides

  • Register for the promotion at Amtrak.com/123FREENER
  • Must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards Member
  • Take six qualifying one-way trips on Northeast Regional routes from January 2, 2020 through February 29, 2020
  • Minimum spend of $49 per one-way segment is required for travel to qualify
  • Maximum of four coupons (4 one-way trips) can be earned
  • Members who have Select Executive status during the qualifying period will earn coupons redeemable for Northeast Regional Business class travel

In both cases, the free trips earned will be good for any travel from July 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020.  I think you’d be able to earn a maximum of 8 one-way trips, by doing both promotions twice.  That’s the way the promotion terms read to me, anyway.  In both cases, you’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after registering for the promotion.

In all likelihood, only frequent Amtrak commuters will be able to utilize this promotion, as 6 one-way rides (or three roundtrips) is tough to do during the short two month qualification period.  Besides, the winter is a tough time to ride the rails in the Northeast US anyway.  Delays, weather issues, and more plague the Amtrak lines throughout the country.  (Personally, I’m a fan of Amtrak, but I’ve heard the horror stories!)


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