I live in a 55+ community & was curious about organizing a Group Amtrak Trip. So I looked at Amtrak.com & found A News Realease by Karina Van Veen dated Dec 10, 2002?????????? Group Sales a little on the back burner, are they, or what gives????????RF
Here is the information from the Amtrak website for booking groups.
Group Travel Requests
Submit Request for Group Travel
For parties of 20 or more passengers.
Make travel requests at least four business days before departure.
Group discounts may be available.
Benefits for 20 or More
Parties of 20 or more passengers traveling together can enjoy the benefits of traveling as a group. We can accommodate groups of hundreds depending on the train and time of year of travel.
Make Reservations Early
You must make reservation requests for your group at least four business days before departure. Book as early as possible for best fares and accommodations.
How Do I Book Group Reservations?
Online
You can make a request for group travel using our online group travel form.
By phone, fax or email
You can also call 1-800-USA-1GRP (1-800-872-1477), fax your request to 1-800-872-3298 or send an e-mail to the group travel department at
[email protected].
Riding the Train
Seating and sleeping accommodations
We offer coach seating on all trains, and, on long-distance trains, a variety of sleeping accommodations.
Meal choices
We also offer a varied menu with choices ranging from light snacks and sandwiches, to full meals in our long-distance dining cars. A variety of beverages and non-alcoholic beverages are also available, including a full bar selection on some trains.
Pre-boarding and exclusive occupancy
We can pre-board your group to add ease and comfort to the boarding process. We offer group seating and exclusive occupancy if your group is large enough to occupy an entire car.
Discounts
Groups may be eligible to receive discounts up to as much as 20% off for each 20 paying passengers. Amtrak's 15% senior citizen and half-fare children's discounts may be applied to eligible members of the group. These discounts are not valid on all trains. Further restrictions may apply.
Group Leader and Chaperone Policy
We want you and your group to have fun and be safe! Please review these rules with the adult chaperones in your group and provide each of them with a copy of these guidelines.
Chaperones
A minimum of one designated chaperone is required for every six minors under the age of 18 aboard the train. Designated chaperones are adults specifically responsible and accountable for minors traveling on the train. Any adult traveling in connection with the group who is responsible for an infant will not be considered a designated chaperone. Chaperones are responsible for following all Group Leader and Chaperone Guidelines.
Station Arrival
Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL prior to leaving for the train station to make sure your train is on schedule.
Plan to arrive at the train station at least 60 minutes before your scheduled train departure. Your group will need to be ready to board as soon as the train pulls into the station. Some station stops are as little as two minutes. The trains cannot wait for late arriving groups or individuals.
Present your ticket to the station staff or conductor.
At staffed stations, identify yourself to the station staff to confirm boarding instructions.
Identify your group to the conductor and follow his/her seating instructions. During your trip, feel free to contact onboard personnel for assistance.
Group leaders and designated chaperones are responsible for the conduct and supervision of their group at all times during the field trip.
Please remind your students to be considerate of the other passengers. Amtrak personnel cannot assist in the supervision of your group.
Please use the trash and recycle bins and keep the area around your group clean and free of debris. Amtrak staff will provide extra trash bags for you to pick up your area before your group arrives at your destination.
When your group exits the train, follow the conductor's instructions.
Appoint one or two people to follow behind the group to check the seating areas and overhead bins for any items that may have been left behind.
We look forward to having you travel on Amtrak!
