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This is helpful to know, as the disabled passenger type is likely what made me drop down to second, though my companions are usually listed as CMP. That said, none of the people I’ve traveled with have had issues getting an open sleeper ticket. I hope that continues to be the case, as they...

My understanding is that only one person gets the points (a room is one purchase), and that is the person whose name is listed first in the PNR. NEVER put someone you’re treating to a trip as the first passenger. I learned this the hard way, and there were no exceptions. A way around this...

All the bootstraps in this forum couldn’t pull up this thread. Just sayin. Regarding the topic, the bill as explained by TPG really sucks. It’s arguable that airlines would try to recoup their loss of frequent flyer revenue from credit card partnerships by raising ticket prices, a result that...

12,000 was all I got when I signed up for the no-fee card with B of A, so this is nothing new. That is actually worth a little over $200 in fare value so it’s a little better than most no-fee cards that usually offer $200.

The main issue I find in stations, airports, trains and planes is the lack of surround sound for announcements. For many of us who are hard of hearing, it’s not enough to speak clearly through the intercom. We also need speakers projecting sound from the back. For example, on a plane...

The exception to this is business class travel. When transferring Chase points, you can often get 5-6x the 1:1 ratio on those tickets. However, that wouldn’t have much value if you only travel domestically.

I was referring to bank cards earning 3x points that you can then transfer to the carrier of your choice or use for other travel or cash back. Amtrak competes against all cards in that regard and not just those that are carrier-specific. I think that giving people unlimited lounge access would...

The accrual rate on these cards is still subpar vs other card programs that give you 3x points on dining and travel, for example. The top-tier cards offer even more. I do wonder if AGR/FNBO should offer a top-tier card in the $300 range that offers a better accrual rate, a few free upgrades a...

Primarily, I use the train to see the country. For me, it doesn't serve as a good replacement for flying, unless I'm going to/from New Orleans on the Crescent, as the schedules are pretty unattractive out of Atlanta and force me into a sleeper, which I can't always afford. I love the train and...

It was recently reported that Deutsche Bahn, stemming from its partnership with Lufthansa, will be joining the Star "Multi-Modal" Alliance (same alliance as UA/LH/TK/SG and others). If Amtrak were to join, I think many air travelers would be incentivized to take the train and that an alliance...

This is all an interesting perspective. I have moved a lot of my spending to travel cards, as they offer more opportunities to earn bonus points and more bonus categories to maximize your miles. The perks are also more generous, and I have more opportunities to fly than to take the train. In...

This is an interesting perspective. I currently have the Amtrak platinum card and just don't travel enough to make the 2x points on other travel worth paying $79 a year for. That said, I'm about to get some more travel in, and I'm thinking about switching to the World MC version for that...

It's currently possible to transfer UR points to every partner Chase has a deal with. Perhaps it's a condition of a cobranded card agreement?

AA had the first frequent flyer Visa card in the industry with Citibank. I'm not sure about Arlington, VA-based US Airways. Their Dividend Miles card may have been through Barclay's, but I honestly don't remember ever seeing that. I'm not sure why AA would try to hold on to both banks...

I’m shocked to see that the seat covers haven’t changed in over 30 years. Even as a student, I would splurge on first class so I didn’t have to sit in those seats, which I found way too cramped for any trip over two hours. However, it isn’t clear in the video whether first class still exists...

Amtrak appears to be behind the curve in terms of its loyalty program and benefits. No other company would go without a card to offer for this many months. Additionally, I feel like the increased pricing on tickets has devalued the current card, as it is now harder to earn free trips. Not...

I was just calculating that. If you are only looking the 1:1 ratio categories, you need to spend $1000. That would give you 1000 regular points plus 4000 bonus points, so 5x earning in all. Note that the 4000 number is the bonus points max, not the total points max.

One of the things that might be useful in the future would be handles attached in various places so people have a chance to grab onto something in the event the car rolls over. On many trains across the world, handles are attached to the sides of aisle seats in coach, though presumably for...

Don't forget as well that there are fares and then there are buckets. It's altogether possible for one fare bucket to have several fare changes over a year. This year, I got lucky by waiting to book until the fares came down. I believe I ended up booking like 3 months out or something. But I...

Many simply do not have access to good-tasting water. Just look at Flint and the amount of lead in the water and the health disaster that was. Have you tasted Amtrak water? It's disgusting and not appropriate for drinking. The NL has great, soft water that many places in the States do not...