Ticket Modifications
Amtrak has implemented a policy of waiving change fees for adjustments made until December 31, 2023, specifically for fares subject to change fees. It’s important to note that modifying itineraries may incur a fare difference. For fares with cancellation fees, these fees remain applicable. It’s crucial to understand that this waiver does not alter the rules governing Reward Tickets redeemed through Amtrak Guest Reward points. The extension of eased restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets for the Northeast Corridor has been prolonged until December 31, 2023.
Risk-Free Cancellation
Refund Policy for Amtrak Tickets
Amtrak provides a full refund to the original payment method for all reserved fares acquired with cash, credit card, or debit card, provided the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of purchase and before the scheduled departure. Unreserved service tickets must be canceled within 1 hour of purchase to be eligible for a refund. Failure to cancel unused tickets prior to departure results in forfeiture.
For tickets acquired through third-party sellers, passengers should refer to the terms and conditions outlined by the respective third-party vendor. In cases where the original purchase was in cash and a valid cancellation is made, refunds may be issued via check.
Paid Reservations
Cancellation policies for paid reservations (including one-way, roundtrip, or multi-city) on Amtrak are contingent upon the specific fare type purchased. Amtrak classifies fares into distinct categories, namely Sale, Value, Flex, Business, and First Class, each with its unique set of cancellation guidelines and conditions. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the terms associated with the specific fare category to understand the applicable cancellation policies for their reservations.
“No Show” Policy
Subject to relevant cancellation policies, all fares become non-refundable and non-changeable once the journey has commenced. Passengers failing to cancel or appearing as a “no show” before departure forfeit the entire value of the respective segment. This policy is applicable to tickets paid in USD, including those purchased using a Gift Certificate, as well as tickets paid for with Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Travelers are advised to carefully review and adhere to the applicable cancellation guidelines for their specific fare type.
Fare Rules for Tickets Booked through October 24, 2023
Saver Fares
Refunds: Fares become non-refundable 24 hours or more after booking; however, passengers may be eligible to receive a 75% non-refundable eVoucher.
Changes: A 25% fee applies if changes are made more than 24 hours after purchase. Notably, Select Executive members enjoy a waiver of the change fee.
Upgrade coupons are not permitted under this policy. Passengers are encouraged to review these conditions carefully when considering modifications to their reservations.
Value Fares
Refunds: Full refund to original form of payment with no fees if canceled 15 days or more before departure. 25% fee charged if canceled less than 14 days before departure. Tickets on unreserved services incur 25% fee if canceled an hour or more after purchase.
No change fee
Flexible Fares
Refunds: A complete refund to the original payment method, with no fees, is available if the cancellation occurs before the scheduled departure.
No Change Fee: There is no fee associated with making changes to the reservation. Passengers enjoy flexibility without incurring additional charges for modifications.
Fare Rules for Tickets Booked on/after October 25, 2023
Sale Fares
Refunds: If a cancellation occurs, 50% of the total fare is forfeited, while the remaining 50% is refunded to the original form of payment.
Changes: Unfortunately, changes to reservations are not permitted under this policy. Passengers should be mindful of these conditions when making travel plans.
Value Fares
Refunds: In the event of a cancellation, 25% of the total fare is forfeited, with the remaining 75% refunded to the original form of payment.
Changes: Regrettably, changes to reservations are not allowed under this policy. Travelers are advised to consider this information when making their travel arrangements.
Flex Fares
Refunds: A full refund to the original form of payment, with no fees, is granted if the cancellation occurs before departure.
Changes: There is no fee associated with making changes to the reservation, although passengers should be aware that a difference in fare may apply. This policy allows for flexibility in travel plans without incurring modification fees, but adjustments may impact the overall cost.
Business Fares
Classes of Service: Non-Acela Business Class
Refunds: In the Non-Acela Business Class, passengers are entitled to a full refund to the original form of payment with no fees if the cancellation is made before the scheduled departure.
Changes: For modifications to reservations, there is no fee; however, travelers should be aware that a difference in fare may apply. This policy offers flexibility for adjustments to travel plans without incurring additional fees.
First Class Fares
Class of Service: Private Rooms
Refunds:
- Cancellation 121 days or more before departure: Full refund to the original form of payment with no fees.
- Cancellation 120 to 15 days before departure: 75% refund to the original form of payment, with 25% of the total fare forfeited.
- Within 14 days of departure: 75% of the total fare returned as a non-refundable eVoucher, with 25% of the total fare forfeited.
Changes: Similar to Acela First Class, passengers in Private Rooms experience no fee for changes, but a difference in fare may apply. This policy grants flexibility for modifications to travel plans without additional fees, while the refund structure varies based on the timing of cancellations.
Reward Ticket Cancellations & Modifications
One-Way, Round-Trip, or Multi-Segment Reward Travel
Cancellations:
A 10% points penalty is levied for any refund (redeposit) to the Member account. If canceling a non-room ticket within 24 hours prior to departure or a private room ticket within 14 days before departure, an additional “close-in” penalty of 10% of the points redeemed is applicable. This close-in penalty is waived for Select Executive and Select Plus members.
Modifications:
In all cases of modifications, a points difference to the new, prevailing fare will be applied, accompanied by a 10% points penalty withheld on any fare difference returned to the member. When modifying a non-room ticket within 24 hours before departure or a private room ticket within 14 days before departure, an additional “close-in” penalty of 10% of the points redeemed will be collected, except for instances where the passenger is a Select Executive or Select Plus member, in which case the close-in penalty is waived.
Multi-Ride (Six-Ride, Ten-Ride) Reward Tickets
Cancellations:
Points are refundable, excluding a 10% points penalty, if they are unused and still valid. However, points become non-refundable if the first trip is utilized or if the ticket has expired.
Modifications:
Prior to the first ride, a complete exchange in point value is permissible without incurring any penalties. However, after the first ride or upon ticket expiration, whichever comes first, no exchange in point value is allowed. Travelers should be mindful of these policies when considering cancellations or modifications to their reservations.
Amtrak Monthly Pass Reward Travel
Cancellations:
Points are eligible for a refund, deducted by a 10% point penalty, before the first day of the valid month. However, once the first day of the valid month arrives, redemptions become non-refundable.
Modifications:
Prior to the first day of the valid month, a complete exchange in point value is permitted without penalties. However, once the first day of the valid month is reached, no exchange in point value is allowed. Passengers should be aware of these guidelines when considering cancellations or modifications to their reservations.
Multi-Ride Tickets
A cancellation fee applies to all multi-ride refunds. Refunds may be restricted if the multi-ride ticket was paid for with a tax-free transit subsidy.