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March 3, 2021

Amtrak Expands Carry-On Pet Program to Weekday Acela Trains

Customers can travel with their small cats and dogs for only $26 or 800 Amtrak Guest Rewards points

WASHINGTON – Amtrak announced today the expansion of its pet program allowing customers to travel with their dogs and cats up to 20 pounds onboard weekday Acela trains for only $26 or 800 Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Previously available for only weekend trips, there will be eight pet spaces for sale per departure (one per customer) and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We are delighted to expand our pet program to weekday Acela trains,” said Amtrak Vice President, Northeast Corridor Service Line Caroline Decker. “Our customers will now have more options for traveling with their pets on the Northeast Corridor.”

Pets will be allowed in all cars, except for First Class or Café cars. Pets must remain in a carrier at all times and carriers should remain under their seat. Amtrak continues to welcome service animals on board at no charge. To confirm pet eligibility, all customers must read and sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment. 

This new amenity is part of several recent upgrades on the Acela, including the expansion of the Reserved Seating offering for Acela Business Class customers, which allows travelers to view and select their seats before traveling, including those available in the Quiet Car, and provide a snapshot of the overall of the train’s capacity. In addition, Amtrak has continues its enhanced cleaning protocols at stations and on trains and new measures to deliver a New Standard of Travel, including:

  • Requiring face coverings: Per federal law and Amtrak policy, all customers and employees must wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations.
  • Air Quality: All of our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
  • Physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. In addition, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at our busiest stations.

More than 174,300 pets and their human companions have traveled around the country since the program launched on the Northeast Corridor in October 2015. The program has also generated more than $4.338 million in revenue since its inception. For more information about Amtrak’s Pet policy, visit Amtrak.com

For More Information

Jason Abrams
MediaRelations@Amtrak.com
Amtrak Contact
202 906.3860

About Amtrak®

This year Amtrak is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For five decades Amtrak has done its part to connect America, transforming a classic form of transportation, preserving those aspects of train travel that are timeless, while modernizing those that are ripe for it. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by providing travelers with a safe, efficient and reliable experience. While a lot has changed, what hasn’t changed are the fond memories and essential service that train travel can provide. This year, Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel. To simplify and safeguard the travel experience, new cleaning and convenience measures are part of every customer’s contactless journey. Leveraging a medical director and public health and safety team, we are committed to operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com.