Amtrak, the popular train service in the United States, recently made a surprising move by granting certain riders a higher status level in its loyalty program, Amtrak Guest Rewards. This decision was a departure from the standard practice of requiring riders to reach the next status level on their own. In this article, we will explore the details of this promotion and its implications for Amtrak customers.
Amtrak Guest Rewards offers three tiers of elite status: Select, Select Plus, and Select Executive. These status levels come with various benefits, including bonus points, upgrades, and access to United Club locations. To qualify for each tier, riders need to earn a specific number of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year.
The lowest tier, Select, is obtained by earning 5,000 TQPs, while Select Plus requires 10,000 TQPs. The highest tier, Select Executive, is earned with 20,000 TQPs. Typically, riders must meet these requirements to move up to the next status level.
However, in a surprising move, Amtrak decided to gift riders who were close to reaching the next status level with that status level for the rest of 2024, even if they fell short of the required TQPs. This meant that riders who were just a few points away from the next tier automatically received the benefits of that tier without having to earn it themselves.
It is unclear at this time if all Amtrak Guest Rewards members were targeted for this promotion, as Amtrak did not respond to requests for comment. However, riders who qualified for the next status tier should have received an email notification from Amtrak informing them of their status change.
This promotion is a significant departure from the typical loyalty program structure, where members must meet specific requirements to advance to a higher status level. By granting riders a higher status level based on their proximity to the next tier, Amtrak is likely aiming to reward loyal customers and incentivize them to continue using their services.
Amtrak Guest Rewards members earn points based on their spending, with all members earning two points per dollar spent. Business-class tickets receive a 25% bonus, while Acela first-class tickets receive a 50% bonus. Cardholders of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard can earn up to 4,000 TQPs a year by spending on their card.
The benefits and earning rates for each status level vary. Select members receive a 25% tier status point bonus on Amtrak travel, two one-class upgrades, and access to Club Acela and Metropolitan Lounge. Select Plus members enjoy a 50% tier status point bonus, four one-class upgrades, lounge access, companion coupons, and United Club access when flying with United or another Star Alliance carrier. Select Executive members receive a 100% tier status point bonus, additional upgrades for every 3,000 TQPs earned, companion coupons, priority vehicle offloading for the Auto Train, and access to Club Acela, Metropolitan Lounge, and United Club.
This promotion by Amtrak not only grants riders immediate access to higher status levels but also provides them with the associated benefits for the remainder of 2024. These benefits include discounted travel, priority call handling, and discounts from partner programs, which are available starting at the Select Plus level.
In conclusion, Amtrak’s decision to grant riders a higher status level in its loyalty program, Amtrak Guest Rewards, without requiring them to meet the standard requirements is an unexpected and generous move. By gifting riders a higher status level based on their proximity to the next tier, Amtrak is rewarding loyal customers and encouraging them to continue using their services. This promotion provides riders with immediate access to the benefits of the higher status level for the rest of 2024. If you are an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, be sure to check your email to see if you qualify for this promotion and take advantage of the added benefits it offers.