Amtrak offers up double rewards for fall travel

Amtrak riders were not thrilled when the train company recently made sweeping changes to its reward program, but Amtrak is offering up a small consolation prize with a new promotion for double rewards between now and Nov. 21.

Amtrak is removing its zone charts (that provide outsized value on certain award tickets) in favor of tying award redemptions to the actual monetary cost of the ticket. On the plus side, there will no longer be blackout dates on award redemptions, and Northeast business travelers who spend more for business class or Acela First tickets will receive special bonus points. As long as there is activity in an account over a 36-month period, points will no longer expire.

This promotion could be a great way to rack up double points this fall. Although when the revamped reward program takes effect Jan. 24, traveling aboard Amtrak will not be as "rewarding" as it once was for those who buy cheap tickets.