If you are like me, there is nothing more satisfying than booking a trip with points and miles — especially when it is on a flexible schedule. But let’s be real: plans can change, and those pesky cancellation fees have a way of taking the shine off a great redemption. That is why I was thrilled to hear about the latest Amtrak update: they have officially removed cancellation fees on award tickets.
This is especially exciting for anyone living in the Northeast United States. Amtrak is a powerhouse in this region, offering fast and convenient travel along the Northeast Corridor. In less than four hours, you can get between Washington, D.C., and New York City (via Philadelphia), or take a similarly short journey between New York City and Boston. The best part? Amtrak is surprisingly affordable when booked in advance. For example, I recently found a one-way ticket on a Friday evening between D.C. and New York City for just $51 — talk about a great deal!
What makes this even better is that Amtrak points are incredibly valuable, worth about 2.9 cents each. When I book rail trips far in advance, the cost in points is almost nothing. For example, a one-way trip between Washington, D.C. and New York City can cost fewer than 2,000 points. That is an unbeatable deal! I have never found a flight between these two cities that comes close to that value — especially when you factor in the added convenience of arriving right in the heart of Manhattan. No wasting an hour or more traveling from the airport into the city.
With this new policy eliminating cancellation fees, Amtrak is becoming even more appealing, combining flexibility with affordability.
Amtrak Removes Cancellation Fees From Award Tickets
In the past, Amtrak allowed travelers to cancel award tickets up until the time of departure — but there was a catch. If you needed to cancel, you would lose 10% of the points you used to book the ticket. While this fee was not as steep as some other travel programs, it still stung a bit, especially if plans changed unexpectedly.
Now, I am excited to share some fantastic news: Amtrak has quietly removed all cancellation fees on award tickets! You can now cancel your ticket right up until departure and receive 100% of your points back.
Surprisingly, Amtrak has not advertised this update anywhere — there has been no fanfare, no big email announcement. I could not find anything in my inbox about this change, but after testing a few dummy bookings and cancellations, I can confirm it is true. This quiet policy shift makes award tickets on Amtrak one of the most flexible redemption options out there.
My Reaction To The Amtrak Changes
It is no secret that rail travel in the United States is often limited in scope. Outside of the Northeast, it is mostly a taxpayer-subsidized way to see the country — more of a novelty than a practical transportation option. But in the Northeast? Amtrak is a game-changer, making it incredibly easy to travel between major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. That is why this new customer-friendly policy is such fantastic news.
What really excites me about this change is the potential for Amtrak to play a bigger role in my travel strategy. With direct connections to Baltimore / Washington International Airport (BWI) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Amtrak offers an efficient way to reach airports that often have excellent award availability, particularly for premium cabin flights. These airports are fantastic jumping-off points for coveted international routes, and having Amtrak as a backup option makes it easier to grab a deal or connect to a dream trip.
This change reinforces why it is smart to keep a stash of Amtrak Guest Rewards points handy. Whether I am saving money on a quick trip to the city or using the train as part of a larger travel plan, having the flexibility to cancel without penalties is a huge win. It is one more way Amtrak helps me maximize opportunities to fly from different airports and snag the best premium cabin redemptions.
Final Thoughts
The decision by Amtrak to remove cancellation fees on award tickets is a big step forward for travelers who value flexibility. Whether you are a regular commuter along the Northeast Corridor, planning a scenic rail journey, or using Amtrak as a strategic way to reach major airports like BWI and EWR for premium flight redemptions, this policy makes award travel even more appealing.
So, what’s next? If you have not already, take a moment to check your Amtrak Guest Rewards account and start planning your next trip. With no cancellation fees to worry about, there is never been a better time to give train travel a try. Whether it is a quick weekend getaway or the start of an international adventure, Amtrak just made award travel more flexible, more affordable, and more rewarding.
Safe travels!