Amtrak Honors Veterans and Military with Veterans Advantage® Spring Promotion

Veterans Advantage, a nationwide membership program providing private-sector benefits for U.S. Veterans, National Guard, Reservists, active duty military and their families, announced today that Amtrak is including Veterans Advantage in its Spring 1-2-FREE fare promotion.

With 1-2-FREE, groups of three traveling together to the same destination may take advantage of some great savings when they purchase the first ticket at the full price, the second ticket at half price and then receive the third ticket for free. Passengers traveling solo can receive a 25 percent discount. Veterans Advantage Veteran cardholders may combine their 15 percent Everyday Discount with the 1-2-Free fare promotion when purchasing the first ticket. That means that the first passenger may travel at 15 percent off, the second passenger at half price, and the third passenger travels for FREE. Veterans Advantage Veteran cardholders who travel solo can combine the 1-2-Free 25 percent discount with their Veterans Advantage 15 percent Everyday Discount. These offers are valid on reservations booked by April 30, 2003 for travel through August 28, 2003.

"The 1-2-Free fare promotion offers great fares for travel on many of Amtrak’s routes nationwide," said Barbara J. Richardson, Amtrak’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales. "Now, more than ever, it is important to recognize those who serve our country, and Amtrak is pleased to offer them this special discount."

Amtrak travel savings is an especially helpful benefit for active-duty military, National Guard and Reserves, who have been called-up and stationed on bases often far from home. "At this important time in our country, we deeply appreciate Amtrak’s continuing commitment to honor and support those who serve our nation with their Spring 1-2-Free promotion along with the 50 percent OFF promotion. We urge our members to take full advantage of it and ride Amtrak to visit their families or those who are serving, to attend Veteran events, or simply to see the country they served," said Scott Higgins, founder and CEO of Veterans Advantage.

"Our inclusion in the 1-2-Free promotion is particularly valuable for travel during July and August, which are blackout periods for Amtrak’s Veterans Advantage 50 percent OFF promotion," Higgins added.

The 1-2-Free fare promotion complements Amtrak’s current 50 percent off promotion, available through the end of the year. However, the two discounts may not be combined.

Those eligible may sign up for the Veterans Advantage program on the Amtrak web site at www.amtrak.com and reserve their travel, or call Amtrak’s Veterans Advantage line at 1-877-USA-RAIL. Once a reservation is made, Veterans Advantage members may pick up their tickets at any staffed Amtrak station, or have the tickets sent by mail. Members should carry their Veterans Advantage Card ID and picture identification when traveling.

Because seats are limited, Veterans Advantage members should act quickly, booking reservations at least three days in advance of departure date.

Tickets may be upgraded for first class or sleeper accommodations upon payment of applicable charges.All Amtrak trains are included in the 1-2-Free fare promotion with the exception of the Acela Express, Metroliner and Downeaster services. Other restrictions and blackout dates apply. For more information, visit www.amtrak.com or call Amtrak’s Veterans Advantage line at 1-877-USA-RAIL.