Hello Reader,

Welcome back! How is your week going?

Amtrak Lounge Access Just Got an Update

Starting July 1, Amtrak will tighten the rules for using its Metropolitan Lounges at major stations like Chicago Union Station, New York’s Moynihan Hall, Washington Union Station, and others.

Here’s what’s changing:

• No more lounge access after arrival—unless you’re booked in Acela First Class or a sleeper car on a different Amtrak train later the same day.
• Access is now restricted to within 3 hours of your departure, even for First Class or sleeper passengers.
• Coach passengers can now buy a day pass, if space is available: • $35 at most lounges • $50 at Moynihan Hall (NYC) • One child (12 and under) may enter free with each adult.
• If you show up early, the bag check will cost $10 per bag if it’s more than three hours before your train.

Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members still get in, no matter what class they’re riding.

Kev’s Take:

I’ve personally used the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge when connecting to the Hiawatha or heading home on Metra, and it’s a nice way to relax after a trip.

But I’ve also traveled in a sleeper and found it hard to find a seat in the lounge — it was packed! So, I get both sides. Why should I get lounge access when taking a Metra train as my next train?

So while it’s a bit disappointing to lose that flexible access, I understand why Amtrak is making this change. It’s designed to make the lounge experience more comfortable and less crowded for those with premium tickets.

This could affect my trip in September, and I will let you know how that goes. I am waiting to see if they keep or modify these rules.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Has A Start August 18!

This exciting new route includes a café menu with locally sourced items—a perfect way to kick off your journey with a taste of Louisiana and more!

Heads up: There may still be some booking glitches. Just yesterday, I tried to book a trip from Sturtevant, WI (SVT) to Mobile, AL (MOE) and received an error. Yes, I did have the date right.

Oddly enough, booking from CHI (Chicago) to MOE worked just fine. If you encounter something like that, please notifylet Amtrak—the more they hear about these issues, the faster they can be addressed.

As someone who's worked with websites, I can tell you: you can prepare for everything, but once a page goes live, something unexpected always pops up.

👉 Check out the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service page for schedules and more info!

Additionally! Through Nov. 18, 2025, Amtrak Guest Rewards® members can earn triple points on travel with Amtrak Mardi Gras Service. To qualify, members must complete three qualifying trips on the service during the three-month promotional period. Once the threshold is met, three times the points will be awarded retroactively for those trips and for all additional qualifying trips taken through Nov. 18. Details are available on Amtrak.com.

New Posts and Series

I don’t remember if I mentioned this, but I’ve started a new series on my blog about Amtrak in every state. I began with states that don’t have Amtrak service, and now I’m moving on to those that do.

So far, I’ve published guides for Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and I plan to expand the series soon. I am still refining the formatting and layout, so the style might change a bit as I go.

What has Kev been up to?

Today, if you're reading this on Thursday, I'm taking one of the twins on their first Amtrak ride! It's not a long trip, just from Sturtevant to Milwaukee. My sister, Mackenzie, and I are going to the Milwaukee Public Museum, and we thought taking the train would be a fun way to do it.

Mack has been on this train a few times, but it will be the little guy's first train ride. Unless he's not having it that day, then we will bring his sister instead; she's more adventurous.

Either way, it is their first train trip for someone.

Looking at the Markers 🚂

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a great deal to me!

Thanks to Dennis K for donating on PayPal and David A for hitting the green button on the bottom of the page.

If you enjoy my work, consider supporting this free resource.​
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Your support makes everything I do possible. Every little bit truly helps—and together, we’re inspiring more people to explore the world, one train trip at a time! 🚆✨

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith