Amtrak Restricts Metropolitan Lounge Access to 3 Hours Pre-Departure

Amtrak now restricts access to its Metropolitan Lounges to no more than three hours before scheduled departures, changing the experience for many first-class and coach travelers. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Passengers holding Acela First Class or sleeping car tickets may still enter lounges after arriving, but all others can no longer wait there post-arrival. This applies to stations in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and more.

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The new policy means originating travelers must plan more precisely. Anyone arriving earlier than the three-hour limit must wait elsewhere or pay $10 per bag for storage at baggage check facilities.

Amtrak Revises Lounge Access Rules Across Major Stations

Previously, Amtrak allowed same-day travelers with sleeping car or Acela First Class tickets to use the lounges freely. These spaces offered refreshments, Wi-Fi, work areas, and a quiet environment.

Business-class passengers could also buy access, but now coach-class customers may purchase day passes for $35—or $50 at Moynihan Hall in New York—if space allows. One child under 12 is admitted free with each adult pass.

Top-tier Amtrak Guest Rewards members, such as Select Executive and Select Plus, retain their unrestricted access regardless of their ticket class, provided they travel with Amtrak the same day.

Policy Aims to Reduce Congestion During Peak Transfers

This change comes as Amtrak addresses crowding in key terminals, especially in Chicago, where long-distance trains like the Southwest Chief and California Zephyr often arrive back-to-back.

These arrivals previously caused bottlenecks as many passengers used the lounges for storage and rest. The updated rules aim to streamline movement and reduce congestion at boarding zones.

Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari noted the policy brings Amtrak closer in line with airline lounge practices. However, downtown stations still offer travelers more surrounding amenities than remote airports.

It remains to be seen whether the new time cap will affect the value of paid lounge access. Delays may extend guest stays, but strict time enforcement will likely shape passenger habits going forward.

Source: www.trains.com

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