Hi, all:
I've been lurking around these boards for the last few months finding great information & enjoying the lively conversations. I finally built up the confidence to join & throw a question out there. I apologize in advance for the long post.
First, a bit of background: I've been taking Amtrak for years, but only between NYP & WAS, so this is the first time that I've gotten remotely close to Select status. I don't really travel for business. Within the last several months I've made many more trips between NYP and WAS than usual, including a handful on the Acela, plus two round trips to Montreal (3rd visit overall...I'm addicted to that city!), & then I acquired a bunch of points from my one-way Auto Train trip in a roomette. Next week I am booked in a roomette for the entire length of the southbound Crescent to New Orleans. It has been quite an Amtrak year for me!
I'm not using the train to return to NYC (lack of time & $$$), & I don't have any other train trips planned for this year, so that puts me 326 measly points away from Select status! I don't plan on taking so many train trips next year since my mom has now moved away from the D.C. area.
So, now to my actual point. Would it be silly of me to take the Acela down to D.C. & hop on the Crescent there JUST to get those 500 points even if it adds $134 to the cost of my entire trip? Is Select status worth it or am I just trying to compensate for my overall lack of accomplishments in life? People talk about upgrade coupons, Club Acela passes, bonus points, & that shiny Select card. Do Select members still get all of that, & do the benefits quickly outweigh that $134?
Thank you all in advance! Happy holidays & happy travels!
I've been lurking around these boards for the last few months finding great information & enjoying the lively conversations. I finally built up the confidence to join & throw a question out there. I apologize in advance for the long post.
First, a bit of background: I've been taking Amtrak for years, but only between NYP & WAS, so this is the first time that I've gotten remotely close to Select status. I don't really travel for business. Within the last several months I've made many more trips between NYP and WAS than usual, including a handful on the Acela, plus two round trips to Montreal (3rd visit overall...I'm addicted to that city!), & then I acquired a bunch of points from my one-way Auto Train trip in a roomette. Next week I am booked in a roomette for the entire length of the southbound Crescent to New Orleans. It has been quite an Amtrak year for me!
I'm not using the train to return to NYC (lack of time & $$$), & I don't have any other train trips planned for this year, so that puts me 326 measly points away from Select status! I don't plan on taking so many train trips next year since my mom has now moved away from the D.C. area.
So, now to my actual point. Would it be silly of me to take the Acela down to D.C. & hop on the Crescent there JUST to get those 500 points even if it adds $134 to the cost of my entire trip? Is Select status worth it or am I just trying to compensate for my overall lack of accomplishments in life? People talk about upgrade coupons, Club Acela passes, bonus points, & that shiny Select card. Do Select members still get all of that, & do the benefits quickly outweigh that $134?
Thank you all in advance! Happy holidays & happy travels!