Note also that students, seniors and veterans get discounts every day, details available at www.amtrak.com. There are also special promotions for residents in different parts of the country (Northeast, California, Florida, Northwest, West, South, Midwest) and, in addition to lower fares mentioned for other groups, for families traveling together.
The "Miles of Smiles 30% Discount" promotion is intended to get more people back on the trains, which have considerably improved so far as service and attitude of employees is concerned. This is a make-or-break year for Amtrak, as Congress long ago mandated that it must be profitable by December of this year. If it isn't, some congressional cost-cutters are campaigning to discontinue the meager US government subsidy to the rail system and throw it to the wolves, in effect ending Amtrak service to much (if not all) the country. That Congress subsidizes the air and highway systems in the USA by much more than Amtrak gets is not considered to be an argument these days. So, maybe you'll be doing a good deed riding Amtrak, proving its value, while you still can.
You must make reservations at least 7 days in advance, and pay within 3 days of making the booking. Fares are non-refundable. The offer isn't good on the Acela Express, on the Metroliner, Auto Train, joint Amtrak/VIA Rail service to Ontario and on trains in the 7000 to 8999 series Thruway service. The special discount is also not valid for local travel on any train within the Northeast Corridor on Friday or Sunday between 11AM and 11 PM. Blackouts apply on all trains for 28 March to 1 April (Easter weekend), and 24 to 28 May (Memorial Day weekend) 2002. Not valid with any other discounts, fares, orders or promotions, except Student Advantage or Veterans Advantage discounts. Other restrictions and exchange fees may apply.
To get this special discount, go to www.amtrak.com and enter promotion code H208 when making the reservation online.