Autotrain and Hurricane Policy

[uromac]

Hi!
We're currently scheduled to go on the Autotrain leaving Lorton @ 4pm -Sunday September 1st & arriving in Sanford 9am on Monday September 2nd - which looks like we're at minimum probably getting the bands somewhere during our trip and depending on landfall going to receive some hurricane wind and rain. I have been checking the Amtrak website and there is no info yet - but wondering when they would notify us of changes due to weather to give us a head's up for possible cancellations etc... Anyone have any experience with Amtrak, the Autotrain and weather complications as this is our first time going on the Autotrain (and fyi we did purchase trip insurance!)
Thanks !!

Melissa

 

[kaytieeldr]

Did you try calling Amtrak? Trains are much less likely to get cancelled for weather.

 

[easyas123]

Did you try calling Amtrak? Trains are much less likely to get cancelled for weather.

This seems the quickest and simplest way to find out...I've taken the autotrain, but haven't had any bad weather during the trips so can't say. They have in the past canceled due to a Hurricane - so there is the possibility. I think the last time was in 2018? Anyway, maybe call them and see if you can get on Saturdays train? Or Mondays train?

 

[js]

I would be proactive and call.

Two years ago, we were booked in a Roomette from NY to Orlando and suppose to leave right before Irma. I called Amtrak and although there wasn't anything up on their site yet, the customer service rep. let me cancel our roomette with full refund saying they were going to start notifying people that day/next day. I canceled and booked JetBlue and we were the last flight out to Orlando before Irma.

 

[sponica]

I've never taken the autotrain, but I have had trains get cancelled for winter weather, and it takes them A LONG TIME to make that decision. Maybe their processes have changed in 15+ years, but I distinctly remember calling to reschedule my ticket and paying the fare difference...on a train that ended up being cancelled.

Hurricanes are probably a whole different animal, higher chances of high winds and/or debris on the track.