Originally Posted by BobH

From another message board:

The communication being sent to passengers boarding at Chicago
Union Station, regarding the boarding policies:

> Dear Amtrak Customer,

> We see you are scheduled to board the train or make a connection in
> Chicago. To provide our customers with a more convenient experience,
> we now have a new boarding process at Chicago Union Station. Coach
> Class customers (except Hiawatha Service customers) boarding or
> connecting to reserved trains in Chicago will need a boarding pass.

> When you get to the station, check in with a station employee who
> will verify your ticket and give you a boarding pass. You will then
> be directed to the appropriate boarding area to wait for your train.
> The earlier you check in, the earlier you’ll be in the boarding
> process. If you don't check in, you'll be among the last to board.
> General boarding for Coach Class customers will take place in the
> Great Hall. Since Hiawatha Service trains are unreserved, boarding
> passes are not needed. Hiawatha Service customers can go straight
> to the North Boarding Lounge to wait for their train.

> Coach Class customers who want priority boarding can purchase a $20
> pass for the Legacy Club and enjoy free snacks, TV, games plus the
> benefit of early boarding access. Uniformed military personnel can
> enjoy the Legacy Club free of charge.

> Seniors age 62 and over, customers with disabilities, families with
> children 12 and under, and active duty military personnel can board
> from the South Boarding Lounge, ahead of general boarding.

> If you are traveling in a Sleeping car, Business Class, or are a
> Select Plus or a Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards member, you
> will be boarded early from the Metropolitan Lounge. Just make sure
> to wait in the in the Metropolitan Lounge in order to take advantage
> of advance boarding.

> Passengers should arrive at Chicago Union Station no later than 45
> minutes before departure (60 minutes if ticketing, baggage or
> passenger assistance services are required). Note that the boarding
> gates will close five minutes before train departure. We look
> forward to welcoming you to Chicago Union Station. Thank you for
> choosing Amtrak.

----

Bob H