Originally Posted by
WeekendTraveler
On Amtrak, you don’t have to check in before boarding and be issued a boarding pass.
You do for the auto train.
Pull up, show the auto loaders your ticket, turn over car to them.
Go inside station, go to check-in counter, again your ticket is scanned, then you are given a
boarding pass with your assigned car number and seat number, and meal information.
Originally Posted by
WeekendTraveler
Showing your ticket on the concourse is like scanning your boarding pass before walking down the jetway to board a plane.
Some larger Amtrak stations do require you to check in with a staff member but that’s just make-work and if you just go straight to the train nothing stops you.
The armed (transit?) police standing near the top of the staircases down to the train level will definitely stop you at PHL. I've seen it happen several times.