Do I need to travel to get points?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: UA*G, TK*G, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 97
Do I need to travel to get points?
Hi everyone,
I'm sorry to bug you with such n00b question but I hope someone can solve that really quickly here (and I didn't find the information anywhere else):
I need to generate earning activity to prevent AGR points from expiring in a week, so I bought a non-refundable ticket for $6.50. Does anyone know if I actually have to travel to get the points? How would Amtrak verify that I was actually on the train?
Best,
petzpanz
I'm sorry to bug you with such n00b question but I hope someone can solve that really quickly here (and I didn't find the information anywhere else):
I need to generate earning activity to prevent AGR points from expiring in a week, so I bought a non-refundable ticket for $6.50. Does anyone know if I actually have to travel to get the points? How would Amtrak verify that I was actually on the train?
Best,
petzpanz
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: UA*G, TK*G, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 97
#4
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
If it's a short trip (which the ticket price implies) then you may have to be aggressive in seeking out the conductor for him/her to scan your ticket. If he/she does not scan the ticket, then your excursion will be for naught in terms of keeping your points alive.
#5
Moderator, Amtrak & Spirit Airlines
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: EWR :rolleyes:
Programs: AC 50K, AS MVP, AA Plat Pro, DL Plat, UA Silver, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 9,647
Very good point. Late last year I did Coliseum Airport (OAC) to Jack London Sq (OKJ) and spend basically the entire trip looking for a conductor to make sure that my ticket got scanned. He thanked me for being honest and did find it a bit weird that I would take Amtrak between those 2 places, but points are points.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: AA Plat,AS MVP Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Plat, Amtrak(all routes, VIA same, AUS 90%)
Posts: 382
Am I missing something?
I rarely take a revenue Amtrak trip, Chase AGR only. It is implied in OP's question that travel is needed to prevent expiration. This assumes no Chase AGR card. Is my assumption correct?
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Possessing a Chase AGR (no longer available) will maintain existing points until that is changed.
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
However, if someone doesn't have the AGR card, then PAID travel is needed (in other words, award redemptions don't count).
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
To get away from individual recitals see: https://www.amtrakguestrewards.com/faqs/index
where is says:
No partner spend, no point transfers, no award spend. Actual paid travel is the only option. Not to go against any of the T&Cs, if you know someone near a couple of stations...
where is says:
Will my Amtrak Guest Rewards points expire?
Amtrak Guest Rewards points expire 36 months after your last paid Amtrak trip. Redemption travel reserved with points does not constitute paid travel. If you're a current cardholder of the Amtrak Guest Rewards® MasterCard® from Chase® with an open account, your points will not expire even if you do not purchase Amtrak travel.
Amtrak Guest Rewards points expire 36 months after your last paid Amtrak trip. Redemption travel reserved with points does not constitute paid travel. If you're a current cardholder of the Amtrak Guest Rewards® MasterCard® from Chase® with an open account, your points will not expire even if you do not purchase Amtrak travel.
#12
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MKE
Programs: DL 2 MM
Posts: 906