Simple, basic questions
May 14, 2024 | 9:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Denver,CO, USA
Posts: 850
Simple, basic questions
Very infrequent Amtrak traveler here. I have a trip coming up soon out of Chicago. What is cutoff time for boarding? I have the app and my trip shows on it with a QR code. Do I need anything else to board?
May 14, 2024 | 10:17 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: WN A List, AA LT Gold, Amtrak Select, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 1,588
Amtrak's website says the gates at Chicago Union Station close 5 minutes before train departure. I wouldn't cut it nearly that close, since, depending on which train you are taking, you might not have a reserved seat, so you would want to be at the front of the line to get a better seat. The QR code is all you need for a ticket--one of the conductors will scan your code. I usually print the ticket from my e mail just in case my phone dies, but I'm kind of old school.
May 14, 2024 | 11:15 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,871
Note that they can by policy ask for government photo ID to board or on the train, but I have never been asked in years & years of regular Amtrak travel.
May 14, 2024 | 11:17 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 34,985
May 15, 2024 | 1:07 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 351
If they get the prompt and you don't have ID, you are getting off at the next stop. Yes, it is pretty rare, but the consequences of not having an ID if they get the prompt are pretty severe, so just carry ID.
May 16, 2024 | 11:50 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Philly
Programs: AA, BA, NH, TP, FI
Posts: 847
The conductor's scanning device will randomly prompt to check an ID when they scan the tickets. It is random and fairly infrequent, but it DOES happen.
If they get the prompt and you don't have ID, you are getting off at the next stop. Yes, it is pretty rare, but the consequences of not having an ID if they get the prompt are pretty severe, so just carry ID.
If they get the prompt and you don't have ID, you are getting off at the next stop. Yes, it is pretty rare, but the consequences of not having an ID if they get the prompt are pretty severe, so just carry ID.
Another two passengers were also asked to provide ID as well.