No Amtrak travel in 3 years, lose all your miles
Nov 4, 10, 12:06 pm
#91
In Memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York, NY, USA
Programs: HH Diamond, Amtrak Exec
Posts: 3,262
Kpseed,
The one issue that I see is the order in which the tickets post; which is something that you cannot control either. If the paid ticket posts first, then everything would be fine. However, if the award ticket posts first, then the computer will automatically award zero points for the "second" paid ticket since you would be in its mind in violation of the rules.
I would think/hope that any agent would agree with this, but I of course cannot guarantee that they will indeed override the computer and give you those needed points.
If the costs aren't too different, it might just be easier to book the award out of CHI to EFG and pay MKE-CHI just to avoid the hassle and possible loss of points if they reject things on you.
The one issue that I see is the order in which the tickets post; which is something that you cannot control either. If the paid ticket posts first, then everything would be fine. However, if the award ticket posts first, then the computer will automatically award zero points for the "second" paid ticket since you would be in its mind in violation of the rules.
I would think/hope that any agent would agree with this, but I of course cannot guarantee that they will indeed override the computer and give you those needed points.
If the costs aren't too different, it might just be easier to book the award out of CHI to EFG and pay MKE-CHI just to avoid the hassle and possible loss of points if they reject things on you.
Nov 4, 10, 7:53 pm
#92
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 229
Alan,
Thanks for the information. I have looked at my account and see it no longer posts 0 points for award tickets used so I wasnt sure how those are handled.
Dave
ALSO: Does anyone have any advice on the Milwaukee station and/or traveling on the Hiawatha? I see that they do not have business class but do have a quiet car. Is this worth trying to get to? Is this car more crowded than coach?
Thanks for the information. I have looked at my account and see it no longer posts 0 points for award tickets used so I wasnt sure how those are handled.
Dave
ALSO: Does anyone have any advice on the Milwaukee station and/or traveling on the Hiawatha? I see that they do not have business class but do have a quiet car. Is this worth trying to get to? Is this car more crowded than coach?
Nov 5, 10, 9:32 pm
#93
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Amtrak S+, HH GLD, AA 1MM, SPG, UA, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 371
D. POINT EXPIRATION
Subject to the terms of this TOC, Points earned under the Program will not expire as long as the Program continues and the Member travels on Amtrak using their Membership Number within a 36-month period.
If no paid Amtrak travel is recorded or reported within 36 months, your points will expire. You can view all Point and Travel activity in the "Recent Transactions" section of MyAmtrak on this site.
Points earned under the Program will not expire if the member is an active cardholder of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World MasterCard issued by Chase Bank.
Nov 6, 10, 2:21 pm
#94
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 109
My wife and I both have Amtrak cards that we use for other purchases, then use the points for free AGR tickets for long trips, so we never actually buy train tickets, but we're certainly "active" cardholders. Fortunately we live where we can buy a $7.50 ticket for a short ride every three years if need be, but if just using the cards is enough...
Nov 6, 10, 4:07 pm
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+), now an Elite Peon
Posts: 23,129
So what exactly is an "active" cardholder? Just anyone with a valid card that they use occasionally, or does the card need to be used for purchasing Amtrak tickets?
My wife and I both have Amtrak cards that we use for other purchases, then use the points for free AGR tickets for long trips, so we never actually buy train tickets, but we're certainly "active" cardholders. Fortunately we live where we can buy a $7.50 ticket for a short ride every three years if need be, but if just using the cards is enough...
My wife and I both have Amtrak cards that we use for other purchases, then use the points for free AGR tickets for long trips, so we never actually buy train tickets, but we're certainly "active" cardholders. Fortunately we live where we can buy a $7.50 ticket for a short ride every three years if need be, but if just using the cards is enough...
Nov 6, 10, 7:37 pm
#96
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Amtrak S+, HH GLD, AA 1MM, SPG, UA, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 371
I'd agree. If points post from a AGR MasterCard on a regular basis, that should count as "active." Their computers may very well be programmed so that both Amtrak transactions and credit card purchases reset the 3-year window.
Mar 1, 11, 3:17 pm
#97
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 9,973
Just got the e-mail that my points will expire. I only have 755 points (earned from ZipCar), and no plans for train travel anytime soon, so I'm guessing it's not worth the effort to keep the points alive.
Mar 5, 11, 11:10 pm
#101
In Memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York, NY, USA
Programs: HH Diamond, Amtrak Exec
Posts: 3,262
Mar 6, 11, 12:41 am
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+), now an Elite Peon
Posts: 23,129
(Although I quit playing on the tracks after working for the Alaska Railroad, where train safety was drilled and beaten into my head...
)
Mar 6, 11, 1:19 am
#104
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,051
"Train safety" What is that? One thing I remember doing was laying my ear on the track because someone had told me that in the Old West they could tell a train was coming by doiing that. Never did confirm that theory. But it shows how fascinating I found that mode of transporation when I was a grade school kid.
Mar 6, 11, 1:49 am
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+), now an Elite Peon
Posts: 23,129
"Train safety" What is that? One thing I remember doing was laying my ear on the track because someone had told me that in the Old West they could tell a train was coming by doiing that. Never did confirm that theory. But it shows how fascinating I found that mode of transporation when I was a grade school kid.
(Rail safety would be a better term.)
Basically:
Trains are silent.
Trains are deadly.
Expect movement on any track, at any time, and from any direction.
Walking on or between the rails is one of the most dangerous things a railroad employee or person near train tracks can do.
Before I worked for the railroad, though, I once did as you.
