I looked at fares for around New Years to go from EWR-CHS. The EWR-CHS fare is about $330, whereas the ZFV (Philadelphia 30th St. Station)-CHS via EWR fare is about $280. Since there are 4 of us, it saves about $200. My question is, do I then need to take the Amtrak, or can I just go to EWR? I thought about it, and I guess the only way Amtrak can check if I've actually traveled is that they collect your ticket stub; what happens to that after collection is unclear. Also, would Continental care if I didn't take the Amtrak? It makes the schedule much less convenient to take the Amtrak (having to wait in EWR for a train that leaves at 11:30 PM for 30th Street when I could be driving home)- 30th Street and EWR airport are equal distance from my house.

If your ticket is not printed for an Amtrak segment then any further segments on the PNR will be canceled.

Read between the lines as appropriate.

Not another Amtrak ZFV thread!!!

Yes, OP..if you do not take the segment on Amtrak...you could possibly have your entire trip canceled by CO.

Yes, apparently the OP didn't search.

The Ultimate ZFV (Philadelphia) / Amtrak - CO FAQ

Latest on Amtrak ZFV-EWR segments?

I hope it wasn't the other thread that alerted the OP to the possibility. Maybe if we stop giving folks the 'airport' code, these issues go away.

Then again, I guess this forum isn't like the 'trick' thread on Mileage Run, which is quite honestly beyond baffling and totally unwelcoming to newbies.

+1million for that.