Using an Amtrak ticket in someone else’s name

[Anonymous]

I booked tickets for a surprise trip to NYC for my kid, and I’d like for him to be able to take a friend. I booked the second seat under my name, and I understand that I can’t change the name without canceling and repurchasing the ticket (at the current price). Has anyone traveled on Amtrak on a ticket under someone else’s name? My experience is that the conductors are focused on the destination, not the people/names, but I’d love to know if anyone has done this and had any issues. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Never been asked for ID. I’d think so long as same gender / no obvious mismatch (eg Asian name with white person), the conductor wouldn’t notice.

[Anonymous]

I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

[Anonymous]

I have used Amtrak tickets in my husband's name many times and never gotten a comment about it. I guess that's no guarantee, but I'd be surprised if it was a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have used Amtrak tickets in my husband's name many times and never gotten a comment about it. I guess that's no guarantee, but I'd be surprised if it was a problem.

Very helpful, thank you.

[Anonymous]

Only have been asked for ID crossing border to Canada.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

Good. The risks for a train are not at all similar to an airplane. By your logic, every truck going into the 395 tunnel under the Mall, or the tunnels into New York, should be stopped and scanned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

+1

I shy away from trains and metro given the total lack of security.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

+1

I shy away from trains and metro given the total lack of security.

So you don't get in cars then, right? By far the biggest risk to your personal safety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

Good. The risks for a train are not at all similar to an airplane. By your logic, every truck going into the 395 tunnel under the Mall, or the tunnels into New York, should be stopped and scanned.

So much security checking is just theater. Doesn't actually make us safer

I trust the good boy German Shepards and beagles to sniff out problems on amtrak

[Anonymous]

I did once hear the ticket checker ask someone their name, but she didn't ask for ID.

[Anonymous]

It shouldn't be a problem, especially since the other passenger is a kid. It's pretty easy to explain why the ticket would be in the name of the adult. The conductors don't ask for ID. I'd check the Amtrak website to see what it says about minors just to make sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

I take it you never ride the subway or Metro? Or take a bus? Not every aspect of life needs to have crazy amounts of security.

Besides, there are police with dogs at Union Station and in NYC, and the officers often board the trains and ride with the dogs to a certain point.

[Anonymous]

I think the bigger issue is how old are the kids? I believe there is a minimum age to travel solo on Amtrak, under 12 isn't allowed to travel unaccompanied and ages 13-15 must be under the Amtrak program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was just chatting with a few colleagues about the lack of security in these trains. No bag check, random names being used for tickets. Going under some of the largest cities in America. Terrible!

If your name is Sally and Mike is using the ticket. I would probably call them to find out options before trying this OP.

I take it you never ride the subway or Metro? Or take a bus? Not every aspect of life needs to have crazy amounts of security.

Besides, there are police with dogs at Union Station and in NYC, and the officers often board the trains and ride with the dogs to a certain point.

So, you think Amtrak should be treated like Metro and not like a plane?
Or do you think planes/airports shouldn't have security either?