Upgrade/Companion/Lounge Coupons: seeking, available, questions

thighto · Aug 12, 2024

Hi all, I've had luck both giving and receiving passes here before.
I am going to be traveling on the Acela on 9/10 and 9/15. If anyone has an upgrade coupon or two to spare, I would be forever grateful. (fairly long run from DC to Providence). TIA!

dromio515 · Aug 12, 2024

Rasputin said:
I am curious about the method(s) of transferring lounge passes, upgrade coupons or companion coupons. The coupon restrictions say that the coupon can be transferred to a friend but how is that done? Do you merely give the recipient the code number for the coupon or do you have to transmit more and if so, how? Do Amtrak reservation agents regard it as strange when you try to use a coupon that is not in your account?

When I last had Select status I would receive two lounge access passes in the mail each year. If I didn't intend to use one or both, I would offer them on AU. I would then obtain the mailing address of the person who wanted the pass and mail it off.

Now I receive one lounge pass a year through the FNBO credit card. The pass is added to my account and I also have the option of printing it. I guess if I wanted to give it away, I could print the pass and mail it off.

I don't have a smart phone and maybe that makes the transfer of coupons difficult or impossible.

Thanks.

I have been able to pass along upgrade and discount coupons just by sharing the number. For Lounge passes, you might 'snip' a screenshot on your computer and email, since you don't have a smartphone. You just open your account so that you can see the pass on the screen and then open whatever 'screenshot' app you have to take a picture (or copy) of the image so that you can email it. I have Windows on my computer which comes with 'snip and sketch' that allows me to copy and paste an image. I promise it's easier than it sounds. good luck

diesteldorf · Aug 15, 2024

Has anyone ever used an upgrade coupon IMMEDIATELY after booking an eligible coach reservation on either a REGIONAL or ACELA train, either through the app/website or by calling AGR?

In the past, I've always booked the coach reservation well in advance, but if I book it 12 hours or less, will those 12-hour upgrade coupons work right away?

Obviously booking earlier can lock in lower prices, but I may or may not be taking the trip.

diesteldorf · Aug 25, 2024

diesteldorf said:
Has anyone ever used an upgrade coupon IMMEDIATELY after booking an eligible coach reservation on either a REGIONAL or ACELA train, either through the app/website or by calling AGR?

In the past, I've always booked the coach reservation well in advance, but if I book it 12 hours or less, will those 12-hour upgrade coupons work right away?

Obviously booking earlier can lock in lower prices, but I may or may not be taking the trip.

Just wanted to post an update. Booked a coach reservation for 2 hours in advance, called AGR, and was immediately able to get the upgrade coupon applied to business class.

diesteldorf · Aug 28, 2024

diesteldorf said:
Just wanted to post an update. Booked a coach reservation for 2 hours in advance, called AGR, and was immediately able to get the upgrade coupon applied to business class.

Didn't see an option to "edit" my previous post, so I'll reply to add some additional information.
When I booked my coach ticket 2 hours in advance, I booked the cheapest ticket since:

A) I was sure I was taking the trip
B) Amtrak still allows a 24-hour cancelation window for a full refund when booking non-reserved trains. I was booking the Borealis and have never tried this with Acela or regional business.

When I spoke to the AGR rep, he nicely pointed out that my ticket didn't allow for any changes or upgrades. (I was planning to cancel my ticket for a refund and call back). However, he agreed to push the upgrade through at the current fare.

In the future, if one wants to have the "POTENTIAL" to utilize any upgrade coupons, you should always book the fully flexible, completely refundable ticket.

Trucker72 · Aug 31, 2024

We are leaving tomorrow morning on our yearly trip. We have tickets for the Acela from Washington to Boston on 9/20. We have 2 48 hour upgrade coupons. In the past we have upgraded both seats to first class. I was looking at the upgrade rules on the web site and it says the coupon can be used "on a single travel segment or leg" Can we not upgrade the whole trip from Washingtonto Boston or is that considered a leg? Also I thought I saw someone saying that only one coupon can be used per train? Maybe I read that wrong.

zephyr17 · Aug 31, 2024

Trucker72 said:
We are leaving tomorrow morning on our yearly trip. We have tickets for the Acela from Washington to Boston on 9/20. We have 2 48 hour upgrade coupons. In the past we have upgraded both seats to first class. I was looking at the upgrade rules on the web site and it says the coupon can be used "on a single travel segment or leg" Can we not upgrade the whole trip from Washingtonto Boston or is that considered a leg? Also I thought I saw someone saying that only one coupon can be used per train? Maybe I read that wrong.

If your ticket is on one train WAS-BOS, that's one segment. If you are ticketed, say, WAS-NYP and NYP-BOS, then it is two and separate coupons would be required for each.

A segment on Amtrak by definition is on only one train. I am not clear on what you are asking with "only one coupon can be used per train". Are you asking if two people are on a single reservation only one can be upgraded with a coupon? I don't think so, I think it is one coupon per person per train. In any case, they haven't changed the rules and what worked in the past should work now. If you are concerned, and Amtrak’s antiquated and brittle systems are persnickety, just make separate, individual reservations on that leg and avoid all questions.

Trucker72 · Sep 1, 2024

It said on a single train segment ot leg
I was concerned with the definition of segment or leg
We have 2 48 hour coupons so hopefully they have 2 empty first class seats on a Friday

dromio515 · Oct 5, 2024

I have 2 10% discount coupons and 2 12-hour upgrade coupons to give away. They all expire on 1/15/2025. Please let me know if you would like any of these coupons. I'm reposting in case everyone missed this.

On a separate note, I am looking for a companion coupon for a Feb trip.

Arson451 · Sunday at 3:37 PM

dromio515 said:
I have 2 10% discount coupons and 2 12-hour upgrade coupons to give away. They all expire on 1/15/2025. Please let me know if you would like any of these coupons. I'm reposting in case everyone missed this.

On a separate note, I am looking for a companion coupon for a Feb trip.

I would love to use these if you still have them on the Acela. The gf and I are traveling WAS-NYP on 12/31 for the new years festivities. Thanks in advance!

Arson451 · Sunday at 3:44 PM

Looking for any upgrade coupons that expire after 12/31. The gf and I are travelling WAS-NYP on 12/31 on the Acela. Being able to upgrade to 1st would be a nice way to bring in the New Year. Thank you for considering us in advance!

dromio515 · Tuesday at 7:43 AM

Arson451 said:
I would love to use these if you still have them on the Acela. The gf and I are traveling WAS-NYP on 12/31 for the new years festivities. Thanks in advance!

I messaged you the codes. Have a great trip.

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