Changing to an earlier connecting train at the last minute

[Flyaway]

Coming home on SWC, connecting to Wolverine, the guaranteed connection we are booked on has a 3 hour layover. There is a train with a 1 hour 10 minute layover. If SWC is on time, what is the best way to change to the earlier train at the last minute? On the app? What if it was really tight and we weren't sure we would make it and ran and jumped on the earlier train. Would the conductor let us change tickets on the train? Or bad idea because trains do sell out sometimes?

 

[zephyr17]

Best way is to change the reservation is on the app.

Your ticket would not be valid on the earlier train. It would not scan as valid by the conductor. Most likely he would instruct you to use the app or call to change the reservation. There's a chance he'd just roll his eyes and let you ride without modification. You won't be making the conductor particularly happy in either case. If the conductor let you ride without a ticket modification, note that you wouldn't get AGR points for that segment as it would be a "no show" on your booked train.

Unless the SWC is early or dead on time at like Mendota, don't change it. Running for a train you are not ticketed on is probably a poor idea. Also, remember the gates close at Chicago 5 minutes before departure.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

And changing a ticket at the last minute could cost $$ because you’ll be paying the difference of the current ticket price minus what you paid for the original one.

 

[Just-Thinking-51]

What if it was really tight and we weren't sure we would make it and ran and jumped on the earlier train. Would the conductor let us change tickets on the train? Or bad idea because trains do sell out sometimes?

As mention above gates close 5 minutes before a train departs.

The conductor can change your ticket on the train.

If the train is sold out you might have a problem. Not sure what they do in this situation. I seen several wrong train situation, as long as there space the conductor just takes care of it. No extra charge, very little fuss. A few minutes maybe figure out what happened.

A lady next to me (NYC to Albany) change her ticket to a day early, but board the train going north a hour early than her ticket. She was a bit frazzled by what was going on. The conductor figure it out and then told her what happened and said “Got it”. Then moved to the next row. No fuss from the conductor. Lady was quite relieved, right into the train stop and back up to a station for police activity ahead. Her words afterwards are not fit for this forum.

My thing is after traveling for two day, maybe a few hours in Chicago would be a nice break.

 

[Flyaway]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the thoughtful responses. Another random question—they wouldn’t let a minor (age 12) ride by herself for just one stop, right? Just thinking about saving my ex-husband a little driving time at 5 am, but it probably isn’t worth the hassle.

 

[zephyr17]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the thoughtful responses. Another random question—they wouldn’t let a minor (age 12) ride by herself for just one stop, right? Just thinking about saving my ex-husband a little driving time at 5 am, but it probably isn’t worth the hassle.

Nope. 15 is the minimum age to ride alone.

 

[Flyaway]

Nope. 15 is the minimum age to ride alone.

Yeah I decided this would be a bad idea anyway. 99 times out of 100 she would be fine, but what if I missed the train and she was on a train to Chicago alone? Not great.

 

[Acela150]

Nope. 15 is the minimum age to ride alone.

Double check your info.

 

[trampy]

Different region, but I just did this on a Capitol Corridor train in Oakland. I was a bit early and my train and the one before were delayed. When the earlier train pulled in I asked the conductor if it would be ok for me to ride. He said sure and told me which car. No hesitation, no problem. Once on board he scanned my ticket (which was still for the later train) and moved along.

I would just look for a conductor (blue hat) and ask at the door. That way if they're very full or they will give you any trouble you can find out before boarding.

 

[Widfara]

My pastor and family went by Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle to Los Angeles, with a connection to San Diego (via the bustitution). The SL/TE got in way early, so without them asking, they were put on an earlier train, no extra charge. Amtrak ticket folk there seemed to be right on top of things.

 

[uncleboots]

Coming home on SWC, connecting to Wolverine, the guaranteed connection we are booked on has a 3 hour layover. There is a train with a 1 hour 10 minute layover. If SWC is on time, what is the best way to change to the earlier train at the last minute? On the app? What if it was really tight and we weren't sure we would make it and ran and jumped on the earlier train. Would the conductor let us change tickets on the train? Or bad idea because trains do sell out sometimes?

I was on the 3 Rivers. The train arrived in Chicago early enough to get a early train to St. Louis. My SCA told me to check with the Employee at the gate when the train was boarding. The Amtrak Employee said it was okay with her but double check with the Conductor.

Coming home on SWC, connecting to Wolverine, the guaranteed connection we are booked on has a 3 hour layover. There is a train with a 1 hour 10 minute layover. If SWC is on time, what is the best way to change to the earlier train at the last minute? On the app? What if it was really tight and we weren't sure we would make it and ran and jumped on the earlier train. Would the conductor let us change tickets on the train? Or bad idea because trains do sell out sometimes?

I had this situation happen in Chicago. A earlier train to St Louis was boarding when my train arrived in Chicago. I went directly to the Gate Agent and explained the situation. She said it was okay with her but explain the situation to the Conductor and get his approval. I did and he said it was okay. The only thing was I had a Business Class seat and I had to sit in coach. If you have checked baggage on the Chief it could be a issue if there’s not a lot of time to switch trains.