E-voucher use

[the_traveler]

I have an e-voucher to use. AFAIK it can't be used online. (I don't see anywhere to enter it.) So you must call to redeem it.

Yesterday I called, and was told the wait was 11 minutes - so I put it on speaker so I could do other things (like waste time on AU :giggle: ) while waiting. After a 15 minute wait an agent answered. But by the time I took it off speaker (that is push a button), the agent HUNG UP! :angry: So I call back, but now the wait is 20 minutes. So I made a reservation with "Julie" instead.

I've got a reservation number. My question is can this be "paid" with the e-voucher at the ticket counter, or do I have to phone and wait? :blush: I know you could use the paper voucher at the ticket window. This is my first experience using an e-voucher.

If Amtrak is going to only offer e-vouchers now, they need to allow redemption online and/or with "Julie", besides credit cards.

 

[Anthony]

You'll definitely be able to handle it at the ticket counter -- in fact, this is the preferred way to do it right now.

Amtrak.com has plans to integrate eVouchers but, of course, it has to come from capital funding.

 

[the_traveler]

Thanks! That's so much easier.

 

[roadman3313]

Better than when I called... granted it was New Year's Day! Estimated hold time was 84 minutes but they answered after 45

Called to get my e-voucher numbers and balances... Had 9 of them and the station didn't want to look them up. But yes... Station agents prefer you book ahead of time via phone and then come in to the station to use the vouchers so the reservation is already set-up. They can do it at the station but it can often be time consuming for them, especially if it is around shift-change or at a time where trains are arriving and departing.

Never tried using Julie to do it... then again my reservataions usually have some quirk to them that isn't just point-A to point-B. Main thing is don't pay for the tickets in advance. Just set up the reservation on a hold and go to the station to make the payment using the e-vouchers.

 

[amamba]

I don't think the phone agents can actually process the e-vouchers as payment. Can someone correct me if I am wrong? I believe you are forced to finish the transaction with a ticket agent at the station anyway.

From amtrak.com: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1248544420619

Where and How to Redeem an eVoucher

For now, eVouchers may only be redeemed at an Amtrak ticket office, not at Quik-Trak, online at Amtrak.com or by phone. Make sure to bring the eVoucher receipt (or the information necessary for the agent to locate the eVoucher) and proper identification to the ticket office for redemption.

If your eVoucher is issued by a station agent as part of a downgrade exchange or cancellation and part or all of its value is refundable, the refund can be processed at the station by the same agent at the same station on the same day only. Otherwise, send the eVoucher receipt or a printout of your e-mail notification, and your name, address and phone number, to:

Amtrak Customer Refunds

Box 70

30th St. Station

2955 Market Street,

Philadelphia, PA 19104-2898

If you do not have your eVoucher receipt or a printout of your e-mail notification, include information about the transaction in a letter that will enable the refund office to locate your eVoucher.

 

[roadman3313]

That is correct. Some people pay via credit card thinking they can change the reservation over to E-Voucher payment at the station. I was trying to refer to that mistake as they are often surprised when they have to re-book and just receive another E-Voucher in return for their cancelled reservation! Seen it happen a few times in various stations.

 

[Phil S]

That is correct. Some people pay via credit card thinking they can change the reservation over to E-Voucher payment at the station. I was trying to refer to that mistake as they are often surprised when they have to re-book and just receive another E-Voucher in return for their cancelled reservation! Seen it happen a few times in various stations.

I've mentioned this before but I've never had any problem changing the res over from credit card to e-voucher at a station. But I do go in to the station in advance and at a time when I'm sure no trains are due through. And I agree that it doesn't seem to work over the phone.

 

[ET]

You've got to be kidding me with this. How can it be called an eVoucher and not be redeemable online?? That's a snail-voucher, not an eVoucher.

 

[BCL]

You've got to be kidding me with this. How can it be called an eVoucher and not be redeemable online?? That's a snail-voucher, not an eVoucher.

Like I said in another thread, the value is stored in an electronic database. Previously, the ticket itself had cash value and had to be produced in order to redeem any value.

I think the other deal is that Amtrak allows eVoucher credit to be applied to anyone's ticket. Airline credits are only valid for the original traveler, so it's simple to rebook in the same name. Amtrak wants ID in order to use an eVoucher or at least send out a check in the same name.

 

[crescent2]

I'm with ET; it's crazy that e-vouchers can't be used on line or by phone. Some of us don't have a nearby station.

It might seem a minor thing to many, but every little inconvenient thing like that discourages use of Amtrak. I'm a big proponent of Amtrak, but they make it hard sometimes.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I'm with ET; it's crazy that e-vouchers can't be used on line or by phone. Some of us don't have a nearby station. It might seem a minor thing to many, but every little inconvenient thing like that discourages use of Amtrak. I'm a big proponent of Amtrak, but they make it hard sometimes.

e-vouchers CAN BE used on the Telephone, I just Booked a Trip from SEA-VAC(Coach) on the Cascades and a TWO-SDY(BC) Trip on the Maple Leaf with an Agent via Phone and received my e-mail Confirmation with e-ticket attached, No Charge for a $160 Trip!

 

[amamba]

I'm with ET; it's crazy that e-vouchers can't be used on line or by phone. Some of us don't have a nearby station. It might seem a minor thing to many, but every little inconvenient thing like that discourages use of Amtrak. I'm a big proponent of Amtrak, but they make it hard sometimes.

e-vouchers CAN BE used on the Telephone, I just Booked a Trip from SEA-VAC(Coach) on the Cascades and a TWO-SDY(BC) Trip on the Maple Leaf with an Agent via Phone and received my e-mail Confirmation with e-ticket attached, No Charge for a $160 Trip!

Did you have an e-voucher or a credit from customer relations for poor service? There is a difference.

 

[crescent2]

Many posts say you must go to a station to redeem an evoucher.