Asked for Amtrak gift card, got one for Amtrak Vacations

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JoeRids

Service Attendant
Joined
Sep 1, 2013
Messages
149
This is a real long shot, but does anyone know if I can purchase Amtrak tickets through Amtrak Vacations, or is there any other loophole that can be used? I asked for an Amtrak gift card for Christmas from my In-Laws, and instead got an Amtrak Vacations card. If I understand correctly, they are simply a travel agency that sells package deals with hotel stays and tours. I can see how my mother in law made this mistake as it could be confusing for the un-initiated. Her heart was in the right place, but I really don't need Amtrak tickets and a hotel, especially since looking at the brochure the package "deals" seem rather expensive. Any thoughts?
 
Quick answer: Yes, you can purchase plain Amtrak tickets through Amtrak Vacations. There is no requirement to participate in one of their package tours.. You will need to purchase the tickets 30 days in advance of the trip, though.
 
Amtrak doesn't have gift cards. They still only do gift certificates, and there's a fee on top of the price. Additionally, they can only be purchased online and reservations are in person or by phone.
 
I'm also looking at possibly redeeming an *Amtrak Vacations* gift certificate. How easy is it? Mine is only $50, so do they just take your credit card info over the phone if your ticket is more than the gift certificate amount? I'm also not looking for any hotels or anything, just a train ticket. (FYI, my dad made the same mistake of getting an Amtrak Vacations gift certificate instead of a plain Amtrak gift certificate)
 
I had absolutely no trouble; just call them and they will book you an Amtrak trip without needing to add on any hotels or tours. If there is a balance due they will take your credit card info.

At least I had no trouble back in 2015; things may have changed but definitely give them a call.
 
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