Metropolitan/ClubAcela access, What does this mean?

[MisterRick]

On the Amtrak website it looks like they've added a new category for access to either the ClubAcela or Metropolitan Lounges (See here) stating the following:

"Private car owners/lessee and party between time of arrival and departure specified in the PNR. PNR number to be given to Club representative upon entry."

I assume that this means limo/sedan drivers and not just anyone who owns or leases a car right? Also it doesn't make mention that you need a same day Amtrak ticket or a day pass for entry just something called a PRN number. Can someone give a better definition of what this all means.

 

[MrFSS]

On the Amtrak website it looks like they've added a new category for access to either the ClubAcela or Metropolitan Lounges (See here) stating the following:"Private car owners/lessee and party between time of arrival and departure specified in the PNR. PNR number to be given to Club representative upon entry."

I assume that this means limo/sedan drivers and not just anyone who owns or leases a car right? Also it doesn't make mention that you need a same day Amtrak ticket or a day pass for entry just something called a PRN number. Can someone give a better definition of what this all means.

I think they are talking about private rail car owners and their guests. Not automobiles.

 

[MisterRick]

I think they are talking about private rail car owners and their guests. Not automobiles.

D-Oh! Your right, I am such a idiot! Stupid! (Hit head against wall!), Stupid! (Hit head against wall!), Stupid! (Hit head against wall!)

 

[MrFSS]

I think they are talking about private rail car owners and their guests. Not automobiles.

D-Oh! Your right, I am such a idiot! Stupid! (Hit head against wall!), Stupid! (Hit head against wall!), Stupid! (Hit head against wall!)

Nope - we were all where you are in knowing about these things. I remember some of the dumb posts I made 4-5 years ago when I was new around here. Hey - I still make some dumb posts! :lol: :lol:

 

[Acela150]

I do somewhat feel discriminated against here. I'm 18. 21 to enter? Really? At least make it 18. I used CA PHL on the 27th of March and was giving no trouble. I will send Amtrak a polite complaint on this topic.

Steve

 

[the_traveler]

Hey - I still make some dumb posts! :lol: :lol:

Some? :huh:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[GG-1]

Hey - I still make some dumb posts! :lol: :lol:

Some? :huh:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Lets not have a contest, We would ALL LOSE :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[MisterRick]

I do somewhat feel discriminated against here. I'm 18. 21 to enter? Really? At least make it 18. I used CA PHL on the 27th of March and was giving no trouble. I will send Amtrak a polite complaint on this topic.

To be honest I've always been under the impression that there has never been any type of age restrictions in the ClubAcela or Metropolitan Lounge facilities. Of course the only restriction that does currently exist is that a lounge guest has to be holding a same day Amtrak ticket for First Class seating on an Acela Express train, have Sleeper Car accommodation on a long distance train including the Auto Train, Empire Builder, the Silver Meteor/Silver Star etc.. etc.., an Amtrak Guest Rewards member with Select Plus status or a Guest Pass which then gives you have the privilege (Not the right) to use that lounge while waiting for your train and as far as I am aware Amtrak's lounges DO NOT serve alcohol so I can't see why they would require you to be 21 or older. I would definitely call their Customer Service office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 906-3000 and see what they have to say.

Interestingly in all the years that I travelled on Amtrak I've rarely had any problems or seen any problems involving Amtrak employees. Yes there were the occassional passengers holding a Coach or Business Class ticket that insisted that they can use the lounge but were nicely turned away, Only once about 10 years ago when I was in the NYP Station Metropolitan Lounge waiting for my train to WAS a gentleman wearing a business suit who was clearly three sheets to the wind (Intoxicated) had to be escorted out of the lounge by Amtrak Police because he was being verbally abusive to lounge employees and other passengers.

 

[PRR 60]

From Amtrak:

ClubAcela Customer Rules & Privileges
...Individuals must be at least 21 years of age. No one under 21 will be admitted without accompaniment by an adult ClubAcela customer.

With no alcohol in Club Acela, that is puzzling (and were I 18, insulting).

Here are some comparisons with airline clubs - all of which serve alcohol.

- American Airlines Admirals Club: 18

- Continental Airlines Presidents Club: 21

- Delta Air Lines Sky Club: 18

- United Airlines Red Carpet Club: 18

- US Airways Club: 18

To use an old argument: we're willing to send an 18-year old to Iraq to be shot at, but Amtrak won't let them in a Club Acela?

 

[dlagrua]

Steve; If you show a first class ticket, they would probably allow you in. If not just ask an over 21 traveler to take you in. You would not be breaking any laws since there is no alcohol there. All the traveler need to say is that you're his/her friend and you meet the "accompanied" rule!. If I was waiting to get in I would gladly extend the courtesy.

 

[JSmith]

I wonder if this one of those "policy to have in the back pocket" sort of policies that is normally never enforced unless you have some unruly teenagers causing some disorder and you need a written policy to justify kicking them out of the lounge, without having to get into arguments over what constitutes "disorderly behavior", etc.

 

[Long Train Runnin']

Is that age requirement new?

Thanks to generous AU members I have had the opportunity use AGR coupons to enter the CA alone several times. The first time I did it I was still 16

 

[Guest]

Here are some comparisons with airline clubs - all of which serve alcohol.
- American Airlines Admirals Club: 18

- Continental Airlines Presidents Club: 21

- Delta Air Lines Sky Club: 18

- United Airlines Red Carpet Club: 18

- US Airways Club: 18

Sorry, but I find it very hard to believe that this is at all true. :huh:

All those airport Clubs would have to adhere to the state laws in which they are located, and I bet most (if not all) are 21 years old to be served alcohol.

 

[AAARGH!]

Here are some comparisons with airline clubs - all of which serve alcohol.
- American Airlines Admirals Club: 18

- Continental Airlines Presidents Club: 21

- Delta Air Lines Sky Club: 18

- United Airlines Red Carpet Club: 18

- US Airways Club: 18

Sorry, but I find it very hard to believe that this is at all true. :huh:

All those airport Clubs would have to adhere to the state laws in which they are located, and I bet most (if not all) are 21 years old to be served alcohol.

Why? Restaurants serve alcohol and kids are allowed in. It's the serving of alcohol to anyone under 21 that is the issue.

I would think the age restriction is more for keeping the atmosphere more business-like.

 

[Acela150]

I sent Amtrak a polite complaint letter through the Contact Us section last night. I pretty much repeated myself and also mentioned that their is NO alcohol in CA's or ML's. I get a Non-Reply E-Mail we will contact you in 24 hours. That was about 26 hours ago. I will call that number. Thanks.

Steve