Guest in Metropolitan Lounge

Is anyone here aware what the current policy is regarding bringing a non-traveling guest in a Metropolitan Lounge? I am taking the CL from Chicago next Friday and have a pass to access the lounge, which says that it is valid for me and one guest, but also that a same-day ticket is required. Since I have a same-day ticket, would I be able to bring a guest with me who is not traveling, or would they also need a ticket?

I was wondering this the other day - I don't know for sure, but I would imagine your guest would also need a same-day ticket. I can't imagine Amtrak would allow a non-rider to use the lounge, even as a guest.

I haven't been asked for a same day ticket in months (I'm in Moynihan almost every week). Unless they recognize me as a regular I'd say that policy has either been dropped or is no longer enforced.

Depending on the value you place on your guest being able to use the lounge, would it be worth considering buying the absolutely cheapest train ticket for that day, and just not using it, other than for lounge access?

In the past couple of years, I've always been asked what train I'm riding on. Sometimes, especially in Washington, they even check, taking my AGR card and running it through the computer. This last week in Philly, I just flashed them my card; they asked me what train I was riding, but didn't bother to take the card to see if I was legit. It seems that their main interest in Philly is to know who's riding which trains so they can know when to operate the elevator to the platform. (One of the best features of the Philly Lounge, by the way.)

Back in 2001, my brother came to the Chicago station to see me off. They were fine with his staying in the lounge with me, but that was over 20 years ago, so who knows what the policy is now.

Basically, it's typical Amtrak - policy made up on the spot by the whims of whoever has authority that day. That said, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't let a non-traveler stay in the lounge to see someone off. The only exception might be Washington between, say, 3 PM and 7:30 PM, when the rather small lounge gets filled with evening NEC commuters and sleeper passengers from two long-distance trains, and of course, actual travelers should be getting priority.

I used the Metropolitan Lounge in Boston in early February. I told them that I was the one doing the traveling, and my sister (who gave me a ride to the station and was seeing me off) was my guest. That was all I needed to say. They asked me for my ticket. They did not ask her. She was welcomed in and used all the facilities (restrooms and hot beverages) with me. When it was time to go to the train, the redcap (with whom I had left my bag on the way in) came and got us, and we walked together behind his cart to the sleeper platform.

In Portland they've let a colleague of mine and my father wait with me. However, they were both regulars themselves. Still, I've always asked, as the 'rules' could change suddenly.

I don't recall they're checking the number of ticketed passengers. I would think that simply telling the desk person "we're together" would suffice.

Sometimes providing more information than needed can cause problems. I did that this past February and was denied entry to my doctors' office! I should have simply said 'no covid symptoms' or something like that.

When visiting the 1st class lounge in Moynihan, I was told that execs use the provided space for business meetings / clients. Not sure if policy is the same in all lounges... but if you are allowed to bring in a guest I would think that guest - can easily enter. Then again, it depends on reception personnel.

My sister has joined in the WAS lounge many times, including last summer. However, I think the attendants in Chicago may be more strict since that lounge can get quite busy in the afternoon.

oregon pioneer said:

I used the Metropolitan Lounge in Boston in early February. I told them that I was the one doing the traveling, and my sister (who gave me a ride to the station and was seeing me off) was my guest. That was all I needed to say. They asked me for my ticket. They did not ask her. She was welcomed in and used all the facilities (restrooms and hot beverages) with me. When it was time to go to the train, the redcap (with whom I had left my bag on the way in) came and got us, and we walked together behind his cart to the sleeper platform.
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Nice pic of you and your sister... smiling and looking very happy!

In October, my son was allowed in the lounge in Moynihan I asked the agent at the desk if it was ok and that he was going to help us to the train.

Chicago lounge always asked for my ticket regardless of select plus status and non-status years. When paper ticketed, they sometimes use a highlighter to mark up the ticket for easier identification if you exit and reenter the lounge. It does get a bit chaotic. Sometimes just going to the Junction upstairs is a better experience.

Another option is to buy a biz class ticket on a state train like 307 and if your friend has plans change and it is decided not to take the trip, it is fully refundable before departure.

brianpmcdonnell17 said:

Is anyone here aware what the current policy is regarding bringing a non-traveling guest in a Metropolitan Lounge? I am taking the CL from Chicago next Friday and have a pass to access the lounge, which says that it is valid for me and one guest, but also that a same-day ticket is required. Since I have a same-day ticket, would I be able to bring a guest with me who is not traveling, or would they also need a ticket?

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it's the first time i hear that, nobody told me