Amtrak Unveils Self Check-In Process on Some Acela Trains

Amtrak Acela Express Train at Boston’s South Station

Amtrak has begun using self-check in technology on a limited number of its Acela trains in the Northeast.

The new process, which is accessed through the Amtrak app, allows passengers to validate their train tickets once onboard the train, The Points Guy reported.

Using the app, a button displays that says “Check In” on trips where the new self check-in process is available for use.

After selecting the “Check In” button on the Amtrak app, passengers will be required to scan a barcode located above their train seat in order to complete the new process.

When the train’s conductor passes through a train car, they will be able to tell which passengers have already checked in and validated tickets on their own.

The self check-in process became available on select Acela trains in the Northeast in December, per The Points Guy. Slowly it has expanded to additional Acela trains as well.

An Amtrak spokesperson told The Points Guy that the new self check-in is being used on: “more — but not all — of our Acela trains.”

“Amtrak debuted a pilot voluntary self-check-in feature on select Acela First Class trains in December to evaluate if it could improve the onboard experience for our customers and employees. We look forward to evaluating its results to determine potential next steps,” according to an Amtrak statement obtained by The Points Guy.

Currently, self check-in is only available in first class. However, it may be implemented in business class in the future.

In late October, Amtrak also introduced a new, simplified fare structure with more flexible and affordable options based on extensive customer research to better meet customer needs.