We can neither confirm nor deny...

A no-shitter email received by Sister the other day.

She writes:

Um, do you think this is A TICKET???

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Subject: Amtrak: Reservation Confirmation - THIS IS NOT A TICKET
To: sister@her-email.com

Thank you for choosing Amtrak. Please save or print this page for your records.

Reservation Number: 999999

THIS IS NOT A TICKET
--------------------
This confirmation notice is not a ticket. You must obtain a ticket before boarding.

TICKETING INFORMATION
---------------------
THIS IS NOT A TICKET You must obtain your ticket(s) before boarding. You can pick up your tickets at any Amtrak Quik-Trak self-service ticketing kiosk, or at any Amtrak ticket window. Please check station operating hours before you go, as Amtrak ticket window hours and/or Quik-Trak kiosk hours vary from station to station.

IMPORTANT POLICIES
------------------
For important identification requirements, please visit http://www.amtrak.com/IDrequirements.html.

For important baggage policy information, please visit http://www.amtrak.com/BaggagePolicy.html.

Please Note: All Amtrak trains (except the Auto Train) are non-smoking.

PASSENGER INFORMATION
---------------------
[redacted]

ITINERARY
---------
[redacted]

===================================
FARE INFORMATION
[redacted]

BILLING INFORMATION
-------------------
[redacted]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
----------------------
* We recommend that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Allow additional time if you need help with baggage or tickets.

* If you are traveling on the Auto Train you must check in at least two hours before scheduled departure.

* You may cancel (but not modify) your reservation online. Cancellation fees and/or refund fees may apply. To change your reservation, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

* THIS IS NOT A TICKET You must obtain your ticket(s) before boarding.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!
-----------------------------------

I wonder how many times a day conductors are confronted by passengers waving their crumpled printed-out emails saying 'But I thought this was my ticket!'

I know it's sad. But you know it happens.