posted
Hello Everyone, New here and have some questions for you all. I enjoy train travel but my mom (who is coming with me on Autotrain) has motion sickness. She is getting the 'patch' but is worried about being able to survive the train. She is also claustrophobic so she has already ruled out the standard sleepers. My question is - is there less motion on the lower level coach seats on Autrotrain & how many seats are available in the lower level of a Superliner car?
Thanks in advance for your help! Erik
Posts: 26 | From: southbridge, MA USA | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Opinions are mixed. Many people don't notice a significant difference between upper and lower.
Personally, I've found that the upper level tends to sway more, which can make some people feel a bit queazy on rougher sections of track.
However, it's a far less likely catalyst for motion sickness than, for example, riding in a Greyhound bus or in the back seat of a car.
Nonetheless, the lower level of a Superliner sways far less. The ride is much steadier. Your mom will probably be more comfortable there. And the view is about the same.
If the train isn't sold out and she's feeling adventurous, you can always move upstairs later for a short spell, so you can both experience rail travel at a slightly higher altitude.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 07-10-2003).]
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Erik, I suggest, if possible, that you and your mom take a short train trip prior to taking the auto train. It will give your mom a chance to see how she feels before attempting a longer trip.
Posts: 218 | Registered: Mar 2001
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My 90-year-old Mom and I recently took a trip from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo on Amtrak. We took the Coast Starlight north and the Surfliner south. When I made reservations, I specified a lower level seat and was surprised to discover that it did not cost a penny extra. However, I think such seats are for handicapped and older individuals and must be reserved ahead of time.
I remember one fellow from upstairs who begged and pleaded with the attendant to get a seat. The attendant finally allowed him stay, but only after he surrendered every molecule of his dignity to him and the rest of us with his pathetic whining.
Mom had a great time on the train and was very pleased with the spacious seats and the easy access to the large handicap bathrooms. I came well-equipped with a veritable medicine cabinet of antidotes for just about any contingency and she found the trip both exciting and rejuvinating. There is something rather private and exclusive about that lower level and I can see why it is in such demand.
The lower level ride is OK. Personally I prefer the view from the top because you can see more. And being much more mobile than Mom, I prefer the upper levels access to the observation car and the dining car. The upper level is also further away from the wheels of the train and, thinking back, I think the ride tends to be a little smoother and quieter.
For that reason, I tend to like the ancient Superliner trains like the Southwest Chief and the modern Surfliner more than the single level trains that are found back east, as well as the Talgo trainset. There is definitely something very solid about the ride that the Superliner provides.
Regardless, I'm sure your Mom will have a great time. Just be sure she has plenty of crossword puzzles to solve and mysteries to read during her idle hours.
Posts: 324 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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I agree with CK, take a short train trip with mom if you can. Someone else on this board awhile back had a whole family with motion sickness problems, and they had to abort their trip after just a few hours and rent a car to drive home.
As for the original question, I think the lower level sways significantly less, but still bounces about as much.
One more thing to consider. If mom has an urgent "problem" on the upper level, it is a relatively long way to the rest room downstairs. The lower level seats are just a few steps away from the rest rooms.
BTW, you can easily order a lower level coach seat on-line. Click "add accomodation" and select lower level coach seat.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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