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We will be travling on the 91 in a few weeks to Miami,our first time in coach (several times in sleepers).We will be boarding at Philadelphia. I know this is a subjective question, but what percentage of the total passenger load would you say boards prior to Philadelphia? We will need 6 seats together as we have kids. Thanks.
Posts: 14 | Registered: Jul 2007
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I can only hope it will be possible to take a "second look" and for at least you and Mrs. to travel Sleeper. This is what you are accustomed to with Amtrak travel; downgrading could well result in a "never again" experience.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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To add to Mr. Norman's comments - I will be taking a coach trip next week (a college reunion that requires minimal expense - to keep peace at home) on a Silver Service train. In checking this weekend all 3 trains are sold out (includes the Palmetto) so likely your coach will be packed by the time it leaves Richmond and I suspect if you did want a room at this late date it would be quite expensive.
Since I am breaking my own rules to go coach, I will go into it with a good book, frequent visits to the lounge, and hope for the best as overnight coach on eastern trains can get a little seedy at times.
However with 6 of you, if you grab a block of seats at one end of the car to make your own 'campground' you will have a pretty good shot at having a good family adventure - provide lots of activities and snacks (and pillow/blankets) for the kids. You might also want to splurge on at least some of the meals in the diner. It will be a welcome break from the coach and the kids will like it, even if the food is mediocre for what you will pay.
I would think boarding at Phila. there should still be decent seats available. If you were real concerned about it, I guess you could take a commuter train up to Trenton and board there if you were able to get Amtrak to change your reservation.
To give you a little encouragement, we took 91 a couple months ago from NC to FL and had excellent crews, decent equipment, and an on time train. Hope you get the same.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Thanks for the advice. We are bringing lots of activities and food with us and plan to eat a meal or two onboard. I have read good and bad about coach, but it seems doable with preparation and the right attitude. One last question. If for some reason we board and cannot get 6 seats together, should I ask the conductor for "help" getting seats together, or is that something they do not like to get involved with? Thanks again.
Posts: 14 | Registered: Jul 2007
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It depends on the mood-o-meter of the crew. If you board and there are not 6 seats together, then it is highly doubtful that the Conductor or coach attendant will ask if people want to move so that you can sit together.
However, you can try it on your own once you get settled and get a feel for things. If you know how to read the tags that they put at each person's seat, you can figure out who will be leaving the train at which stop. If you see a certain number of people leaving at an upcoming station and you would like those seats, you might mention to them that you would like to take their seats after they leave and then be prepared to grab their seats as soon as they get up! Don't forget to grab your seat tag from your old seat and put it into your new seat.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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The train generally operates with 4 coaches, occasionally 5. Boarding in PHL, you WILL have at least 3 sets of 2 and they should be relatively together. The coach attendant generally assigns seats, when you board they will direct you to proper coach on platform and let attendant know how many in party and he will assist you.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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quote:Originally posted by MDRR: The train generally operates with 4 coaches, occasionally 5. Boarding in PHL, you WILL have at least 3 sets of 2 and they should be relatively together. The coach attendant generally assigns seats, when you board they will direct you to proper coach on platform, based on destination, and let attendant know how many in party and he will assist you.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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I have seen the conductor or attendent ask people to move so families can sit together. When you board just ask the attendent if he/she can seat you together as you have children with you .Smtty has had some bad experiences lately so he is not the one to follow. I can't say I blame him for feeling the way he does but other of us have had positive experiences. There have been tmes coming from Ct when we couldn't sit together but we watched and when peole got off in NYC we had our choice of seats. Also you may be pleasantly surprised that some people will just offer to change seats with you . I have had that happen so my husband and I could sit together.So don't put up the umbrella until it start to rain.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Train Lady, I'm with you ... positive expectations often beget positive events.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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