Leaving soon on the Southwest Chief. How do I make sure my husband and I are seated together for the long trip out west, departing Chicago?
I understand coach seating is first come first serve...
Thanks for any tips you can give me
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
Some seats are usually saved for couples & some seats for families. If you arrive a little early & are ready to board when they make the first call you should have no problem. Early boarding is made for sleeper passengers & those needing assistance. If you get a red cap to bring your bags to the train for you you may get to ride with him also, assuring early boarding. Yours Reggie
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Posted by northern gal (Member # 147) on :
Thanks Reggie for the tips...I've heard that sometimes you can't get coach seats together and that is bothering me to think I have to go two days on the train away from my husband, when this trip is for the two of us....
Will make sure to in line as early as possible...did first class last time and it was so much easier having our own room and boarding first. But costs made us go coach this time, so will have to learn something new
Posted by Ed Von Nordeck (Member # 130) on :
Boarding at a end point, such as Chicgo you will have no problem. Its the downline points that give you fits sometimes.
However the suggestion to engauge a Red Cap is the best way in Chicago. Its worth $5.00 bucks or so to have them take your bags and you out to the train ahead of the normal boarding. Being coach passenger you may have to ask more then one, since they are only use to sleeper passengers asking for the service and willing to pay. have some money in your hand when asking.
------------------ Ed Von Nordeck
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
Good point Ed. Having some green in hand seems to go a long way everywhere nowadays. Reggie
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Posted by Sheri (Member # 25) on :
I traveled this year on the SW Chief & Lake Shore Limited, roundtrip from CA - PA. If you get in line early, it shouldn't be a problem to get two seats together. From my experience, when you board, they give you a ticket with a seat # on it. If both of you board at the same time, you should get the two seats together. Let them know you are together and that you wish to be seated together. Also, I saw that those who didn't like their seats were able to request a change. Nothing is set in stone. Good luck and don't worry! Everything will work out okay. Take care and tell us all about your trip when you get back.
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
I really wouldn't worry about sitting together on the South West Chief. The crew is based in Los Angeles & are generally very friendly. They will get you 2 seats together, I'm sure. Have a great trip. Reggie
