posted
We're taking the train from NYC to Florida in April. Here's my dumb question....What's the best way to get seating in the middle of the train? Are the tickets/seats assigned or is it a matter of getting in line first? If so, how early should we be there to get the seats we want?
posted
First, if at all economically feasable, I would suggest you go and book sleeper accomodations. Of course they are pricey; figure on $200 per person per night (www.amtrak.com for a "quote" - binding on Amtrak). Adults should not consider double occupancy of a Standard (even though it has two beds) - only a Deluxe.
The "king's ransom" is mitigated somewhat in that waiter served dining car meals are included in the fare, as are "all you can drink" non-alcoholic beverages. If the "other" beverages are more your thing, you can bring and consume "private stock" in sleepers; not (officially) so for coach.
But it is the difference to me in having reasonable expectation of an enjoyable travel experience and an "are we there yet" endurance contest.
Coach seats are assigned by the attendant upon boarding. He/she will tell you to take "such and such a seat". Whether you get "center car" is about the same as whether the cop says "you be careful, have a nice day" or whether he retreats to the squad then returns with that slip of paper.
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 01-12-2003).]
Posts: 9983 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
If you get lucky, and if there aren't too many people boarding, the coach attendant may let you choose your seats. This has happened to me a few times on trips (once I decided to move up three whole cars). If NYC is the origin point of the train, you should get there maybe 20-25 minutes before the train leaves (unless you have other business to take care of, such as checking baggage). If it is an intermediate stop, then you can find out which end of the platform your respective coach or sleeper will be at, and wait there. This is how I usually do it, and I am most-often first in line. Good luck, and have a great trip! ~Eric
Posts: 553 | From: Flagstaff, AZ USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
Cars are often filled according to destination, eg passengers leaving the train at intermediate stops may be in one car, Miami passengers in another car. Therefore you may not even get a choice of car.
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Of course, when you board, all you need to do is ask the attendant if you can sit near the middle, and he/she should accomodate you if it is possible. A lot depends on how full the car is when you board.
And once again, I will respectfully disagree with Gilbert on the sleeper issue. He has his preferences, as we all do. But many people, including myself, can be perfectly happy sleeping in a coach seat.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
posted
My personal choice: Observation car, top deck ALL THE WAY!!! but if that doesn't work, I'd have to say these other guys are on the right track..
------------------ Cory (o:}=
Posts: 140 | From: Kirksville, Mo | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
go with the coach and if you cant get an isle seat, a window seat is just as good. Im sure most of us on this board would prefer the window seat on trips in coach since the views can be great.
Posts: 55 | From: Chelsea, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
When you say middle of the train, do you mean:
1. Halfway along the length of the train (which is what I assumed you meant) 2. Halfway along a single car lengthwise 3. Halfway across the width of the car (eg an aisle seat) ?
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Thanks everyone! Geoff-I meant halfway along the length of the train. I had read that the rocking motion is less in the middle. Also read that this is probably the safest place to position yourself on a train re: running into things on the track, like cars, or derailments.
As this will be our first vacation in 10 years (put a few kids through college) you can see that we are more than happy to ride coach.
posted
You usually don't have a choice of which car you are assigned because it usually depends upon your destination. On the other hand, once your board, if you'd prefer to be in another car, you can ask the attendant if you can move and if seats are available elsewhere, they usually try to make it so. Logically, I would think that the safest place to ride would be toward the back of the train which would be furthest from impact. Hopefully, you won't have such a problem. As for the "rocking motion", I haven't noticed much difference from one car to the next.
First class is the way to go if it is affordable for you, but given a choice, I'd rather take coach than not go at all. A nap after arriving at destination is usually enough to get me back on my feet after a night in coach. One thing which can make coach travel more pleasant is to buy a "neck" pillow. It will help support the neck and head much better than a standard pillow and are available at many retailers, usually in the auto section of the store.
quote:Originally posted by rmiller: Logically, I would think that the safest place to ride would be toward the back of the train which would be furthest from impact.
Unless a freight train misses a red signal and runs into the back of the train, as happened with the Metrolink train last year. In that case, one or two cars away from the rear would be better. But the liklihood of a collision is very remote, and the cars are built to withstand a severe impact, so I wouldn't worry about it.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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