The Empire Builder splits into two sections at Spokane. One section continues on to Seattle. The other heads for Portland. Amtrak gives the Portland section a separate sub-designation: Train #27.I don't know whether you booked your trip online or through an Amtrak agent. But it's possible that your reservation is split between the Portland and Seattle halves of the train.
In other words, from Milwaukee to Spokane, you're booked onto the "Portland" section (#27). From Spokane to Seattle, you're booked onto the "Seattle" section (#7).
If you're traveling in coach, this shouldn't pose a problem. Just be sure to point it out to the conductor as you board in Milwaukee.
Make certain he directs you to one of the Seattle-bound coaches. Do NOT sit in the Portland coach, or you'll have to move to a different car when the train reaches Spokane at 2 a.m.
Traveling by sleeper, however, is a different matter. If you've been booked into a "Portland" sleeper out of Milwaukee, you'll have to move to a "Seattle" sleeper when the train arrives in Spokane.
If you don't, you'll wake up in Oregon.
To be on the safe side, call Amtrak. Have the ticket agent carefully check your itinerary and make any adjustments (i.e. make sure your sleeper room is in the Seattle section for the entire trip).
If necessary, have the ticket reissued.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 04-04-2004).]
Printer-friendly view of this topic
