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I'm planning on traveling on the Coast Starlight in early January from Los Angeles to San Jose. The coach fare (two AAA adults) is $106, and the economy compartment is $208.
We'll have lunch and dinner on the train, so I figure that would set us back about $50 if we traveled coach. Also, the Pacific Parlour Car (Sleeping Car passengers only) is a very nice perk, with a bar, selection of magazines/newspapers, comfortable seating and snacks/wine tastings at various times of the day.
Also, I like the idea of having privacy, and being sheltered from screaming kids and the like. However, I'm less confident about the seating comfort in the compartment. Do the seats recline, and is there enough space between them to offer decent legroom?
cajon Member # 40
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Since the seats are the beds they don't "recline." The bottom bed is in 4 pieces that make up into 2 seats. They are slightly reclined but not really adjustable. There is plenty of leg room though.
Superliner Member # 1670
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At 200 lbs and 5' 11" I find the seats in the Standard room to be very comfortable and if you have no other travelers you can but your feet up on the other seat to act as a leg rest.
Charles802 Member # 2162
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Does anyone know how much lunch and dinner (with non-alcoholic drinks) would cost two adults (assuming we did not take the sleeper option)?
Superliner Member # 1670
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Well lunch for 1 person is around $10-12 and dinner for 1 is around $15-20 with drinks. So all together you'll be paying $60-$65 for meals (don't forget that between meal drinks and snacks cost extra in coach, but in the sleeper you get free wine, cheese, and soda).
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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If the difference in price is only $100, it may be worth the upgrade price. The meal and Parlor Car amenities are nice luxuries.
But if price is a concern, coach is a very comfortable alternative. You get a leg rest, foot rest, fold down table, under seat and overhead storage. Screaming kids are not a big factor (though not necessarily out of the picture entirely).
Unlike bedroom seats which fold out into beds, coach seats do recline. Coach actually actually gives you more legroom than in a standard (economy) sleeping compartment. Unlike a bus or plane, you can actually recline all the way without putting your headrest in the face of the person behind you. On the flip side, the bedroom seats are a lot wider.
Another advantage of coach is you can see out both sides of the train. In a sleeping compartment you can only see out one side. Of course, all you need to do to see out both sides is go to the parlor car or lounge.
Bottom line, if you want access to the parlor car amenities, and are willing to spend the extra cash, go for it. If you want to save a few bucks, you'll probably be perfectly happy in coach.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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I rode the Coast Starlight in September of last year, and had an economy room to myself, which was nice. The lower berth was very comfortable, although I noticed that in a few econo rooms where there were two people, when you include all the luggage and everything, it was a bit cramped. However, that higher ticket price includes all meals as well as all the amenities of the Pacific Parlour Car, which nearly pays for itself. It's very worth it.
UncleBuck44 Member # 2049
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I took the Eagle from Louey to San Anton. Went with 3 others. Had 2 Econo bedrooms. It was a good ride but my mother had problems with sleeping in an upper berth.
dilly Member # 1427
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A sleeping compartment is a nice "extra" on a daytime trip, but you might decide it's a waste of money if you end up spending very little time in it.
When I took the Coast Starlight from L.A. to Oakland, I went coach. I spent a least half of the 10 hour trip in the Sightseer Lounge and was perfectly comfortable and happy.
I actually did sample the Pacific Parlour car later, when I traveled overnight to Portland in a standard sleeper. The Parlour Car is nice, but not so nice that I'd pay double the coach fare just for the privilege of sitting in it.
Also keep in mind that, every now and then, the train travels without the Pacific Parlour car.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 12-22-2002).]
Charles802 Member # 2162
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"Also keep in mind that, every now and then, the train travels without the Pacific Parlour car."
Yikes...I guess I'll just have to hope that doesn't happen. I've taken the Coast Starlight 4 times already (in the Deluxe Sleeper each time), and we've always had the Parlour Car. At any rate, I did end up going with the economy compartment. Thanks for the advice!
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