When he or she is awake you can call them by name.You will end up simply calling your sleeping car attendant by their name. If they fail to introduce themselves, they don't deserve the $5 tip. Let your sleeping car attendant know you need help with the luggage and he/she will pass the word along. There should be a Red Cap waiting for you when you get off. Don't forget to tip the Red Hat as well.
The Philly connection should be okay. I made a similar connection last month (Crescent to Three Rivers) and had 2.5 hours. You may be early into Philly since they are only dropping off passengers. The first class lounge is on the mail level so you should have time to use it. They will also make sure you get to your next train on time. However, do spend a few minutes watching the 'big board'...
Your connection in Chicago should be fine. The Three Rivers might be an hour late or so, but that still leaves 5+ hours. The Metro Lounge in Chicago tends to be warm, but the drinks are free...
You should have time to wander around the station and even outside if you want.
It sounds like you have the right attitude for the trip, relax and watch the scenery (inside and out). Have you considered buying a scanner for the trip?
Dave
Your connection window in Philadelphia is tight, but not impossible. If you do miss your connection, Amtrak will still get you to Chicago, but it could be by plane or bus.
Ask your car attendant to keep you posted after you wake up that morning. If you won't reach Philadelphia in time for the 2:25 Three Rivers, there's a possible alternative: the Chicago-bound Capitol Limited leaves Washington D.C. nearly an hour later at 3:20.
If you have a cell phone (or can borrow one from another passenger), call the Amtrak reservations people while you're still south of Washington. Ask if they can switch you to the Capitol Limited. Even if all the deluxe rooms are taken, there might be a standard room available.
There's no guarantee that Amtrak will be able to switch you (for example, the Capitol Limited's sleepers may be sold out). But it's certainly worth a try. All in all, if your train from Florida is running late, changing trains in Washington (rather than Philadelphia) gives your window of opportunity a lot more "wiggle room."
Have a fine trip and let us know how you liked it.
P.S. Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, Washington Union Station, the original 1920s waiting hall at Chicago Union Station, and Los Angeles Union Station are true "Golden Age of Railroading" survivors. If you can, spend a little time looking around.
quote:
Can I use a hair dryer in my compartment? I will also have a laptop with me, and I understand I can plug that in to recharge or whatever.
There is one outlet in your room which says it is for electric shavers only. That was written before laptops were invented. I think hair dryers draw more power than the outlet can handle but a laptop uses little power and should be OK.
quote:
What do I call the Sleeping Attendant
Lazy. When he or she is awake you can call them by name.
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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Toy:
You've got the tipping correct. The previous responses were all good. I will add....
Lazy.
Oh, my! I see the smiley, but golly, gosh, I was a sleeper attendant on several western trains this summer and hope no passenger could describe me as "lazy". Up before 5:30am so coffee was fresh and hot by 6:00, clean restrooms frequently; make up beds; provide room service from dining car; keep feebies stocked; run for more ice; stop coach pax from taking freebies and using shower; make sure pax get off at correct stop; find time to eat dinner...no time for breakfast and lunch menu, well, that leaves something to be desired; put down beds; lucky to get to sleep by midnight; up at Salt Lake; get ice for diner; clean lower level windows...I must be out of my mind, cleaning windows at 3:30am; up at 5:30, etc etc. clean restrooms; clean restrooms; clean restrooms....where did I leave that hand cream?
hehe, it can be a fun job, though.
Hope you enjoy your trip!
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V Rick Miller Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. ICQ 104290053
Linux - The Freedom to Chose
I know you guys work hard. I have nothing but admiration for all you do. I usually give larger tips than average, because I wouldn't want to work those kinds of hours.
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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy
As for the hair dryer - I did check with AmTrak and they told me that yes I could use a hair dryer. I was told that anything I can use at home I can use in my compartment.
I will keep notes and report back when I return in November.
If you haven't already done so, you might want to sign up for Amtrak's Guest Rewards program. It's the rail equivalent of the airlines' frequent flier programs.
Your trip is so extensive that it entitles you to an enormous number of points -- enough for a free one-way coach ticket anywhere in the eastern U.S. at the very least. Possibly more.
Go to www.amtrak.com and click on the frequent travelers link on the left.
P.S. If you didn't register with the program before purchasing your tickets, you might have to mail or fax them your ticket stubs, after you return home, to receive your points.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 10-08-2002).]