posted
I start my long awaited vacation on October 14th, leaving from Jacksonville in the evening - standard sleeper. I will be arriving in Philadelphia the next afternoon, connecting with the Three Rivers - deluxe sleeper to Chicago, then in Chicago connecting to the California Zephyr - deluxe sleeper to Sacramento. I’ve read all of your posts, studied the AmTrak site, read the Tips & Hints pages. I think I’m pretty well prepared for this vacation. I would like to go over a few points to make sure I’m understanding things. 1. Tips ($5 per night for reasonable service - going up or down depending on attitude and extras) Dining car - same as in a decent restaurant (15% or higher for extra good service) 2. What do I call the Sleeping Attendant (Conductor - Hey you - whatever)? 3. Will there be someone (RedCap) who can help me with my luggage, etc., when I am changing trains in Phil? I don’t imagine I will have time to visit the First Class lounge. And Chicago? 4. I arrive in Phil at 1:17 pm, depart for Chicago at 2:25 pm. That seems to be a small window of time, especially if my train is late. What happens then? 5. 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. I know not to leave them out in view when I leave my compartment. 6. I have the measurements for my luggage so I can slide it under/over the appropriate spots. I will have one suitcase, one zipper large bag (cosmetics, etc), and my “large” purse. One suitcase will be checked. My large purse will hold my book, my camera, my crochet yarn and equipment and anything else I stuff in there. I’m returning the end of October on the Coast Starlight to LA, then the Sunset Limited to Jacksonville. I’ve checked the AmTrak web site and will continue to do so for arrival times (everything seems to run late, but except for the Phil connection, I’m not worried about it. I understand that “things” happen and the trip may not be all I wish it could be. But I’m flexible and as long as I’m fed and have a book to read or something to crochet I’m ok. I like to watch people and have not problems with talking with anyone. By the way - I’m 67 years old, grey haired and have arthritis so I don’t move to fast. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Tessie
Dave Burden Member # 88
posted
Sounds like a nice trip!
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
dilly Member # 1427
posted
Sounds like you have a great trip planned -- you've definitely done your homework.
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.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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You've got the tipping correct. The previous responses were all good. I will add....
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.
------------------ 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. When he or she is awake you can call them by name.
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!
------------------ _ V Rick Miller Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. ICQ 104290053 Linux - The Freedom to Chose
royaltrain Member # 622
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Just out of curiosity, why are you taking the Three Rivers from Philadelphia? That train is basically just a freight with a sleeper at the end. It doesn't even have a dining car, just some sort of snack service. Another posting suggested that if you are late you could connect in Washington with the Capitol Limited. I would suggest that is the way to go in the first place, travelling on a real passenger train with a dining car. As for connecting in Los Angeles from the Starlight to the Sunset, I do hope you are not connecting the same day. The Starlight is so frequently late, that Amtrak busses its passengers from various points north into L.A. You surely would want to avoid the horrid bus--so spend a day in L.A. It sounds like quite an adventure, I do hope everything works out well for you.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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Rmiller, My apologies. I never meant to imply that car attendants were inherently lazy. Tessie asked what do you call a "sleeping attendant," not "sleeping CAR attendant." So I just thought I'd have a little fun with the words.
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.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
posted
I do appreciate all the responses I got. I did take your suggestion and changed my reservation to the Capital Limited in DC instead of the Three Rivers. It cost me $200 more but the peace of mind is worth it. (I think - the bills haven't come in yet).
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.
dilly Member # 1427
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Glad to hear you've sorted everything out.
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).]
posted 
When he or she is awake you can call them by name.