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I'm trying to put together a trip for a group of teenagers for spring break. I put in a request to the Amtrak website but haven't heard from them. There will be 20+ kids and a 2-3 adults. We will be traveling from Little Rock, AR to Flagstaff, AZ. Does anyone have any experience with group travel with Amtrak.
Eric Member # 674
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I believe that Amtrak offers group discounts, but you may have to check their site for that, too. I've never traveled with a group before, but sometimes when I make the trip between Flagstaff and Albuquerque, NM, there is a Boy Scout Troop aboard. They usually seem to behave themselves, and spend most of their time in the Sightseer Lounge Car (kind of like the center of the train's 'city'). Amtrak seems to do pretty well with groups, and usually assigns them a section in one of the coaches (or sleepers) where everyone in the group can be with each other (you won't (or shouldn't be) scattered around the train)). Besides that, I think that you would just be regular passengers! Eric
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 01-08-2003).]
Kairho Member # 1567
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As one involved in the travel industry I would recommend you skip the contact through the Web site and call them at 1-800-USA-RAIL. Speak with a real person and get the information you need faster and surer.
tubaallen Member # 2057
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I am not too sure about most of it, but what I do know is that you should definitely let them know when you make the reservations that you are a group and would like to be seated together. As long as you know that, most train attendants will make a serious effort to put you all together.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Joe - I assume you know there is no direct train between Little Rock and Flagstaff? You will have to change trains in either Chicago or in Los Angeles -- connecting through Chicago would be a MUCH shorter trip. Are you also aware that the schedule for the Texas Eagle through Little Rock is not exactly "convenient?" (1:25 AM northbound; 4:50 AM southbound) You could also route your group from Little Rock to St. Louis, St. Louis to Kansas City (on Ann Rutledge), then pick up the Southwest Chief at KC.
Have a good trip!!
joefamily Member # 892
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Thanks for the replies. I called the amtrak group reservations and was a little amazed at the lack of knowledge of train schedules by the agent. After researching the timetables myself I found the best route would be as Rich suggested would be LRK-STL-KCY-FLG. The agent had us going to LRK to Springfield, Il taking the bus to Galesburg, Il to pick up the Southwest Chief. For some reason their reservations program does not give the STL-KCY portion as an option. I'm thinking it should be the first option especially considering the timing of the schedules.
dilly Member # 1427
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Regarding the earlier comment about Boy Scouts. . . .
The Southwest Chief is usually filled with them during the hotter months, on their way to and from camp.
When I took the train last summer, there were several thefts in the coach cars (money, someone's CD player, etc.). Such small-time thievery, extremely rare on the rest of the Amtrak system, is evidently a bit more common on the Chief.
A conductor told me the crews occasionally catch people in the act. And the culprits are often. . . Boy Scouts! It's just another sign that the entire planet is going down the drain.
But seriously, teenagers tend to leave expensive electronic equipment lying all over the place on trains. Advise your group not to be sloppy with their belongings. Whenever you leave your seat, it's a good idea to take important items with you or put them away. The same goes for late at night when everyone is asleep. Have a great time.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 01-09-2003).]
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