RAILforum: Upgrading Possibilites?

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Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :

Hello,

I am going to Oregon (Chemult) over Spring Break (April 6th) and I was wondering what kind of chances I had of upgrading to a sleeper from coach on board the Coast Starlight and how much it would be. (By away Train 14 from Los Angeles not 11 from Seattle.) Also, do I still get the meal vouchers with the room? And when is the best time to ask the conductor?

ADDITIONAL QUESTION:
The Superliners do not allow bikes but the Surfliner does, I want to bring my bike to Oregon and would Amtrak allow me to put my bike in a big suitcase style but bigger case I have from a bike store? I wouldn’t be able to check it in though because Chemult, OR does not have checked baggage . Can I just leave it in the baggage compartment and get in when I detrain. Are there fees for over-sized luggage?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

------------------
--Anton
pillsbury09@excite.com
AIM: pillsburyMN

Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :

This doesn't look good.....
http://www.narprail.org/bikes.htm

Posted by CHATTER (Member # 1185) on :

I would not hold my breath. The chances of upgrading during Spring break/the week before Easter & Passover are slim indeed, I am sorry to say.

Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :

If the Starlight has three sleepers then there ight be a slight chance, if there is only two I would say no way/ Good luck.

http://www.trainweb.org/chris

Chris

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

That's odd about the bicycles. I thought Superliners had bike storage racks near the ends of the cars, accessible from the outside. I distinctly remember our sleeping car attendant removing a bike from one at Glenwood Springs for a passenger who got off there.

So you finally decided on Chemult? Interesting choice. I look forward to hearing about your trip.

------------------
Sing to the tune of Humoresque:
Passengers will please refrain,
From flushing toilets while the train,
Is standing in the station,
I love you.

The Del Monte Club Car

[This message has been edited by Mr. Toy (edited 03-19-2004).]

Posted by Sheriff (Member # 2521) on :

Right again, Mr. Toy,
The Superliners do have an outside compartment door which is the entrance to the air cond. unit. We do use it from time to time for excess luggage, snow ski's, and bicycles going to unmaned stations.

CS 99, you will have to clear it with the Conductor and the car attendent first to make sure they all know about it and that you will need to get it out when you get there. They shouldn't have a problem with it.
Happy rails, and have a great trip.

[This message has been edited by Sheriff (edited 03-19-2004).]

Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :

OK, The Amtrak agent at USA-RAIL, said that I would have to pack it up as a carry-on, with one of those cases that make you 97 seems like something to see! seperate the bicycle. SO are you sure its ok if the station is unmanned?

I take your word, but the internet and agents say different. I hope your right!

MR TOY--Yes Chemult seems very nice! A bike would be nice to have even though the town is small and I would NOT be going to La pine, Sunriver, or Bend. BUT HIGHWAY
I also realy think we would enjoy the Dawson House Lodge.. www.dawsonhouse.net

Any pros-cons about Chemult, OR?

Thanks for you guys' help!

------------------
--Anton
pillsbury09@excite.com
AIM: pillsburyMN

[This message has been edited by CoastStarlight99 (edited 03-20-2004).]

Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :

I just returned yesterday from the Southwest Chief to ABQ and back from Ft. Madison Iowa. We were unable to upgrade on board in either direction (rail sale tickets). I even asked the 2 attendants of the sleepers and they said they were filled all the way. When I have upgraded on board in the past, meals were always included. A cancellation is probably your only (slim) hope.

We did carry skis as carry-on baggage (Ft. Madison has no checked baggage). They just barely fit on a lower level baggage shelf of the smoking coach. A boxed bike could possibly also fit.

I also met someone on the CZ once who carried her unchecked bike from CHI to California in the outside accessible compartment on the Superliner coach, as Sheriff says.

You could try what I did to insure we could take our skis. I wrote an e-mail inquiry to Amtrak ("Contact Us" on the home page) asking them if we could take skis as carry-ons where no checked baggage was available. I received a reply within a couple of days telling me I could, as long as it did not interfere with other passengers, and that the skis would not count as one of my 2 allowed carry-ons. I printed this reply and carried it with me to wave in the face of anyone who told me I couldn't take them along.

Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :

One more option I thought of: check the web for bike rentals in Chemult and just bring your gear. I have tried this in Whitefish and Colorado and been very happy with the bike I got (and I am picky). It was about $15 a day and included water bottle and helmet, even though I brought my own. They also rent most add-ons you might want. Pick a reputable bike shop. They can also give you advice on where to ride locally.

Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :

Thanks for the advice TwinStar!
Great idea about bringing the email to show the conductor!

-Anton