We flew into LAX and took a series of rail lines to Union Station and on to Pasadena. The LA system is on the honor system, which is a good thing because it is hard to buy a ticket. From the airport we took a free shuttle bus to the green line. The bus left us in the middle of nowhere, but there were two machines to sell tickets, and a direct line to get advice. I called and the lady suggested a day pass, but wasn't sure about the local bus we would be taking in Pasadena. I turned to the machines and noted one was totally inoperative, and the other kept blinking a message that it wouldn't take bills; lacking $6 in coins, my wife and I just ascended to the platform, ticketless, as did everyone else I saw. When we had to change lines, they had some machines that were working, but they would accept nothing bigger than a five dollar bill. Having only a twenty and four ones, again we entered the train without tickets, as did everyone else. The next line change told the same story. When we got to union station, they finally had machines that would take a $20, but I was a bit miffed so I just bought local tickets and a transfer. Right after we got on the gold line train, they came through checking for tickets! With luck like that, I should have bought a lottery ticket, too.

After three days of museum visiting in Pasadena, it was time to take Amtrak for the first time to San Diego (actually SOL, which was more convenient for our son to pick us up). We took the gold line directly to Union Station, and since I didn't manage to get lost, we were there early enough to have taken an earlier train, but we decided to snack and see the station, since our son would be planning to meet the later train. We really enjoyed sitting around the courtyard at Union Station; they don't build impressive buildings like that anymore, but I knew that already as they converted our home station in Cleveland to a shopping complex quite a few years ago, and Amtrak in Cleveland is really bare bones now.

When they called the train, we set out armed with our tickets and photo ids (a habit from flying too much) No one would look at our photo ids, but they did direct us to the first class coach (I had splurged), which was virtually empty; we picked upstairs seats with a clear window view. During our two-hour voyage, there were never more than five people in the whole car, exclusive of the crew. When the conductor came by to check our tickets, I still had our passports out, so he checked our pictures and I felt safe.

The ride was great; we got to see huge industrial areas of LA, and then came out right by the coast and enjoyed that view. The ride was a little bouncier than I had anticipated (we were in the upper level), and I could never get my tray table to stay level, so my class of wine kept marching toward me and I had to drink it quickly to avoid a spill. The car was clean, but a bit worn. I walked into coach to see what we were missing, and it looked good to me, so I'll try coach next time. We arrived in SOL just about on time.

We took Amtrak because my favored airline (Continental) proposed to route us through Seattle to get from LAX to SAN. I looked at other airlines and found one that had a direct flight taking an hour, but when I added in the time getting to LAX, getting through Security, getting baggage at SAN, and getting from SAN to my son's house, the two hour Amtrak trip was quicker, and far more comfortable and scenic.

As you discovered, there's very little difference, comfort-wise, between business class and regular coach. I suppose having an attendant provide paltry perks (such as bringing a newspaper or a drink to your seat) inflates some passengers' delusions of grandeur. But I've never understood why some people consider it the only way to go.

As for the "honor system" on the Metro Rail lines. . .

Glad you're going to be able to make the trip. As I remember, you'll be making the transfer to the bus here in SBA.

In Business Class before noon there will be juice, coffee, tea and muffins available in the service centers on both levels of the car. In the afternoon there should be snack packs (chips, dip, cookies, etc.) and small bottles of wine will be offered. There is also coffee, tea, etc. If the attendant is not available you will be able to get the above by showing your Business Class stub in the Cafe Car.

Drinking your own alcohol is only allowed in sleeping car accomodations. If you are looking for something beyond wine or would like a Bloody Mary in the AM you can purchase that in the Cafe Car.

Have a great trip! If you have time in SBA between the bus and the train check out the station (1905 and restored about five years ago) and the Moreton Bay fig tree just to the west of the station. It is reputed to be one of the largest specimens in the world. It was started from a seedling brought here by a seaman.