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Wife & I are going to just outside New Orleans from Tucson end of Nov - return Dec 5. Funny thing = the trip down has plenty of roomettes available. But the return trip has none - even looking forward 2 weeks and back a week. Maybe everyone's waiting still to get out of NO
Any advice on getting an upgrade from coach to roomette on the return ? I will call Amtrak occasionally to see if anyone has canceled. Thanks, steve in so az
NativeSon5859 Member # 2993
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I assume you're taking the Sunset. If so, be aware that the train looks like it will only have a Transition Sleeper to/from NOL once service resumes there. I'm booked from NOL to LAX on 11/4 and all they offered were roomettes. The chances of getting upgraded may be slim do to the lack of available rooms for sale.
steve in so az Member # 3394
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What is a transitional sleeper ? Steve
George Harris Member # 2077
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Maybe you will have to suffer through most of the first night back in coach, then see if you can pick up space in the sleeper off the Texas Eagle.
NativeSon5859 Member # 2993
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The transitional sleeper is the crew car. Amtrak sells some of the standard rooms (roomette's) in the car to passengers on selected routes. I haven't been in one yet but I hear it's just about the same as a regular Superliner sleeper. The room layout is the same in any case.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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Let me add... The Transition Sleeper (not transitional) is commonly referred to as the crew dorm, but they were designed to provide both passenger and crew space. However, it is only recently, under David Gunn, that they have actually been used for revenue space. I've never been in one myself.
The "transition" in the name refers to the fact that these are bi-level cars designed to connect to a single level car at one end (with a low door), and a bi-level car at the other (with a high door). In common use, they connect a bi-level Superliner train with a traditional baggage car.
sojourner Member # 3134
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I think I was in a transition sleeper on one of the legs of my western trip; can't remember which one, but the sleeper I was in was labeled No Passengers Past This Point or something like that, has a crew lounge instead of more sleepers on the lower level, and had the baggage car as the next car further down. Other than the crew car in the lower level, I noticed no real difference (but I didn't look too carefully).
mikesmith Member # 447
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Sojourner, yes that was a transition sleeper. I would not recommend using the shower in the transition car. It is a combo shower/bathroom. You step out of the shower into the front area of the toilet. Not very pleasant. Shoes are a must-have.
steve in so az Member # 3394
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Thanks for the answer on transition. Dont think it would be worth it to get a sleeper in SA. We arrive in the middle of the night and will be home next eve. For an additional 320 bux I will sleep the remainder of the one night. This should be a one time inconvenience - hopefully. Steve
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