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I have a conference in Alb., NM to attend next fall. I am thinking of flying from Vegas (sorry I know wrong forum for that) and rail from LAX to Albq. It is only an overnight trip---per the scheduled leave 630 pmish arrive 1230 pmish. Can anyone tell me if they serve dinner leaving LAX?
Southwest Chief Member # 1227
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As far as I know they still serve dinner leaving Los Angeles. Things could have changed though, as I have not taken the Chief eastbound since 2005.
The schedule used to say (might still be on the current schedule) that out of Los Angeles is a limited menu, but I never saw this in practice. The diner crew would typically serve the normal menu.
Quick question. You mention you would fly from Las Vegas to LAX. I'm assuming this is Las Vegas Nevada. Why not fly from Vegas to ABQ? Quicker, and although you can't incorporate a train, it makes more sense.
ScottC4746 Member # 3323
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I have conferences every fall all over the country. This way I can incorporate them with my rail travel at the same time. A little bit of both. I get free air travel on American so I would have to connect to Dallas to backtrack.
PaulB Member # 4258
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They serve the normal menu, but the time is shortened. Last call is at Fullerton.
Also, for the first dinner leaving LA, it is first come first served. The second night it is by reservation.
rY. Member # 3528
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They still serve dinner upon leaving Los Angeles. I happened to be down there last Saturday night and stopped by platform 11/12 to see the train off. They may be in the throughs of 'Simplified Dining Service', but the smells coming out of the diner made me want to ride to Fullerton and back just for dinner (I didn't, though).
ScottC4746 Member # 3323
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I just don't know which would be better...leaving from Chicago to LA or leaving LA to Chicago. I am thinking since I am getting a sleeper...at least Chicago has a departure lounge where as LA does not. On the other hand...scheduled from LA I arrive Albq. at 12:22 pm vs 405 pm from Chicago. Meals---D, B. L from Chi or D, B, and maybe a early lunch from LA.
PaulB Member # 4258
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With #3 you can see Raton Pass in better light, and if you are late you can also see Cajon Pass.
However, on #3, you have to get up early. If you're not a morning person this can be a damper. I like to sleep in, then shower, then go to breakfast. With the Chief's early arrival into LA or Fullerton I find myself getting up at 5:30 to make sure all my morning duties are done. Getting up at 5:30 is no fun for me.
dizney1990 Member # 4334
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They actually take reservations for dinner at LAX prior to departure of the train. Be sure to get your reservations made.
Room Service Member # 2405
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I prefer LA to Chicago. Here's why.
The meals come faster and you get more of them.
Just the opposite, of course, from Chicago to LA.
The meals come slower and you get one less.
LA to Chicago 6 meals.
Chicago to LA 5 meals.
ScottC4746 Member # 3323
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I just wonder as a first class passanger with a compartment if we get to board prior to everyone else and enjoy being on the train and sit in station. Also how is the conset set up. Which directions places the sleepers closer to the engines...love to hear that train whistle.
quote:Originally posted by Room Service: I prefer LA to Chicago. Here's why.
The meals come faster and you get more of them.
Just the opposite, of course, from Chicago to LA.
The meals come slower and you get one less.
LA to Chicago 6 meals.
Chicago to LA 5 meals.
CoastStarlight99 Member # 2734
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quote:Originally posted by dizney1990: They actually take reservations for dinner at LAX prior to departure of the train. Be sure to get your reservations made.
I remember reading that in Chris Guenzler's trip report. Do they take your reservation at the ticket window or at the "line"?
dizney1990 Member # 4334
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It wasn't at the ticket window. When you come in the station, walk all the way through the station. Just before you turn right to go to the ticket windows, there a desk where they were taking reservations for meals. I don't remember what it was called -- it might have been the information desk.
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