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Around the 1st week in August I plan to travel to DC, one way, and an option is to take the SWC from Flagstaff or Winslow to Chicago and then the Capitol Ltd. Flying may be an option. How full is the SWC during this time, usually? Is there a possibility of securing a roomette or a bedroom after boarding? The current price on the SWC is way too much to consider. The Capitol seems more reasonable and I may buy sleeper space from CHI to DC in advance, but it looks like I may take my chances on sleeper space being available after boarding the SWC. Any thoughts, experiences or advice appreciated
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Thoughts and advice, Mr. China---
At our age, "the best surprise is no surprise'...book your Roomettes for all segments, "pay the piper', and consider the additional cost over a possible on-board upgrade as the price of predictability.
With an on-board upgrade, first there must be space available, then you are at the mercy of the Conductor/ix. Some simply do not wish to be bothered with on-board sales. It's not like willfully failing to collect a cash fare from an unticketed passenger; some simply fear that "it's their hind quarters' should there be a double sell. On board, the train is the Conductor/ix's "ship", they are Captain, and "the Captain's word is Law".
Lastly, as of a few moments ago, Roomettes were available on all days FLG-CHI during your noted "travel window" (but surprisingly Coach is sold on one such day - Be Prepared), however owing to Amtrak's demand pricing, the rates for such vary significantly. Best advice, be flexible with travel dates, get the plastic out, and book!
Kiernan Member # 3828
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I'd be astonished if you could get a room after boarding the Chief in Flag or Winslow. And I think that the train is usually packed with Boy Scouts after Raton.
Maybe other people have more info.
City of Miami Member # 2922
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I don't think the Scouts take rooms. I've seen them filling up the coaches though.
train lady Member # 3920
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Every time we took the Chief there was one coach set aside for the scouts.
MDRR Member # 2992
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Based on what Mr. Norman indicated, regarding space still available in sleepers, If you end up booking coach due to cost issues, I would start rechecking sleeper fares about 7-10 days before departure. Last year, I traveled on the CZ back from California and booked sleeper at premium price. Just happened to recheck availability 3-4 days before departure and found prices on remaining rooms had dropped approx. 60% thus rebooked my ticket and saved $$$. Either way, enjoy your trip.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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As has been mentioned, the sleepers sell out quickly in the summer months. If for some reason the sleepers still have ample availablity a few days before your trip (and you are booked in coach), Amtrak will call you to offer a sleeper upgrade at a drastically reduced price. But it's probably not a good idea to bet on this happening, since there probably will not be any available. Best bet---book and confirm your sleeper NOW if you really want one. If it doesn't really matter, then just wing it and see what happens. Personally, I haven't ridden coach (overnight) on Amtrak since I was a kid. Coach often has a different type of clientele than those in sleepers. Not always, but very often this is the case. It's so much nicer to be able to close your door and lay down, as opposed to sitting upright with 50 other people around you snooring, smelling bad, talking on the cell phone, playing video games, or drinking booze and being chatty. I guess it depends on what floats your boat, but in my opinion an overnight in coach is no fun.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Mr. RRChina - ditto what Smitty and GBN said!!!!!!
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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I sometimes think of coach like the lower class level in the movie 'Titanic'. Yes, there can occasionally be some unsavory characters in coach, but there are also some fun friendly people and you get to meet more of them. One thing about a train is you can always roam from your coach seat.
A helpful hint: Though your chances of upgrading on board are slim, keep in mind that conductors change at ABQ and La Junta. So don't try and pin them down near the end of their shift.
You can also try to upgrade last minute through the station agent at Flag or en route at ABQ, in case another room becomes available. I did it once at ABQ. It was not cheaper than advance booking. The station agent at ABQ sold me a room that had also just been booked by someone on board. Fortunately there was another room available and we both got one.
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