posted
Greetings, My wife and I will be traveling coach from Albuquerque to Seattle, via Los Angeles next week. This is our first long distance train trip. When we made our reservations a couple of months ago, we chose not to go with a Roomette or Bedroom, which are now sold out between LAX & SEA both ways. We leave ABQ on the Southwest Chief @ 4:45pm and arrive LAX @ 8:15am. Then get on the #3 Coast Starlight for an overnight trip to SEA.
We do have a couple of questions that perhaps more experienced Amtrak riders can provide us guidance on.
1. We did not have an option when making our reservations as to ensuring that our reserved seats would be next to each other. Is it possible that Amtrak will separate us on the train? In fact, the Amtrak ticket agent told us that we would not know where our seats would be until we actually board the train!
2. Also, there appears to be "upper" and "lower" reserved coach seating. Does that mean that one level may be better than another? Again, we have not been given the option to request either, but we note that Amtrak reports the "lower" level seats as being sold out on the trains we are taking. How can that be? Did we miss something in setting up our reservations?
3. Coming back from SEA, we have to make two different transfers to Thruway buses and trains to get to LAX. Will Amtrak handle the transfer of our checked baggage all the way through to LAX?
4. If anyone has any last minute suggestions that we may want to consider or look into, please feel free to pass them on to us. Thanks.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Storm, first a technical point; the NB Coast Starlight is Train #14 vice #3. #3 is however the Southwest Chief on which you will travel Albuquerque to LA.
Secondly, unless cost is the prohibiting factor, "keep trying' (use the phone if not comfortable doing so on line) to see if any Sleeper space becomes available; even a double occupancy Roomette (that is really a single adult accommodation that happens to have two beds) is better than Coach.
Now it is true, I know folk who can readilly afford Sleeper yet choose to travel Coach - and we have members here, young fellows be assured, who have stated they actually PREFER Coach. But at my age of 67, the thought of overnight Coach is unthinkable, and I simply would choose other transport or stay at home.
I am all too concerned that absent Sleeper accommodations, this first trip could well be your last.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
posted
As a fellow 67-year-old, I agree with Mr. Norman's statements about Staying Up All Night in Coach. The aging human body simply is not designed for that kind of abuse.
However, the coach seats are more comfortable for me than those in the sleepers. By day I actually prefer coach.
Judy McFarland Member # 4435
posted
If you made your reservations online, you could have chosen to check accommodations. Then you would have been offered a chance to choose a lower level seat, if available. There are not very many seats on the lower level & they are popular with people who have problems with stairs. Out of LAX you will almost certainly be seated together, as that is where the Starlight originates. In ABQ they will make an effort to seat you together. If not right there, then as soon as seats become available. I'm one of those who agrees with Mr Norman about sleeper travel, but a roomette is tolerable for 2 if a bedroom is out of the question. Try checking to see if sleeper space is available north of EMY. Many passengers ride in sleepers LAX to EMY even though it is not overnight. You may be able to move into a room at that point. You can check availability online. I hope you enjoy your trip & the coach experience doesn't sour you on trains. When checking the cost of sleepers in the future, remember that your meals are included, which helps put the cost in perspective.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Mr. Storm -- from your post, I assume you are returning from Seattle on the Coast Starlight to Sacramento, then catching a Thruway bus to Stockton, taking a San Joaquin train to Bakersfield, then catching the Thruway bus to L.A. If that is so, my first question is why? Perhaps the Starlight was sold out for your return? Or are you hesitant about the connection from #14 to #4 in LAX -- if that is the case, you are probably smart to take the "inland route," since the southbound Starlight could very well be so late you would miss the connection to the Chief in L.A. -- that is, unless you choose to stay in L.A. overnight, and then catch the Chief the next day.
Nevertheless, the connection to the San Joaquin will give you different scenery, as you will be traveling south through the Central Valley of California. Concerning your luggage, if that is indeed the route you are taking, both busses are AMTRAK "Thruway busses" and I believe AMTRAK WILL check your baggage all the way for you.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Rich, there is no same day connection from the Starlight to the Chief at LA. The San Joaquin is the only option when traveling Southward.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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If cost was a factor in determining whether you went coach or sleeper, then I understand that. But if it wasn't too much of a factor, then it's too bad you didn't check on this forum (or another passenger train forum) sooner, because as much as I hate to say it, GBNorman is probably correct in stating that your first Amtrak trip may very well be your last. Since you might be stuck in coach for such a long journey, here are some tips:
-Bring earplugs!!!! Even for the daytime, you will find that most people are completely unable (and unwilling) to take their cell phone away from their ear. Yack, yack, yack. All conversations will start out with, "Guess where I am? On a train!", and then they continue talking for the next several hours. Earplugs are a MUST.
-Bring something to do, and if you have a refurbished Sightseer Lounge Car (those have tables on the upper level, the non-refurbished cars do not), then pick a table and sit down and play a game or read, or even better yet, enjoy the sights out the windows. Personally, I find the scenery on train #3 boring but maybe that's because I've taken it a lot. The best scenery by far is on the Coast Starlight. You will see what I mean.
-Check with the conductor when you are on-board the train to see if an on-board upgrade to a sleeping car is available. If you can afford it, DO IT! You will find train travel much more enjoyable on a long-distance train in a sleeper. Also, as part of the cost of your sleeping car ticket, all meals are included in the dining car. And also in a sleeping car, you only pay ONE "accommodation charge" even though it would be two people. In other words, Amtrak breaks it down into two parts--the rail fare (which you have already paid for both people), and then ONE accommodation charge regardless of whether it's one or two people---the charge is the same. When you try to purchase an on-board upgrade to a sleeping car, make sure you are talking to your CONDUCTOR!!!! Don't even attempt it with the coach attendant. They are completely useless and will tell you, "I'll let him know" as they sit down and start reading a book. Not all of them are like this, but many of them are. So go directly to the source. When you see the Conductor walking through the train (you can usually hear him coming because of the keys on his belt), stop him and ask if there is space to upgrade. My guess is that on the Coast Starlight, there will not be any space as it is a very popular train.
-As far as upgrading, as already noted, many people book a sleeping car accommodation for day travel on the Coast Starlight. Say from Los Angeles to Oakland or Emeryville, or even Sacramento. So here is your best bet: Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL. Tell the agent that you would like to purchase a sleeping car space anywhere along the line. When you check for availability online, it may very well tell you that it is sold out between Los Angeles and Seattle. But what it does NOT tell you is that it could be available between Emeryville and Seattle, because someone traveling from Los Angeles is getting off the train in Emeryville, and now their room is open! The computer will tell you nothing is available, even though something is open further down the line when someone gets off the train. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this clearly---just ask if you don't understand and I'll give it another shot. But the bottom line is that you can call Amtrak and check and see where space opens up. My guess would be that space will open up for the sleeping car at either Oakland, Emeryville, or Sacramento.
As far as lower level coach, yes, you missed it when booking your trip online. When it gave you the coach fare, there was a box on the right side of the column that gave you "upgrade" options. If you would have clicked that, not only would you have seen sleeper availability, but it also would have shown lower level coach seats available for reservation. They do not charge more for lower level seats even though it's in the "upgrade" location. For people who are not familiar with Amtrak and how things work, I agree, it's stupid to put it in a hidden place like that because I never would know to look there if it weren't for my years of AmTravel.
-And finally, even if you are stuck in coach, try to make the best of it and look at it as a new experience and an adventure. Enjoy the scenery, have some snacks, read a book, listen to you iPod, take pictures, and enjoy. Also, you might want to bring your own food on-board. The snack bar (located on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge) has a really good variety of items at very reasonable prices. But the dining car has VERY expensive menu items and just so-so food. You can look at the sample menus and prices online at Amtrak's web site here:
Any question about anything, just ask. There is a lot of knowledge and Amtrak travel experience here.
(As a last-minute thought....I'm actually not positive about my statement of bringing your own food on-board. It's been so many years since I traveled in coach---1984 actually---that I don't know what Amtrak's policy is on that. I know you can bring your own food into your sleepers, but about coach, I'm not sure. Maybe someone else can give you the correct answer on that one.)
StormTight Member # 8264
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Great comments/suggestions! Thanks to all.
We just called Amtrak, and they have a Roomette available on the ABQ to LAX segment, as well as the SEA to SAC segment. We grabbed those based on your comments here. Thanks again!
Can you lock your Roomette when you leave to, say go to the dining car?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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A smart move, Mr. Storm; keep trying for the the LAX-SEA segment of your journey. Be mindful it is @ 3AM ET (last time I had occasion to know) that they clear their system of expired reservations.
No you cannot lock your Roomette, but the Sleepers are in the consist ahead of the Diner; the Coaches are to the rear of the Lounge which is behind the Diner. Since the average $25 per head tab for "Dinner the Diner" is enough to keep 80% of the Coach passengers away, few have reason to venture beyond the Lounge. Crews both in the Diner and the Sleeper Attendants seem to have a "sixth sense' regarding "who belongs" and who does not.
Just use common sense; if you have any electronic gear with you, cover it up.
A final "plus" for Sleeper, you are allowed to bring your "private stock' - and they have ice available.
Let me close with my current guidelines for tipping. While "accepted but not expected', I'm at $10 per day to the Sleeper Attendant, $5 for two to Server at Dinner plus 20% of the Beverage tab, $3 at other meals.
cubzo Member # 4700
posted
If I may add something to the discussion about the safety and security your roomette. Just a list of items I have left in my unlocked roomette or bedroom. Laptop, ipods, camera and lenses and a very nice single malt scotch. But as Mr Norman said, out of sight out of mind.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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And my two cents on leaving things in your roomette.....I've travelled all over the USA on Amtrak trains in the sleepers, and I have never had anything stolen. I've never heard of anything getting stolen in a sleeper either (although it must happen once in a blue moon).
Coach, on the other hand.....yes, theft occurs there all the time. I've lost count of how many times someone has either been kicked off the train or law enforcement has been called due to a theft. DO NOT leave anything sitting on your chair/table in the dining car of the Sightseer Lounge car!!!
tommers207 Member # 3930
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You can bring your own food in coach. You are not allowed to bring your own alcohol though. That right is only reserved for Sleeping car passengers. As far as food goes I always try not to go overboard as I don't want to upset any of my fellow coach passengers. If leaving from Fullerton I might take a sandwich from Knowlwoods, from LA a french dip from Philipe's, and from ABQ an ice cream from Coldstone. The cafe in the lounge car is usually stocked pretty well too and I've met some of the funniest Amtrak employees there. Must come with the job!
smitty195 Member # 5102
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A couple of other things I should have included in my post above:
-When you are on train #3, keep in mind that this train usually arrives early (as mush as 60 to 90 minutes early) into Los Angeles. So be sure to grab your free breakfast (since you will be a sleeper passenger now) in the dining car. They serve an "abbreviated" breakfast on train #3, and the hours are very limited. Ask your waiter on the evening before your arrival, and they will confirm the breakfast hours, but I think it is only from 5AM to 6AM. After that, they shut down and clean up as the train will be at the end of it's route shortly after that.
-You can lock the door on your roomette from the inside when you are in the room
-In the very unlikely event that your train #3 is very late-----so late that it misses the connection in Los Angeles for the Coast Starlight, here is how it is handled:
1) If your train #3 is late, but will arrive within 30 minutes (or so) of train #14's departure time of 10:15AM, then they will hold train #14 until 10:45AM so that transferring passengers can make the train. It is a cross-platform transfer---about 5 steps from door to door.
2) If your train #3 is late enough that they can not hold train #14, then they will put you on a bus where you will "catch up" with your train #14 at Santa Barbara.
3) If your train #3 is so incredibly late that options 1 and 2 are not possible, then they will put you on a bus to Bakersfield (about 2 hours and 20 minutes driving time), where you will get on a San Joaquin train to Sacramento, catching up with #14 around midnight.
But again, the Southwest Chief has a fantastic on-time record and you will probably arrive into Los Angeles an hour early. But just in case, I wanted to let you know how things are handled if you are very late.
I'm glad you were able to get a roomette! You will NOT be sorry that you did this. When the train stops for "fresh air stops" (smoke breaks), take a look at the crowd around the coach cars as they stand out on the platform. Now look at the crowd standing on the platform around the sleepers. Which crowd would you rather be in a car with? I'm not trying to offend anyone, but this has been my experience time after time, year after year, without question.
What are your room numbers that you were booked in? If it's of any interest to you, room numbers 2 through 10 are on the upper level, and rooms 11 through 14 are on the lower level. Rooms 9 and 10 are at the end of the hall over the wheels, with the lower room numbers moving away from the end and towards the middle (Room #1 is the sleeper attendant's room). The coffee pot and ice are located on the other side of the wall from Room #2. The restroom is located on the other side of the wall from Room #1 (attendant's room). There are more restrooms downstairs, as well as a shower.
notelvis Member # 3071
posted
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: As a fellow 67-year-old, I agree with Mr. Norman's statements about Staying Up All Night in Coach. The aging human body simply is not designed for that kind of abuse.
However, the coach seats are more comfortable for me than those in the sleepers. By day I actually prefer coach.
Henry,
I find it hard to believe that the trips which became your book about the California Zephyr took place, what?.....nearly 20 years ago now.
Where does the time go?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Again, Mr. Storm, I can only reiterate "keep trying" with regards to Sleeper`LA to Seattle.
I'm fearful that your reason for declining Sleeper when you first booked the trip was not $$$, but rather "someone" (could well have been an Amtrak reservationist) satisfied you "Sleeper or Coach, it's all the same" and you concluded why spend the hefty premium to ride Sleeper.
But I hope, owing to your participation here, you realize that most who, save one and who may possibly step forward and identify himself, regularly travel and post here simply will not consider overnight Coach travel.
I would even consider if Sleeper space does not develop for the Oakland to Seattle segment of your Starlight journey "bailing out" at Oakland and either flying or renting an auto for that segment. After all, you'll see it on the return.
StormTight Member # 8264
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Thanks again for the suggestions to Mr. Norman, nptelvis, and all others. They are truly appreciated.
Responding to questions of "why didn't we select a roomette/bedroom to begin with ... it comes down to the issue of getting by "cheap" and forgoing convenience/luxury. This forum changed our perspective in realizing that [the true intent/enjoyment of] a vacation cannot be measured $$$$. When we were first married and struggling on an enlisted-man's military salary, I can still recall a furniture salesman telling us newlyweds (40 years ago!), as we were looking for our first bedroom furniture, that "our well-being could not be measured in monetary value". Guess that can also be applicable to subsequent events thereafter [without the subtle sales technique]!!!!
In response to Smitty195's question, our room numbers are 12 & 14, which appear to be lower level roomettes according to a train layout we were provided by another helpful traveler. Also, your comments were quite informative.
So, are you saying that our segment from ABQ to LAX could be early, and therefore, we may not be able to benefit from a full breakfast, as opposed to a "continental" breakfast?
Additionally, just what is included in any of the dining options for sleeping compartment passengers. We have viewed the Amtrak menu of appetizers, meals, deserts, drinks, etc. But we have not yet seen just what we will be able to order under our "roomette" reservation. Certainly, Amtrak is not going to let us order "one of everything"??? Thanks again, to all.
Thank you from both of us.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Dinner in the Diner allows Sleeper passengers to order a Salad, Entre (Beef, fish, chicken, vegan) , Dessert and non-alcoholic Beverage. The food is "adequate" in quality; hardly Santa Fe/ Fred Harvey from days of yore, or even when "I was out riding".
The Appetizers are a new "profit center' and are charged separately, as are alcoholic beverages. I noted my tipping guidelines earlier.
Most anyone will walk away comfortably fed; not like some airline meals I recall (back when they served them) which were of the "you teased me, now feed me' variety (I'm 5'9" 170 BTW)
smitty195 Member # 5102
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quote:Originally posted by StormTight: So, are you saying that our segment from ABQ to LAX could be early, and therefore, we may not be able to benefit from a full breakfast, as opposed to a "continental" breakfast?
Nope. It doesn't matter if you are early or on-time upon arrival into Los Angeles on train #3, as the breakfast option will not change. They serve an "abbreviated" breakfast on the last morning, since there isn't too much time to do it. Different crews do it different ways, but it will definitely be more than just a continental breakfast. They usually offer at least two entrees (for example, you will be told that you can choose from the railroad french toast or the omelette) as well as the continental. Early, on-time, or late, your dining car will offer breakfast to you. But just be sure to check the night before as to what time the diner will be open in the morning. Passengers who are not familiar with Amtrak are sometimes under the assumption that the dining car will be open until you arrive, and this is not the case. I think the hours will be 5AM to 6AM (or something very close to that).
train lady Member # 3920
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re locking up....I just put "valuables" in my carry on , lock it and shove it under the seat. Also when you leave your room leave the lights on, close the curtain and the door. that way no one can tell wwether or not you are there. You might want to take some duck tape along incase the door curtain doesn't stay closed. I always take some very large safety pins in case the window curtains don't quite close or reach.
amtraxmaniac Member # 2251
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For someone who grew up riding the Hound, I for one have no issues riding with the 'coach riff-raff'. To imply that coach class attracts the criminal elements is unfair and biggoted.
However, Mr Norman, to each their own. Again, you lay they bait...and I've taken it.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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In addition to Mr. Maniac, we also have another "economical gentleman" here who, as he describes at another topic, will be riding the transcontinental train up in Canada - three straight nights in Coach!
More power to both these fellows; but I know if such were my only alternatives for discressionary travel, I'd just be staying at home. In view of that all of my immediate family resides in New York, a response to a family emergency, in which the respondent is expected to "look good", would of course be by air.
But with 28 nights away from home during '07, and with 11 completed or committed YTD '08, it should be apparent that travel is "not that high' on my retirement "to do" list.
notelvis Member # 3071
posted
The last time I rode #3 I had flown from Charlotte, NC to ABQ and caught the train that same afternoon.
Breakfast the following morning was nooooooo problem as I was still on 'eastern time' and wide awake at 4:00am 'pacific'. I had time to watch as we rolled past the summit of Cajon Pass, shower, dress, and still made it to the diner just past 5:00am.
Our LAX arrival was about 30 minutes early.
StormTight Member # 8264
posted
Thanks again to all that have posted comments. They have all been helpful, and certainly appreciated.
We just received confirmation that we also have roomette on the LAX to SEA segment.
All of our roomettes are on the lower level, which, according to the Superliner layouts, would appear to offer more privacy than the upper level that could have "through" traffic. The shower and "multi" bathrooms are more convenient.
Thanks again to all. Truly appreciate it from Al & Joan.
PS. Perhaps Vicki will share her Alaska cruise comments/suggestions with Joan & me (Big Al), as we will be taking the Princess Golden cruise from Seattle next week!?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
My preferred Roomettes are on the Lower Level as well; all of the "facilities" (shower and washrooms) have "occupied" lights that are visible from Roomettes 11-14 simply by putting one's head out in the hall and taking note.
Also, the ride is smoother "down below'.
The only negative compared with "topside' is viewing, but I confess, most of my rides are on Auto Train where the scenery is a non-issue. As I've often noted around here, "if you've seen one Pine Tree, you've seen em all".
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: Also, the ride is smoother "down below'.
I always assumed that was the case, until one year I decided to reserve an upper level roomette northbound and a lower southbound with the specific intent of testing the theory.
I could discern no appreciable difference in ride quality between upper and lower levels.
There is however, a distinct reduction in human generated noises on the lower level, largely due to the reduced foot traffic.
One word of advice, though, relating to the lower level rooms, is illustrated in the experience of a man I met on the AOL rail travel boards. He went to bed in the middle of nowhere, in his underwear, and forgot to close the curtains before he went to sleep. He awoke to find he had kicked off the blankets and was in full view of the world at the first morning station stop.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Mr. Norman -- I haven't lookd at the forum here since Friday, but thank you for reminding me that there is no same-day connection from #14 to #3 (in your post WAAAAAAAAAY above this one!!)
Mr. Storm -- concerning breakfast on the SWC into L.A., another option would be to wait until you get to L.A. for breakfast, then walk down the street 3 or 4 blocks to Philippes's, which is a very well-known eatery to us frequent rail travelers who now and then end up in L.A.!!
amtraxmaniac Member # 2251
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RRRich: do you mean #11 to #4? Typically #3 is a safe connection to #14. On a side note, I remember when the Sunset didn't leave LA until 10:30pm and there was IDEALLY a #11 to #2 connection, which missed at least 50 percent of the time....and they would bus those passengers from Santa Barbara to Ontario....but that's another thread.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Mr. Maniac's comment above raises an interesting historical, and maybe even still a contemporary, point.
Customarily, railroads would number West and Southward trains with odd numbers; East and Northward trains with even, hence the mnemonic E=Even=East was quite applicable.
However, the SP was an exception in that there was no timetable North or South; everything was East or West from San Francisco. Hence the SP Cascade from Portland to Oakland was their #11 because it was traveling WW towards SF, but their Coast Daylight originating in SF traveled Eastward to LA and was numbered 98. When Amtrak inaugurated a through Seattle-LA train, they were confronted with the "problem' that in their wisdom such was either a North or Southward train. Therefore, insofar as the public was concerned the SB Starlight was #11, the NB #14.
So far as the SP ETT (whoops, Employee Time Table) was concerned Portland to Oakland the Starlight was (WW) #11, Oakland to LA (EW) #12 v.v. LA to Oak # 13, #14 Oak-Portland.
Amtrak simply kept the #12-13 "silent", or at least away from their own railroad - the NEC - where such was used for a now-discontinued Mail train.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Thanks for explaining this Amtrak oddity in such clear fashion. While I was aware that SP measured everything in distance from San Francisco, I had not carried that a step farther trying to figure out what happened to trains 12 and 13.
posted