I've been away for quite some time and I have not been on the train since 2003. I just booked a reward trip (deluxe bedroom) round trip on the Texas Eagle (FTW-CHI) for next month.
I know there have been some changes in the on-board service. Do the attendants still provide ice and drinks? If not, can we take a small cooler with ice on board?
How is the food these days? I've read that it is no longer prepared on the train.
Are the tipping guidelines still $5.00/person/night for sleeping car attendant?
Is there anything else that I should know about?
Thanks,
Mark
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Ice Juice and Coffee are still provided in Sleeping Cars; Soda Pop is a casualty.
Although the food is prepared off the train and has taken quite a "hit" in the past two years, it still is quite edidle according to recent reports.
Somehow, while I have been at the $5 level for Attendant's tip, I think $10 is a bit more appropriate nowadays especially when traveling in a Bedroom. There is a possibility (could just as easily fly or drive) I may use Amtrak for a journey to NY this September and likely I'll be at the $10 level.
Posted by City of Miami (Member # 2922) on :
There are no tipping guidelines. There are just people's personal opinions. Personally, I used to tip but have ceased to do so given the level of service I have received and the fact that Amtrak employees just got a big retroactive pay increase - which is more than I can say for myself.
Posted by mgt (Member # 5479) on :
I have never found any reason not to tip either a dining-car or sleeper attendant. Quite a few of them, like Don and Patrick on the Empire Builder 2007, have made a very positive contribution to our enjoyment of the trip. The food does vary and personal taste/expectations will play a major role but we have always found it more than acceptable and often very good. Perhaps over a lengthy period it could become monotonous, but I would like to be able to be in that position! There seems to be a degree of experimentation at present in different configurations of dining-areas. There has also been a recent revision of menus, and I would say from appearances, for the better.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
While I obviously disagree, along with 99% of this Forum's regular participants, with Mt. City's thoughts on tipping, he does have an ally with Member mpaulshore;
Considering that when Mark opened the topic, he was looking for tipping guidelines, allow me to continue that for Dinner in the Diner, I tip $3, or 15% of a $20 manu tab. Additionally, I add $2 for the $12 half-bottle I always purchase with Dinner (I have "private stock" for in-room imbibing). Breakfast and Lunch, based upon existing menu prices, $2 does the trick.
Even if a Sleeping Car passenger's meals are complimentary, gratuities are not included in such - I believe Amtrak has printed material outlining such.