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Where can I be expected to be jerked off of the SWC if it is going to be late into Chicago and I have a connection to the Cardinal?
The SWC is scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 3:20pm and the Cardinal departs at 5:45pm.
I am traveling in a bedroom and if they change me to another east bound train whats the chance of me haveing a bedroom on that train?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Should there be a 4-CHI-50 misconnect on your day of travel, you would likely be offered CHI-30-WAS-19-LYN or air transportation onward.
However, I think you will find that #4 is about as reliable as they come. I observe it practically every day passing 18.34 on my walk.
MDRR Member # 2992
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I agree with GBN regarding the train rerouting, sleeper accomodations all depend upon availability at the time. However I don't think they will fly you. If extremely late, then hotel till next day with 30/19 routing and sleeper depending again on availability. But also as previously stated SWC reliability is about as good as it gets.
Geoff M Member # 153
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Seeing as the SWC canters along at a fair clip towards Chicago, it is unlikely that road travel would be quicker, so you're more likely to stay on the train. In the case of a really late train, Amtrak sometimes send personnel to meet the train and travel with it for the remainder of its journey, sorting out onward travel reservations whilst onboard.
Air routing is rarely offered. As per MDRR but you do get a small amount of cash to pay for meals of your choice (the hotel is not your choice but is "adequate" and basic).
Greyhound or equivalent is usually another option offered but rarely popular!
Geoff M.
Hoop Member # 4607
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As someone who has experienced a missed connection in Chicago, I can tell you that NO EFFORT is made to try to get you to the missed train.
What is your final destination?
If you are late enough to miss the departure of #30 or #48, you are put up in a very nice hotel in Chicago and sent out on the next days train. Only problem is the Cardinal only runs 3 days a week. so you'd probably be put on the next day's #30.
The only other option you are offered is a refund on the remaining portion of your itineary and it's up to you to get a flight to where you're going if you want.
But I really wouldn't worry about it. Checking Amtrakdelays.com shows that #4 has only arrived Chicago super late that you would miss the connection only once in the last four weeks.
Printman2000 Member # 4338
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If you do miss and you are put on another train, it all depends on the load that day if you will get a bedroom or not.
I would think if you are on 30, there would be a better chance than if you are on 48.
Of course, all this depends on your final destination. If it is on the Cardinal route only, you will have problems.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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While we are addressing connections, it is possible using the Multi City feature at the website to create your own itinerary - connections not necessarily "guaranteed".
But be mindful if you override the "guaranteed' connection protection, such as with a 30-WAS-91 connection, if you miss, you are ON YOUR OWN and could well be looking at no refund of your Sleeper as you would simply be a no show.
SouthernServesTheSouth Member # 2284
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My final ticketed destination is CVS, that is served by both 50 and 19. My final home destination is Lynchburg. I use CVS as my traveling base since Lynchburg service is early morning(19) and late night (20). I can get home in an hour from CVS and be there by 5pm whereas the 20 arrives Lynchburg at 10pm or latter.
My entire trip is provided free by Amtrak Guest Rewards program ($4,200.00+) value at last check) Hate to lose those points if bedroom from CHI is missed.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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On one occasion a few years ago (1996 I think), I was on an 8-hour late CZ into Chicago, and had a connection to 448, and that year AMTRAK did offer a flight alternative from Lincoln NE to CHI, for passengers who had connections in Chicago. Quite a few passengers took them up on their offer. I believe they flew someone from AMTRAK to Lincoln after they made the decision to offer the flight, and that person helped the crew arrange the flight for those who wanted it.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. SRY and other point chasers, are you willing to share with the Forum how one goes about accumulating enough reward points to bankroll some of these trips reported here? Broad strokes of course, as anyone's personal financial situation is none of my business.
I'm not a point chaser in this life.
I do belong to plans sponsored by Amtrak (AGR), Hyatt (Gold Passport), Holiday Inn (Priority Club), and Marriott (Marriott Rewards). It seems like every year I get a freebie from either Holiday or Marriott. (last Holiday June 07; Marriott on the trip just completed), but I've never seen anything out of the other two.
I get utterly annoyed should I have occasion to be on the phone with American Express (even sometimes for routine info such as "how much do I owe?" normally handled by a "Julie') and must sit and listen to a pitch from someone, for whom quite likely English is a second language, to join their Travel Rewards program before I can get my needed account information.
Hoop Member # 4607
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Connections from the Chief to the Cardinal are offered by Amtrak and AGR without using the multi-city trip planner, and therefore are "guaranteed connections".
If you miss the connection to the Cardinal, you will most likely be re-accommodated on the Capitol/Crescent #30/#19 combo.
train lady Member # 3920
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the same year we were on the CZ which was 9 hours late into Chicago. in Galesburg we were given choices of going the distance and taking the train out the next day, flying toDC from Chicago and the one we chose..busing to Indianopolis and catching the Cardinal there. (We were booked on the CL). We did catch up with the Cardinal, and they called all of the families to advise them of the change.
Dakguy201 Member # 10360
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Train Lady's tale of being bussed to Indy (presumably from Chicago) to catch the Cardinal caught my eye. On one hand, that was very accomodating of Amtrak. On the other, that train must keep a very leisurely schedule to be caught by the bus, especially since the bus would be leaving Chicago near rush hour.
train lady Member # 3920
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since it was a number of years ago I do not remember the exaact time but I do remember it was at or about 1 AM when the train arrived.Also the bus left long after rush hour as It was dark when we left Galesburg and we didn't go to Chicago . We went by way of Peoria.As you seew we got off the train in Galesburg and on the bus there.We ere in a roomette that year and all were filled on the Cardinal so they upgrded us to the one remaining bedroom.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. DakGuy, take a peek at a map and you will see that I-74 is "more or less' the hypotenuse of a triangle Galesburg to Indianapolis.
I've learned of other busteetootions over a triangle arrangement such as a late WB Sunset East to NB City. Passengers were bussed Mobile to Jackson.
SouthernServesTheSouth Member # 2284
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Mr Norman, This trip and one I took to Portland OR in 2005 were accumulated using AGR card from Chase. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make several long haul truck trips for my employer. I would charge all of the fuel and my travling expenses on my card and then submit an expense report for reimbursement.
I am normally a "bean counter" for the company, but I voulutered to deliver special orders when the other drivers couldn't due to scheduling or DOT hours rules.
I also charge everything I purchase to my charge card. (gasoline, medicine, cell phone, cable, groceries, etc)
I am now retired so I no longer have the benefit of the road trips.
I already have 30,000 points accumulated for my next journey. At my current rate, I will probably have 100,000 points in four years.
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