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I have a spinal /vertebrae condition ( Spondylolithesis). I do not have a handicap tag. I do have a letter from my Dr. I am able to walk. I am not able to climb ladders ( bed)and don't have a lot of flexibility. Next up is my husband who was in a major car wreck and has been in PT for months for disk issues. He does not have a tag either. I have requested Handicap room one before and it made my trip so much easier. My question is, can my husband ride in the handicap room with me? It would be easier for us to sleep on one bottom bed as I don't see us climbing up to a bunk. Is it frowned upon to request handicap room if you are not wheel chair user?
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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Who's going to "frown upon" it? If you are both mobility-impaired and have physician's statements to that effect you may request the accommodation.
I would call Amtrak about your other questions as soon as possible; best of luck with your trip. Make sure you make the request as far in advance of your trip as possible, also, as the space may be limited, and there may be a "first-come, first served" rule.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Amtrak don't seem to have any restrictions on you being allowed to use the Handicap room - just book early as Mike says, and make sure Amtrak notes your needs so you don't get bumped by somebody else (I don't know if that happens but would prefer not to learn the hard way). Note that it's a wheelchair-accessible bedroom; a wheelchair is not necessary and many people with mobility problems do not need a wheelchair.
Regarding beds, there are upper and lower beds in that room, and the lower might not be big enough for the two of you. He could opt for a lower-level roomette (unfortunately at the other end of the car) for sleeping if you have the cash to do so.
Judy McFarland Member # 4435
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The Viewliner Handicapped Room has beds like the bedroom but with more access and a MUCH larger private bathroom. The lower bunk is therefore almost large enough for 2 adults. I believe they open up accessible rooms to all comers about 2 weeks before departure. I have a letter for the accessible room, but have never been asked to show it to anyone.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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FYI, the lower bunk in Room H (handicapped room) on a Superliner is the same as the lower bunk in a roomette. Fitting 2 people in that one little space would be quite, um, cozy?
(Disclaimer: I haven't gone to Amtrak's web page to confirm that the two bunks are IDENTICAL dimensions, but I have slept in both several times....and they feel the same to me).
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