Amtrak Mistakes! Don't Do This on your Amtrak Vacation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- In these Amtrak mistakes tips we'll give you tips for your next Amtrak vacation. These Amtrak tips and tricks can be used no matter the type of ticket you have or your destination.
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Random advice from years of Amtrak trips
-Dress warm, or bring layers. The last overnight coach I was on was so heavily over-AC'd that in the middle of the night I had to put on long underwear in July.
-You're in an enclosed space with four hundred strangers for several hours or more. Be courteous and respectful to them, and they will do the same for you.
-On the overnight trains, remember: People are sleeping. Especially in the coaches, please, no music/phones/electronics/loud talking after a reasonable hour. This is especially true when boarding the train at night- just a little effort for your fellow travelers.
-The ride may feel smooth, but remember that you're moving at seventy mph. When walking through the train, it's always wise to keep one hand on a seat back so that a sudden curve or jolt doesn't throw you against a stranger or just off balance. This is especially true in the bathrooms.
-The staff are honestly doing their best, and many of the things that passengers get upset about (delays, cancellations, etc) are wholly out of their control. Don't be that asshole who makes everyone else in the car feel bad for whoever you've decided to abuse (yes, I'm looking at you, guy-who-badgered-the-conductor-from-one-end-of-the-train-to-the-other-and-back-because-he-couldn't-get-the-dinner-time-he-wanted).
-More if I think of them, and please add your own.
Some really good points here. Also if you are sitting beside someone with whom you are not travelling, be considerate about the window space. Those curtains on the windows are for both people, especially at night when outside light can be distracting.
I always bring a small throw blanket and neck pillow 😍😍
Love, love, love train travel! Took Amtrak to New Orleans and was in heaven. It is the ONLY way to travel in my opinion.
Amtrack food on train can be expensive. My long trips to Chicago & Arizona I left with small backpack with cereal, snacks,
Etc for son and myself. I previewed the menu online and made a plan to eat in dining car a couple times & budgeted accordingly
I love your channel. I have just started planning our cross country Amtrak trip and your videos are so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much.
You two are so kind and respectful to each other. Precious 🙂
Thanks!
*I love how honest and objective you are. THANKS !!! AND, INFORMATIVE !!!*
Glad it was helpful!
Traveling alone, roomette, perfect. Throw your stuff on top bunk.
Did that exact thing southbound a week ago, and will do the same tomorrow northbound.
Sleep on the top bank, it’s less bumpy. Take the mattress from the bottom and put it on the top. Bring your food and wine a small cooler(or beer). Make sure to get a room I. The middle of the car. I’m a genius At Amtrak. What else y’all wana know?
@@starfishjennie how to travel with a toddler alone.
@@nocturn791 the same way
@@mamabear2833 get a roomette, children are better when they are alone with you. Bring toys and books and crayons and a “game boy”. Good luck.
Drove to Solvang CA and saw the Amtrak Surfliner running along side highway 101, running along the ocean. Thought of your videos.
LOL I'm gonna be a total dork here and say that I can overpack because I'm super tiny!!! I'm only 4'2 so my legs barely come off the seat and so I have extra room for my own pillow, entertainment and food!
Big Blessings! 😉
yeah about 5'2 and want to get a roommette next long trip because even though they're small...I'm small and a light packer too.
I just found your channel today. You certainly give/answer most Amtrak questions a new traveler might have! Thank you for a great INFORMATIVE site!
You should check out the forum “Amtrak Unlimited”. Best site for things regarding Amtrak, and travel in general
@@Cal90208 I agree ... they have always been my go to site when planning a trip ... that and "Amsnag" ... which, unfortunately, doesn't seem to work anymore. That's why I enjoyed this channel so much ... such great info for anyone curious about Amtrak.
@@hellotoyou7201 Yeah. :)
First of all..love the channel:) My wife and I just finished a cross-country loop ( in a roomette) of the states. It started in Philadephia with the Cardinal to Chicago. The Zephyr to Emeryville. The Starlight to Seattle, then the Empire builder back to Chicago. We stayed in Chicago for two nights on the first leg and two nights on the return trip (loved Chicago). We also stayed three nights in Seattle.
Some of the mistakes we made were, as you mentioned, was packing too much stuff. Also, we should have stayed a night or two in Emeryville or SF. Instead, we did a layover in the
Emeryville station. Which turned into a very long day with delays due to brush fires :(
This was our first journey on a train cross country and we had no issues with staying in a roomette throughout the journey. But, the following are some of the things that can affect your trip. One is the competence and dedication of the car attendant and dining car staff. On our trip, the crews on the Cardinal, Zephyr, and the Empire were great. The Starlight was ...ehh. Dirty bathrooms come to mind. Another thing was the food, it's not bad at all, but, you do get tired of eating the same thing over and over. I wish there were stops long enough to get something different. Maybe it's just my wife and me, but, eating the same things for this two-week adventure was the reason we cut our trip short. Initially, we were to return home on the Cardinal but decided to cancel (with a 25% penalty) and get a flight back home.
Some other thoughts, the Cardinal is just ok. Some scenic sites in West Viginia, but, mostly brush blocking views and messed up back yards. The Zephyr was fantastic, especially after Denver. It really doesn't matter which side of the train you sit on!!!! The Starlight was so so, the crew on our trip just didn't seem to care too much. Also, all the scenery must be south of Emeryville. You will see many homeless camps on this leg. One thing to note about this homeless situation, from what I saw, it doesn't matter what the color of your skin is, or what country your from, it affects all people. A sad thing to see :( Lastly, the Empire is fine until you get to Montana, ok past Glaser park, then it's just flat. Also, there are a ton of freight trains on this leg, which when you have a view, it will be blocked...lol.
So will we do a train ride again....absolutely. But, not for a two-week stretch....lol. Our next trip will be the Chief to Senta Fe and back :)
pete
Thank you!
Amtrak dining pre-Covid was good. Amtrak crews are inconsistent. And the eastern routes are not known for their scenery
I feel like you missed out on one of the most fantastic views from Amtrak, it’s RIGHT at the Montana/North Dakota border, you can see Fort Union, a trading post from the 1820’s that is right next to the Missouri River
Really wish the Cardinal could have Superliners. I understand about the Hudson tunnels, just a pipe dream, but the scenery is the main draw of that route. Also, as a native Minnesotan I'm required to point out that the Empire Builder view of the Mississippi River from Red Wing, MN to La Crosse, WI, is as good a view as any on Amtrak.
Go all the way to Albuquerque or even Gallup NM on the Chief if you can ... it's worth the trip. The Chief is one of my absolute fave rides on Amtrak.
Another tip for cell phones is to have your charger available on the train. They have outlets everywhere on board, so go ahead and charge those so you don't have to worry about it once you get to your destination.
I want to add.. unplug and put away your things b4 your destination. Many people do it in a rush. Also, gather up pillows. I left behind a very good pillow on a trip. .enjoy your trip
@@debmorris2968 Don't take the AMTRAK bedding, linen, or pillows that you don't own. Some passengers bring their own favorite pillow. They can take that one home with them.
30years ago I traveled cross country both ways. Going thru Colorado was great, magnificent scenery. During a stopover in Denver, I asked the conductor where I could get a meal. He told me about a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away - best food on the whole trip!
The food in the “cafe” was atrocious, didn’t even have coffee in the morning due to an obnoxious crew member. Lots of folks not happy.
I went coach and for most of the trip it was OK, but on one leg of the trip the conductor insisted on putting a family with me in the double facing section - wouldn’t have been a problem except half the car was empty and I was sleeping. He did it again after the family reached their destination and others boarded - still, half the car was empty. Never could figure out what the deal was?
Thoroughly enjoyed the view lounge upstairs.
If you think I was a novice on train travel, I have been on trains since I was little. My grandfather worked for the Canadian Railway. We always took the train for any distant travel.
I don’t know if changes have been made since I traveled. The attitude of some of the crews needs to be addressed. And the food was embarrassing.
BTW, on the last leg of my trip in the eastern corridor, I was on one of the really old trains. I loved it. It swayed, creaked and groaned. I slept great with the swaying of the car! That’s the type of car I traveled on as a kid.
Last train trip I took was about 12 years ago, southern Virginia to Boston. Train was fine but several people on this nighttime trip decided to have a musical party. This was an overnight schedule. The conductor did nothing even though most people in the car were trying to sleep. I really like trains but social consideration is pretty much nonexistent. I hope things have gotten better. A friend and I would love to go cross country, but still hesitating.
I love all the video work you do on your channel. You do a great job and I appreciate all you share
My kids are all teenagers now and we're taking our very 1st train ride, so I found your videos and channel extremely helpful. I'm so excited to take this train ride. Thanks guys and keep up the good work.
Thanks so much
I take long distance trips in roomette and what I do for packing is put clothing for a day or two in the little packing cubes so I can easily grab one out and then stick the worn stuff back in, I leave my large suitcase downstairs on the luggage rack
I packed a thermal tote with my snacks. Juice, and fresh fruits.
I must remember that! Didn't bring enough food and end up paying $30 on food! 😂
Always the way to go...I never like eating different foods on the road
I was willing to pay dining-car prices for food, but not for snacks. Brought my own snacks and saved a ton of money - it was a two-week Railpass trip.
Thermal tote with prefrozen juice, water, milk. Stays cold for quite a while if you pack well and keep it closed.
What a great well balanced video. I'm a retired sleeping car attendant and one of my biggest problems was passengers bringing too much luggage. I just subscribed, looking forward to more of your videos.
Watching your channel have made me ready to travel.
I hope that starlink will help solve the connectivity issues in the near future 😊
Hi, Rob and Allie! This is only one of your vlogs I've enjoyed. My wife and I have viewed many of your Amtrak videos, and have loved each of them. Late this summer, we're doing Capitol Limited, Empire Builder, Coastal Starlight, Southwest Chief, returning on the Capitol Limited.
5:34 I have to disagree with not losing cell service on the east coast. I've done round trips Baltimore to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to DC and on both routes, the reception was spotty at best. Also, wifi is basically non-existent. So I would plan for that if your train is more than a few hours.
Thank you for all of the tips
Great tips. Thanks for the video
OMG!! I hadn't even thought about my cell phone! The info about the discounts is great!! Thank you so very much!!!
Glad it was helpful to you!
Whether we are in a room or not we don't like to eat Amtrak food all the time so we bring freeze-dried meals with us that only requires hot water from the cafe car or dining room. On our trip last week we also brought a bag of flatbread and some shelf-stable spreads to put on that. Even with that we still manage to try every microwave meal they had from the dining room
Thank you! That sounds like a really good idea.
You guys make me love train travel even more.
Really? All these warnings didn't put you off? It definitely put me off of Amtrak travel
I'm going on a trip to Kansas from Chicago. It will be my first amtrack ride and your videos have really helped me prepare thankyou.
Just went from Cali to Orlando ! Long trip but worth it , def recommend the roomettes
And you had to go through Chicago to get to either place adding 2 days and $1000 or more to get there.
@@kathyrogers2065 They used to run LA to Orlando via AZ and TX ... are they not doing that anymore?
@@k.c1126 you can go from LA to Louisina on the Sunset Limited. After that take the crescent from there to New York and then the Silver Meteour or Silver Star to Florida, that is whithout going to Chicago. The option for going through Chicago is take Southwest Cheif or Texas Eagle to Chicago, then take the Cardinal, or the LakeShore Limmted to New York and then take the silver star or silver meteour to Florida. Either way it is a total of 3 trains from LA to Florida.
@@chrisdobrowolski2783 You don't actually need to go to NYC... I always change in Washington DC... I've ridden from there on most of the routes you mention. Sad that the FL to Louisiana service looks like it will never be reinstated.
I'm about to take my first Amtrak ride, thanks for advice 🙂
Thank You for the update video
I remember when you could leave everything in your seats and explore. No one was messing with your stuff. The 90s.
You guys have the best informative videos for amtrak
Keep in mind, if you are wheelchair bound, you will pretty much restricted to your room. The aisles are too narrow to get a wheelchair down to get to the dining and observation cars.
I use a walker and it is pretty wide. Started to wonder earlier today how I’d get around the train. Thanks for confirming my concerns. Seems I’ll not be going anywhere.
+!+a
@@DSherman50 Be sure to alert your car attendant EARLY ON and he or she will likely find a way to deliver your meals or items to you on the lower level of the train car
You can't, to my knowledge, get a wheelchair to the top level corridor to go from car to car. The stairs used to go upstairs are too winding and narrow. Fun going down as well.
We booked the Acela from Washington to Boston for $144 for two. I thought that was good.
Acela is probably the best Amtrak train.
❤❤❤ We Love you two !
Thanks for sharing !
Your videos are always helpful. Thank you!
Thanks so much!
Very helpful!
Great video!👍🏾
You two are awesome. Thank you so much. My first trip is the weekend in a roomet So excited
Have fun!
Great ok information, thank you
Oh my gosh, Havre, MT. I took a train from Chicago to Havre back in 2000. After spending time in Canada, I traveled via Amtrak from Havre to Edmonds, WA to visit friends in Neah Bay, WA. I loved visiting the very historic town of Havre before departing that western area on my return trip back to Chicago.
Thanks for these tips. About to go from NYC to Chicago.
The Cardinal runs 3 trip a week and for the first time it will soon be daily. It goes thru the Appalachians - though it looks a little longer than the Lakeshore Ltd.
One important point to add about the observation car, and you'd think it would be obvious. The windows are look out of, not to place your feet against. You may be a slob at home, but keep it there, m'kay?
No😄
;-D m'kay
I agree with your observation but that observation car is actually called the lounge car.
Thankso very much for your enthusiasm! if not soon, I will plan for my trip to CA next year. It is funny I was meant to start seeing your videos! Meraki
Helpful. Thanks
thank you!
great info thank you!
our pleasure
I got B1G1 for two trips. I was planning a trip to NYC with my family and a trip to DC with my GS troop. I got the email and it saved us a bunch.
As usual, great 😊 informative video.
Thanks!
Awesome - from Bangladesh! খুব ভাল লাগলো!
Great info. A going to go back and view your past videos. Thanks 🌺🌸
Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks!
Doing Cali Zepher in the fall..your videos have really helped me plan everything.I have learned so much!!Thank you..
That is awesome! We are on the California Zephyr as I type this! Somewhere in Nevada
@@GroundedLifeTravel I am so jelly..I cant wait!!
Thanks
Thank you 🙏
I just took the Southwest Chief Thursday to Saturday from Chicago. I would add that if you have a sleeper they can store your luggage at the lounge so you can go sightseeing. I didn't do that until I was in LA. I had one bag. There is also a supermarket 2 blocks west of Union Station in Chicago. I had a roomette and was by myself. I had plenty of room. Bring earplugs to help sleep.
In December 2019 I used the Metropolitan Lounge since I was traveling through Chicago. In coach $25, BUT free if sleeper. Shower, TVs, cushie chairs, snacks and baggage check. Tip at the desk if you please.
@@robertmcglinchey3347 "But free if sleeper". Please explain.
@@ellisjames7192 .... I was told Chicago has one of the best lounges and for sleeper class it’s free entitling you to baggage (check at the lounge), shower, snacks TV. It’s 5 minute to the platform. I was in Coach passing from the Calif Zephyr to the Lake Shore Ltd. and paid $25 for the same “extra”
@@robertmcglinchey3347 Thats great.
Thank you so much for these tips! My family and I are going to be first time Amtrak travelers this July from NYC to Rochester, so we're excited! Is there any chance you can do a video where you include what accessible seating looks like for persons with disabilities?
How’d the trip go?
Hi..in 2010 I took a trip across country on Amtrak...enjoyed it so much...did the 30 day rail pass
Oh wow! Very nice!
I've used the 14 and 21 day pass several times over the years ... excellent way to explore but not have to pay as much.
Good info for inexperienced travelers
Glad it was helpful!
Some great points, the most important is to plan in advance and make reservations, it will save a lot of headaches later on.
Also, your comment about lack of cell phones should have included last of wifi also, so their laptop and tablet will not work either. I am surprise as to how many people do not know this.
Thank you
Very good information
As always, useful information, especially the point about bringing too much stuff on the train. Even though you can leave some stuff in a storage area on the lower level where you board, and though Amtrak staff do maintain pretty good security, it's still something you'll probably be concerned about, so why do it? Whenever I've talked to anyone making their first train trip, that's what I always emphasize...that and power strips! Thanks for another very helpful video!
Hi. Do they use the 2 hole or 3 hole plug to plug ur powerstrip?
Our first trip together without kids, in-laws, pets, and friends 😅 Thank you for some great tips!
I would never have even imagined I’d bring a surfboard on a train! 😧 But it is cool to know there is that option! I’m a Hoosier…still planning an Amtrak trip for me and my husband. Never had a honeymoon and our 10th anniversary is coming up next year. I am hoping to take the Empire Builder all the way to Seattle, but still undecided. Thanks for all the videos you guys put out there! I really enjoy every single one of them!! 😊👍
Thanks!
I wonder if I wore a doggy costume would that help me score a discounted ticket. Seriously though, these are useful hints.
I was is annoyed because I missed the 50% off sale for Amtrak 50th Anniversary because I was waiting on my holiday time from work to be approved. To travel travel from Davis,CA to Buffalo, NY $89 each way.
Same here. I will be traveling on Amtrak in mid June. They took that special away too soon.
We ended getting Amtrak tickets from Davis, CA to Buffalo, NY on the California Zephyr to Lake Shore Limited. Then, on the return to Davis, CA on Lake Shore. limited to Southwest Chief to LA, then Coast Starlight to Davis, CA in coach on lower level on super level for $1,008 for two and that was in-person booking.
Keep your eyes on the lookout - if there’s a sale you can re-book and might still get a deal - on the 50% I was already booked Boston to LA and I got a $70 voucher and $26 cash - same booking! IN JUNE Amtrak is having a celebration and rollout of new policies - I’m not sure. Maybe sale. I missed out on the $25 Acela but got the $19 coach Boston to Virginia Beach (thru Pres Biden’s Delaware stop). Also got the 50%! The RailPass is changing - Having to pay at an Amtrak station may no longer be required.
For $50 it’s worth joining the Rail Passengers Assn. Amtrak has $80 billion to spend/10 years. They zoomed in April and meet again in Arlington VA- September 2021. Newsletter twice a week. The April zoom was $45 but one and done. I’m not planning to go to Arlington- NRPA and Amtrak executives on down.
But June should be interesting.
It's a good thing Amtrak doesn't let passengers bring all different species of animals onboard! Some of the passengers would think that they boarded The Barnum & Bailey Circus Train by mistake!
Hahahahahahahaha!!
cute couple. very well spoken...
I am blind and have a guide dog, I would never just turn up for a train I always ring to book any travel and not just trains for just about everything. If my sister and I go for an evening meal I must admit I don't take him although I can I but ii never do it alone on an evening so he gets a night off.
I love him he's given me my independence back, as I live alone, my place is full of technical gadgets even one to tell me the colour of my clothes amazing what's out there happy travels
Thank you so much for all your videos and tips!! I will be traveling by train for the first time this October. I will be doing a round trip from New York to Tampa as my mom has a fear of flying. I am excited and looking forward to this trip!
You neglected to mention that pets are NOT permitted in sleepers, only in coach.
Also, regarding luggage in sleepers -- while space is extremely limited on Superliners, there is space above the door for a backpack or small carry-on in Viewliners, in both roomettes and bedrooms if I'm not mistaken. The Superliners do, however, have a shared luggage rack on the lower level.
Really? If anything it seems like it would be the opposite because having an animal out in the open would be dangerous
Service dogs can at least go in sleeper because we had a fellow traveler that took her dog and was in a sleeper for 2 nights with no problem. He was a sweetheart and traveled this way frequently - he even came to the dining car and knew to immediately go under the seat. We became friends with the owner. Dog got out at smoke break stops to go to the bathroom.
@@aceclop Pets are not out in the open. They have to be kept in a carrier which fits under the owner's seat.
@@joelk4751
That honesty sounds kinda cruel depending on how long the train ride is
@@aceclop Depends on the animal; some just sleep, others go crazy. That's why Amtrak limits it to 7-hour trips, and why lot's of people wouldn't think of taking their pet on a train or plane.
I love you guys -- great channel. On the BOGO free sales, is the "free" for the same trip and thus only good if you are traveling with someone? Or if a solo traveler, can be for 2 different trips (at different times of course)?
Senior discount is always active. Claim when booking a ticket. Tap where it says Adult and a menu appears where you can select senior. The discount will apply if your trip qualifies. Private rooms don't. See site of app for age needed and restrictions.
You guys are great in talking about Amtrak. My wife and I are old hands when it comes to cross country Amtrak travel and it's nice to see someone bring up the same concerns we have. As far as food on Amtrak, I could fill this whole page and then some about Amtrak meals and snacks. Right now with the Government going overboard on this Covid business in regards to lounge, observation and dining cars the chances of us taking another train trip look rather slim. Anyway, thanks once again for your videos.
I've seen some very positive comments about experiences with Amtrak travel during the pandemic. Check around here on TH-cam for some of the comments. Frankly I'd rather do the train than the plane in this situation.
Interesting regarding the trip time limit for pets. I guess they figure a pet can only hold their urine for so long and the trains likely don't stop at stops to allow a pet to relieve themselves. I am now curious how countries with high speed rail and higher train ridership handle pets.
Thanks for this video! I'm looking to travel by train more frequently.
High speed rail trains in Europe and Japan have travel over considerably shorter distances in around half the time. Three hours is a long journey on a high speed rail train over a distance of less than 300 miles. Amtrak's average long distance overnight sleeper train is more than 1000 miles...
Hi enjoy your tip and videos you said you could recommend the best time to buy or get 2 for one trip. Have a 14 day trip planned September-October want to book another in May.
6:20 : Don't be one of those a-hole who sprawl out and sleep in the observation car. I see this on every trip!
You can still eat in the dining car if you are traveling in coach. You just will pay for it as it is not included in the cost of the ticket.
And you do have to book your dining. Somebody comes through with times that are available.
It used to be that way but I recently traveled in coach and I could only get food from the Cafe because of Covid :-( Only the section with beds could dine in the dining car.
@@jimdugas7767 Good to know. Thanks.
Not if you are not vaccinated. They are not allowing anyone to go to dinning car with out proof of vaccine
Pets must be small and kept in a pet carrier on the floor under your seat. They are not allowed out of the carrier during the trip. A "pet indemnification" form must also be filled out and presented to the conductor when your ticket is collected. All food service sales are done with a debit or credit card only. Cash is not accepted onboard the trains or in stations.
Well..what if you have a 10hr ride? How do pets go to the bathroom??
A pet's trip cannot travel more than 7 hours long. If you have doubts on trip times, please check with an Amtrak ticket agent.
Cash is not accepted on Amtrak probably because of theft. I had the nightmare experience of being on an Amtrak train and accused of having another passengers lost money. Turns out the conductor had it.
Pets have to be 20 pounds or smaller and in carrier at all times
Cash is once again being accepted in stations and onboard trains.
Another issue is navigating the stairs in the sleepers.
Nil cell coverage on the coast starlight for the most part. (Ok by me.)
From Milwaukee to Glacier, My husband & I could never get into the observation car. It was always filled. There were even people taking naps in there.
Could not agree more. Mine are always filled with coach passengers who sat/slept in there the entire ride instead of sitting in the seats they paid for. Conductors really need to stop this crap from happening.
Right on ,, Agreed!!
Sad , selfish people
Traveling alone, coach, on a long distance train, carry one small bag with clothing and hygiene, plus one backpack / food bag. If you like fresh fruit, TAKE IT WITH YOU .... there is almost no fruit available after the first overnight of a trip. Be able to put all your electronics and documents in one relatively lightweight bag.
love channel, one comment could you list location or trip location when showing different scenes in your video
Regarding safety of personal items. I have traveled a lot as a volunteer train host, and I have never had a problem with larceny. So, I agree about taking purses and laptops, but I have never seen luggage bothered.
How does one beome a volunteer train host? What is involved as far as requirements, etc?
I was aboard one AMTRAK train where a young man was going coach car to car early in the AM while people were still asleep trying to get items from their area or into luggage above their seat. He tried it with me but I am a very light sleeper and I woke up. He had a contingency for that possibility. He asked me if I knew where we were located. I told him that I just woke up and didn't have the foggiest idea. Later, the train stopped at a road crossing where a police car was parked and the handcuffed kid was sitting in the middle of the road contemplating his future. Karma, I love it. FYI, the train was the Texas Eagle heading west in Texas after having departed San Antonio a few hours earlier.
I have a portable charger n regular charger as well
A track limits the number of bikes as well so reserve those early!
Great tip!
Coast Starlight was the worst in the observation car when I went. People were laying across the three seats sleeping and had their plastic bags of belongings in the seats. Staff did nothing to make the move...very disappointing since I had a roomette the East side without the water views. Had to stand in a walkway to look at the ocean views
Literally sitting on the Texas Eagle watching this lol.
Cool! The Texas Eagle was one of my first train trips!
Stop looking at your phone and look out the window!
@@Slutmonkey884 we were at a break! Lol.
@@harryborsalino1276 I ride it all the time but usually a much much shorter route. This time California to Texas! Woo!
Have you listed what your itinerary for the next few months will be? I got a steal of a deal with the 50th anniversary deal, I will be on a number of trains. Would be cool if we happened to be on the same train somewhere.
Agreed
I'm going to cedar point in Sandusky Ohio in June. I can't wait take off my shoes, go running around in the bathroom with bare feet, and then get out my stinky Limburger cheese sandwich! Yummy!
I'm taking my first Amtrak trip.....L.A. to Seattle and back.....in a few weeks, having purchased an accessible room (broken leg and knee!). Thank you both, as I have been watching many of your videos as I prep for my West Coast journey. P.S.: are my meals included?
No i dont think so, but i reccomend the 🌭 hotdogs! Have fun aaron!
Yes in a sleeper room all three meals per day are prepaid in your sleeper fare. You may need to have meals brought to you in your accessible bedroom as, if I recall, those rooms are on the lower level of sleeping cars. The corridor that connects cars to each other and to the diner is on that second floor. I doubt if you can get up the narrow, very winding stairs to the second floor. Alert AMTRAK about your specific disability BEFORE you show up to ride. Work things out with them early. No surprises for anyone. Be nice to your sleeping car attendant and I'm sure he or she will be nice to you. A tip is always appreciated as well.
@@sub2julianthekang He has a broken leg. Do you think he can walk up the stairs and take the upper corridor to the lounge car, walk down the stairs, pick up a hot dog, walk back up the stairs, walk back to his sleeper car, back down the narrow stairs, and into his room? And, yes full meals are included as they are in ALL sleeping car rooms. But his car attendant will have to deliver them to him. And, maybe with a small tip, the attendant cab can stop in the cafe and get him that hot dog you suggested for whatever they cost in the cafe car. If sleeping car passengers use the cafe, they are usually charged regular cafe prices; only full diner meals are free to sleeper passengers.
@@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm thank you, and my trip went well. I could not have asked for a better service from everyone at amtrak, in particular the car attendant. Actually the great service began when I booked it over the phone they were nice to me from day one and they accommodated me and all of my needs from Los Angeles to Seattle and back
@@aaronsegal2819 Thanks for your follow-on comments. I didn't notice your post was two years old and thus, good or bad, you had already taken your adventure on AMTRAK. Glad it worked out well for you.
Cell/Wi-Fi -- It's too bad about lack of Wi-Fi on Amtrak. Recently took a day trip from Rome to Venice on a high-speed train with free Wi-Fi the entire trip.
I was encouraged to get business class. The seats are roomier and there was wifi
Business class is not available on the long distance trains, IIRC .... but definitely a worthwhile option on Acela and other east coast trains.
Hi do I need to bring the hair dryer？
Wow things with a dining car sure have changed. When I rode back in very late 99 early 2000s coach passengers were able to eat in the dining car. You're conductor would come by and ask if you wanted to eat there put you on the list
On some Western long distance trains it is back to pre COVID rules. The inconsistency messes up people though. So, all I can say is that "it depends" on your routing. See if it says traditional or flexible dining. Big difference; but still, generally good food.
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Question: Do service-animals also count as pets in this context. e.g. Does the max-5-pets rule effectively also mean "no more than 5 service dogs"? It would be weird as it would effectively mean "no more than 5 blind guys needing a service dog". I'd hope that service-animals are an exception but you neve know
Please feature Business Class....I've traveled cross country in a Roomette, Will be traveling Arizona to New Jersey next Nov...and am thinking of going Business Class because I've noticed there are fewer families....also is ther Handicapped Business Class...Thank you for the helpful videos...
Business class isn’t offered on most LD trains. I believe only two offer it. Mostly corridor trains only
I bring Water and Natural Vally Bar
We sometimes bring a box of those also.
do you need a reservation to check a riffle case