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I used 800-USARAIL to buy a train 5 deluxe sleeper for wife, 12-year old son, and myself. The phone agent said that the lower bed would be chummy for my wife and I, but didn't seem to have a problem putting the trip together.
When I picked up my tickets at the station, the station agent warned me that sleepers were for two only. She said that the trip had not been properly ticketed and that one of us would have to pay for meals.
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My two daughters, ages 4 and 9, and I travelled in June between Chicago and D.C. in one deluxe sleeper. We were not charged for any meals in the dining car. We each had our own tickets. I don't remember the kids' fares, but the cost of taking them along was very reasonable. It was "chummy," and it will be worse with a big 12 year old, but do-able for one night. We did a 2-night trip last year in a family bedroom, and it has more space, but the windows are not as nice and the facilities are shared with others on the lower level.
Posts: 51 | From: La Crosse, WI, USA | Registered: Jun 2004
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Best advice; when being seated in the Diner, and the employee-in-charge (EIC) asks "Sleeper?" Tell the truth and say "yes". Properly identify your space and sign the check. If you must pay for one meal, so be it - pay up!!
Just don't adverties that you have three persons in one room; I think you will "skate".
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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pursue this question with Amtrak thoroughly - don't take just one agent's word for it. Unless policy has recently changed, deluxe sleeper accomodations were for 2 OR 3 passengers (even all adults) and included up to 3 persons meals.
Posts: 114 | From: pismo beach CA | Registered: Jul 2003
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Two meals to a standard; three to a deluxe. Surprisingly, I had a reservation agent tell me that there were only three meals included for a family bedroom when I booked one for August. (I gently reminded the agent that I was booking the Auto Train; meals are included for all passengers, coach and sleeper. So I doubt that she had accurate information.) In the dining car in April, I had the "whole gang" with me and the dining car steward told us (rather gruffly) "Two meals to a sleeper." When he asked me for what room I was in, I told him my room letter (deluxes are lettered, standards are numbered) and he then quietly said "OK... you get three meals." So I guess dining car staff has been told to enforce a quota of meals per room. BUT - Three rooms per deluxe. Should be no argument.
Posts: 72 | Registered: Jul 2000
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My wife, 15 year old son, and I just spent 7 nights in deluxe bedrooms (at one stretch 3 nights in a row). No questioning about meals for 3 people by anyone. The lower bed can sleep 2 though it is crowded. The best way is to get an extra sheet and blanket and lie in opposite directions, i.e, sleep with one person's feet near the window, the other person's feet near the door end of the bed. It was better than the family bedroom as we had our own bathroom and shower, larger window, better a/c, and were upstairs.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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