After researching this, I feel that all the conditions seem to be in Amrtrak's favor. It is my impression that you (as the guest redeeming your points) give Amtrak your Final destination. EX. EMY to NOL. Then as I understand it, AMTRAK will be the one who determins how (which Route) you get to that final destination.

I think it will be AMTRAK that determines what route you take to reach your final destination. This is because you are not paying for the transportation. More than likely, if you were to go from EMY to NOL., AMTRAK will tell you that you will be taking the CS from EMY-LAX and then transfer (or as you train people say CONNECT) with the SL in LAX for the trip to NOL. Bewcause this is a free trip for you, Amtrak will transport you in the most economical way for them. I really dont think that you (as the guest of AMTRAK) has much to say about it.

I hope that will give you some sort of an answer to your question.

Good luck with redeeming your reward points sand I hope you enjoy your FREE RIDE.