OK, my wife and kids are planning a trip from SAS to LAX as noted in the subject line. I understand that both the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited are connected for that route but are considered "separate" trains (or something like that).
SL is about half the price as TE. Amtrak webiste shows both "trains" having dinind and observation cars as well as sleepers and coach care.
here are my questions: #1 why the price difference? #2 will there we two observation cars and two diners and two of everything else since both "trains" list them as such order are they combined #3 out of curiosity, do people every change trains in SAS from the TE to the SL when going to LAX to save money? #4 any other comments!!!???
thanks - my two kids and wife have used Amtrak several times in the past couple of years on the SW Chief and loved it!!!
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Bobby, so far as Amtrak's inventory control goes, there are two separate trains namely #421, or Texas Eagle (TE in forumese) that operates CHI to LAX, and #1, or Sunset Limited (SL in forumese) that operates ORL-LAX, but which is temporarily annulled ORL-NOL. That there is a lower fare at present on #1 than #421 is attributable to Amtrak's demand pricing model.
However, at San Antonio, the through Coach and Sleeper that comprise "Train 421' (there are other cars that operate CHI-SAS as Train #21) are combined into the consist of #1. This means there will be one Diner and one Sightseer Lounge in the combined #1-421 consist.
Regarding your point #3, who knows what "farechasers' will do in this life; bet what you suggest has been done. Various members here have posted in the past that there are $$$ to be saved if one is to occupy a Sleeper only during sleeping hours, and vacating to Coach for day travel.
That's all above me; I for one am not about to be bothered. I'm simply of the "no dough?, no go" persuasion.
City of Miami Member # 2922
posted
If you try the trick Mr. Norman mentioned on the Crescent, for example, you'll find that the cost of a roomette WAS-NOL is LESS than the cost of the same sleeper WAS-ATL even though you'd get 2, maybe 3, additional meals in the diner included. Go figure......
Bobby Member # 6276
posted
thanks! that is very helpfu. and so I'll go with the less expensive of the two.
this will be our first trip on this route and we look forward to the Southwest's best views - even if it is miles and miles of flat lands...
thanks for your time!
ehbowen Member # 4317
posted
Some scenic highlights of the Sunset Route:
Crossing the Pecos River high bridge, about 50 rail miles west of Del Rio. Good views out both sides, but abandoned water tower and footings of the old first bridge are to the north (right side headed west).
Mountains in West Texas. They're off in the distance (land the train goes through is flat scrub grass), but they are worth looking at.
Mexican Border and crossing of the Rio Grande: At one point just west of El Paso, you come close enough to Mexico to spit into it. May see some illegals headed north, as well. To the left of the train as you're headed west.
Salton Sea in California: Inland sea created when the Colorado River washed out the control gate in an irrigation canal. Large body of water on your left before you come to Palm Springs (westbound).
a meyer Member # 4954
posted
Bobby, In regards to question #3, I have done the TE to SL switch a couple years ago.
In my case I was coming from Dallas on the TE. Since most of that trip was during daylight hours I chose Coach, knowing that I would be in SAS several hours before my sleeper on the SL would arrive from New Orleans. Foregoing the sleeper on the TE from Dallas saved more than $200.
Since I hadn't been to San Antonio before I did some research and found some sports bars and a Dennys near the station to help pass most of the time while exploring a little of San Antonio.
I was assured that I could board my sleeper as soon as it arrived from NOL. This wouldn't have been too bad, however my sleeper on the SL was 4 hours late into SAS resulting in a few hours of time in the station waiting room (in the early hours).
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