posted
Okay, me and my dad are leaving monday at 2:27 am (more likely 4:00 AM) to chicago, then chicago to sacremento. Then Portland to Chicago, and Chicago back to cleveland. We are taking the train from chi to cle/cle to chi that has the lower numbers [and leaves earlier by the schedule] (don't remember the name), but I heard that is the better one.
Some newbie questions.
1. Will the train from chi to cle be back by 7:00 am? I NEED to be home by then and that is a major concern (the schedule says 12:20 am, but I know not to trust the amtrak schedule)(
2. Could somebody PLEASE explain the way the checked baggage works?
3. how wide is the train? (more specifally, the dining car)
4. is the diverted route on the calfornia zephyor any better time wise, or view wise?
5. What stuff should I also know, like to always use hand rails, and not to step on the joint between cars when crossing?
posted
What class of service, Coach or Sleeper?
Posts: 9979 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by wood_workur: Okay, me and my dad are leaving monday at 2:27 am (more likely 4:00 AM) to chicago, then chicago to sacremento. Then Portland to Chicago, and Chicago back to cleveland. We are taking the train from chi to cle/cle to chi that has the lower numbers [and leaves earlier by the schedule] (don't remember the name), but I heard that is the better one.
Some newbie questions.
1. Will the train from chi to cle be back by 7:00 am? I NEED to be home by then and that is a major concern (the schedule says 12:20 am, but I know not to trust the amtrak schedule)(
2. Could somebody PLEASE explain the way the checked baggage works?
3. how wide is the train? (more specifally, the dining car)
4. is the diverted route on the calfornia zephyor any better time wise, or view wise?
5. What stuff should I also know, like to always use hand rails, and not to step on the joint between cars when crossing?
#1. Ouch, ouch, ouch. You're only going 341 miles from the originating terminal, and you have a 6-1/2 hour window. I would say you're probably safe--but I wouldn't give you a money-back guarantee. If I were in that situation, I'd readily go ahead with the trip--but I'd also have an "out" planned, just in case. Honestly, though, I think you'll be OK.
#2. The checked baggage is carried in the baggage car or in a separate baggage compartment in some Superliner cars. You DO NOT have access to it during the trip--so don't ask. Pack any medications or anything else you'll need during the trip in your carry-on bag.
The checking process is similar to the airlines, albeit a bit less formal. Do ensure that you arrive at your originating station with some time to spare, as the station agent's office will almost certainly be closed when the train is in the station. You will be asked for the station of your final destination, and your luggage will be checked directly through to it. If you tell the station agent in Cleveland that you're going to Sacramento, he/she will tag it for that station and you will not have to mess with retrieving it and re-checking it in Chicago. If you plan to lay over in Chicago overnight, though, then check your luggage only to Chicago and then re-check it to Sacramento when you're ready to leave on that leg of your trip.
When you arrive at a major station, like Chicago or LA, you will probably claim your bag at a central baggage claim office. At a smaller staffed station, you will probably claim it at trackside as soon as the train departs. Regardless of whether it is a large or small station, though, do ensure that you keep your luggage claim checks, as you will need them to claim your bags. Amtrak is very strict about this.
Final consideration: Airlines lose luggage all the time. Amtrak can lose it too, especially when connecting through a busy station like Chicago. Pack enough in your carry-on so that the trip doesn't turn into a disaster if your checked luggage is delayed a day or so. I speak from experience.
#3. The interiors of the train cars are approximately 9' 5" wide. The dining cars seat 4 to the table, a bit cosy but not overly so. If your party does not fill a table then you will be expected to share your space with other travelers. This is a wonderful way to meet people; look forward to it. The aisle between tables is adequate but don't expect to be able to use a walker (if mobility is a consideration speak to your car attendant; they will serve meals at your seat/in your room if necessary).
#4. Haven't ridden the CZ, can't comment.
#5. Upon boarding, stay in your coach seat or sleeping car room until after the conductor has collected your ticket. If you are traveling coach, the conductor will issue you a "seat check" to signify that your seat is occupied; if you move to a different seat, take it with you. Don't touch anything that has "Emergency" on it (Emergency brake, emergency exit, etc.). Always wear shoes if you are going from car to car. There are grab rails located in the vestibules between cars; use them. Do not open vestibule doors or windows regardless of whether the train is moving or not. Stay out of the sleeping car unless you are a sleeping car passenger. The train crew is normally very happy to answer any question you might have about train accommodations or safety features as long as they are not immediately busy. Finally, DO NOT SMOKE unless you want to be kicked off the train at the next stop! (Oh, and--have a great trip!)
#6. I presume by this question that you are traveling in the sleeper for at least the longer runs on your trip; I would not care to change clothes in a Superliner coach bathroom. In the sleeper I would bring pajamas, one change of casual clothes and two changes of underwear. There is a shower facility (with adjacent changing cubicle) available on the lower level of your Superliner sleeper; by all means use it. Towels, washcloths and soap should be provided but bring your own shampoo. All of the Amtrak rooms I have been in have had a hanging locker with hangers; it is too small for a garment bag but it is just the right size to hang up your daytime clothes while you sleep.
Hope to hear back from you when you return!
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Eric's advice is excellent. A couple of other things I do: instead of pajamas or a nightgown, I usually bring a long T-shirt and exercise shorts to sleep in. It's just as comfortable, and it gives me another shirt to wear by day should I need it.
Also, even at the height of summer, I always bring a sweatshirt-type little jacket and wear it tied around my waist when I move in the train. The a/c observation cars can get a little chilly.
And I wear a hat with a brim. Sometimes I want to look out the window where the sun is, and the brim helps.
Also, I am careful to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
And while the a/c in sleepers usually has the opposite problem (not cold enough), every so often it's hard to control and can be a little chilly there too, so I always bring a pair of warmer socks, even in summer.
Also, I bring a Walkman and CDs and always bring extra batteries.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Traveling in a sleeper: If the sleeping car attendant does his job well (public areas and restrooms kept reasonably clean, fresh coffee in the mornings and bottled water when you need it, beds made up promptly and properly) then I suggest $5 per room, per night as a minimum.
Traveling in coach: No tip required unless special services rendered (help with luggage, serving meals at seat, etc.).
Dining car staff: Tip as you would for the same meal in a restaurant, regardless of whether you are in coach or sleeper.
Lounge car attendant: Gray area. Personally, I do not tip for a simple purchase (bag of chips, can of soda), but I recommend tipping as you would a bartender for anything complicated, such as a mixed drink.
The train's operating crew (Conductor, Brakeman/Assistant Conductor, Engineer) is never tipped.
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
The California Zephyr 'detour' through Wyoming used to be about three to four hours faster between Denver and Ogden when Amtrak operated it's 'San Francisco Zephyr' that way before 1984.
What UP does with it now is hit and miss. I rode the CZ specifically for the detour in June 2004 because the Overland Route through Wyoming was new mileage for me. We left Salt Lake City eastward about three hours late and got into Denver one hour late.....and that could have been better had we not squandered so much time just getting through the Denver yards.
Scenery - The Wyoming trip is not a spectacular as climbing the Front Range out of Denver or even Soldier Summit in Utah. Very little in this country is. However, Wyoming has a unique prettiness that still screams 'wild west' Anyone from east of the Mississippi River will find enough isolation in Wyoming to capture their fancy. The scenery is good. It is interesting. You'll be glad you saw it. The ride over Sherman Hill between Cheyenne and Laramie is one of the historically significant mountain crossings in US railroading too. Take the trip. It will be worth your while.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I'm taking coach (wish it was sleeper, but couldn't convince my dad to upgrade, even though it is still $100 cheaper than to drive)
Posts: 3 | From: OHIO | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Ah. That changes things a bit. I've never tried changing clothes in coach, although I've never traveled coach for more than one night. I'd recommend taking a change of underwear in a ziploc bag, and perhaps a spare shirt. If you're going to change, use a handicapped restroom (there will be at least one, although perhaps in a different car); the standard restrooms, as the old saw goes, don't leave enough room for you to change your mind. Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes and do bring a light jacket and perhaps a small blanket. Amtrak provides tiny travel pillows (think about the size of a Tom Clancy paperback), but if you have room to bring a pillow from home you'll probably appreciate it, especially for two nights. One of the latest things I've seen are the inflatable pillows which slip around your neck and support your head; I've never tried them but if I were going to camp out in coach for two nights I'd probably give them a serious look.
See if you can talk your Dad into upgrading to a sleeper for at least one long leg of your trip--preferably from Portland to Chicago. Remember, it includes all of your Dining car meals. Check with your conductor once you're on board, and see if you can upgrade then--that's how I first sampled a roomette, at the tender age of 18. Travel by sleeper is addictive--you try it once, and you never want to go back to coach!
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
If I remember correctly, Superliner coaches have two changing rooms on the lower level, one for men and one for women, that have a small bench. However, as already suggested, you may want to use the handicapped rest room instead because it tends to stay cleaner. Handicapped rest rooms are not like shopping mall parking places. Anyone can use them.
It was mentioned that you should wear shoes when walking between cars. Amtrak regulations require you to wear shoes wherever you walk. But you can remove them at your seat. I like to wear slip-ons or shoes with velcro fasteners which are faster to take on and off. It makes late night trips to the rest room much easier.
And I agree that when calculating the cost of a sleeper vs coach, you should add an estimate of food purchases to your coach fare to make a direct comparison. If you eat every meal in the diner you can figure $30-40 per person per day. You can probably get away with half that if you eat in from the lounge snack bar, but you'll get tired of prepackaged sandwiches and microwaved pizza.
Coach seats have more legroom than any other vehicle you'll ride. You can stretch your feet almost straight out without hitting the seat in front. There's an adjustable foot rest and leg rest to help you relax. It isn't easy sleeping in coach, but it gets better the more you do it.
My advice is to expect to have fun, but do not expect perfection. Every Amtrak trip seems to involve a few glitches. If you are flexible enough to roll with them you'll be fine.
Posts: 2649 | From: California's Monterey Peninsula | Registered: Dec 2000
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First, have you knowledge that on the date of your travel, the Zephyr will be routed via the Overland Route? It is only so routed when ther Union Pacific has trackwork planned over the "Rio Grande', or otherwise the Zephy's scheduled route.
Secondly, while I'm usually the first kid (yeah kid at age 65) on the block to sound off with 'go sleeper', but since others "beat me to it" I'll just have to state I "second' such thought.
Now without having knowledge of the funds you and your Father are prepared to commit to this journey, I often think it necessary to point out that this is not the same situation as air travel First Class vs. Coach. In the case of air transport, the additional value i.e.larger seat, a free drink, and maybe a meal, is quite dubious. That is why, save overseas flights, very few actually PAY to fly First Class; the most descriptive name for such is "travel rewards class".
However on Amtrak, Sleeper is the difference between reasonable expectation of an enjoyable journey and to me the certainty (but again note my age) of an endurance contest.
Yes, Sleeper is pricey and "in season" can easily be quadruple the Coach fare. Although I think it unwise to quote Amtrak fares for future travel at an Amtrak forum (in fact I prohibit it at a forum I moderate elsewhere), allow me to note that on a trip I took last month i.e. a historical fare, Chicago to Stamford, CT and return, the total fare was $754.80. Had that same trip been made in Coach, the fare would have been $159.80. But speaking for myself, had it been a case of "no dough' I simply would have stayed at home.
Posts: 9979 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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