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I am supposed to be at a church conference in Albuquerque this fall in September I think. Rather than flying into Abq, I am going to fly (I have free flight privilages) to CHI and then take the train down to the conference. Sunday after church I will continue down to LAX so I run the route the entire way. I will have a roomette as it is just me. A couple questions...What is the metropolatin lounge in Chicago like and according to the schedule, limited meal on train 3 morning arriving in Los Angeles. Are we talkign limited to the point of cold cereal and danish pastries?
Anyone been on this route lately can tell me about it?
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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The Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago is pretty decent. It's located between the north and south departure gates at CUS but was enlarged about a year and a half ago. There are a variety of seating options (couches, table and chairs, etc.), some magazines, some televisions, and some complimentary snacks. Best of all, they offer complimentary storage of your luggage if you want to explore downtown Chicago (or even just the station) before your train departs.
I was last in Chicago this past April having flown into Midway and awaiting departure on the California Zephyr. I was feeling a little groggy (I thought it was from my early flight but it was instead the start of a nasty sinus infection which was full-blown by Donner Pass) and opted to bring my lunch which I bought in the food court back to the lounge and eat at a quiet table there.
I'm not sure what 'limited breakfast' on number 3 means now but in 2004 I had a hot breakfast (french toast) descending Cajon Pass. At that time with the early arrival in LAX they started serving at about 4:30am and had last call around 5:45 or 6:00. This was NOOOOO problem for me though as I had flown into Albuquerque and caught the train there. My body was still on Eastern Time and I was wide-awake by 3:45am Pacific.
-------------------- 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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I took the SWC from CHI to LAX last August. Limited breakfast means that it may be limited in time, not in menu.
Posts: 133 | From: Canaan, CT | Registered: Dec 2004
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How are the roometts. Since it is just me I figured it would not be THAT crowded.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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How well you like the standard roomette depends on your size. Persons who are of average height or less, and not excessively overweight should find it very satisfactory. If you are tall, or "full figured", it may not be too comfortable. On my last trip, I had dinner with a fellow who was BIG. He was miserable, and tried to upgrade to a bedroom. When he heard the price, he decided to stay where he was.
Posts: 133 | From: Canaan, CT | Registered: Dec 2004
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There is no limited menu, but a limited time. Breakfast starts earlier (around 5:30) but last call is around Riverside. Everything on the menu is available.
Posts: 286 | From: Knee deep in the retention tank | Registered: Jan 2006
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Limited menu can mean different things depending on the crew...at least with my travels.
On some of my Southwest Chief trips, the limited dinner menu out of Los Angeles (train 4) was limited to two selections. Other times the full menu was available. I could not find any reason for the differences other than the crew.
The limited menu mostly now refers to time.
But a big warning to look out for. Since this is the last breakfast (and meal) served on the train, it is very likely the menu will be limited since the dinner runs out of the more popular items fast. It depends on how many people are on board, but my experience shows that about 80% of the time something will not be available for the last breakfast. Heck one time they ran out of toast.
-------------------- Matt Visit gallery for photos of our train layouts Posts: 579 | From: San Bernardino Subdivison | Registered: Dec 2001
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Scott, My wife and I were on this train in December. In that case, limited did refer to time. The crew needs time to clean up before arrival in LA. Be sure to check when breakfast starts, as it will be earlier than the previous day, and end earlier. It is quite possible that they may have run out of some menu choices. Another thing: there is considerable padding in the schedule between Fullerton and LA. A train that is an hour late may still arrive at the endpoint on time. The roomette is fine for just one person, as you don't need to put down the upper bunk. During the day there are two seats, so you can put your feet up on the opposite one.
Posts: 127 | From: Worcester, Massachusetts | Registered: Jan 2007
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