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Hello everyone, I have been following this forum for months in preparations for our trip. What a wealth of knowledge I have gained from this site. Thanks to you all! My mom and I will be taking the LSL from Cle to Chi on April 18th. We then board the SWC and head to LA. After our 15 day cruise to Hawaii, we will be returning to Cleveland via the SWC and Capitol Limited. We are so excited. We feel that the train trip is as important a part of our vacation as the cruise is. I didn't take part in the booking so I'm not real clear on our room assignments. We will be in coach on the short legs and sleepers on the SWC. On my coach ticket, what does the YD mean? On the SWC we are assigned to D/0331 going and 15/0431 coming back. Can someone clue me in as far as location, type etc. My mom has kinda bad knees, and to top it off, I broke my foot 2 days ago. How difficult are the stairs to the upper level? I'm sure there will be more questions to come, but this is a good start. Thanks, "Limping" Lorrie
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Ms. Limping; I can't help you with the specific YD designator for your CLE-CHI coach segment, but D/0331 means that you will have Bedroom D on the Upper Level in a sleeper one car away from the Diner. There is no way to predict whether or not the sofa will be forward riding; all I can say is that there are five such Bedrooms per car, in three, the sofa is one way, the other two it is the opposite.
For the return in 15/0431 you will have the Family Room on the Lower Level. While the room is large (it could accomodate two adults and three children) you will have to use communal facilities, as in toilet and shower, all of which are on the Lower Level. That car is also one car away from the Diner.
Regretably for your return, the stairs could possibly be a problem. However, if a passenger has any kind of impairment, the staff will bring your meals to the room. Beyond that, you should not have much reason to leave your room, save to use the facilities, 'for the duration'.
Enjoy
train lady Member # 3920
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ohiolor, your ease of movement really depends on your abilities to move. The stairs are very narrow and steep to a degree. If you are on crutches you will have a hard climb. There are railings to hold on to. You may find as my husband and I have, that the climb to the top bunk is too much for either of you. I don't know how large you are but we get extra blankets and top sheets and share the bottom bunk. If you think the stairs will be a problem you might consider calling Amtrak, explain the situation and request the handicapped room on the lower level. then you can easily have your meals brought down to you. On the superliners there are coach seats on the lower level. I hope you have a fun trp. Be sure to report back to us on your return.
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