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This is the second time I have experienced what to me is an avoidable "annoyance" for First Class passengers aboard the Zephyr. This happened East-bound during a trip in early May this year.
Routinely, Amtrak seems to board small tour-groups (in Coach) at either Sacramento or Reno for a short ride between those two destinations.
These groups get the "priviledge" of priority Lunch service in the dining-car.
On my May trip, a large group had full use of the dining-car for Lunch from 11:30 AM until about 1:00 PM , when the last "stragglers" departed. Then, the dining-car crew had to "re-set" all the tables for everyone else. It was about 1:15PM before "regular" Linch service began for others.
Personally, I do not like this "arrangement." As a first-class passenger (who has paid a premium price for service) I do think coach passengers should have this "option." Yet I am not certain how to "fix" the dilemma.
I realize that these groups have only a short period of time to be fed----BUT, not at the "expense" of First-class passengers.
IF tour groups like this are scheduled to board, the dining-car crew KNOWS this in advance. An announcement should be made to First-class passengers that Lunch (for THEM) might be served EARLY that day so that the tour group can be THEN accomodated.
Another option might be to split-up the tour-group to allow BOTH service to First-class passengers AND tour-group members at the same time.
I simply do not feel that these tour-groups should get ANY meal-service PRIORITY over First-class passengers.
Your thoughts on the matter ?
zephyr Member # 1651
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Your topic title sure got my attention, TALKrr. But I have a thick skin.
I understand the rationale in accomodating the large block of passengers (the tour groups) on this relatively short leg of the CZ route. But I like your ideas of either an early lunch seating before the mob's, or splitting-up the tour group's block seatings so everyone onboard has a shot of munching lunch when they wish.
palmland Member # 4344
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If you are in first class, how about getting the sleeping car attendent to bring lunch to your room. I did this once and enjoyed the scenery rather than lunch companions for a change of pace. You're probably not going to get the tour group to change.
Geoff M Member # 153
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Hmm, I thought lunch was a first-come-first-served kind of affair, with preference given to sleepers if it is busy. My feeling is that the tour group should wait in line like everybody else. They've certainly got enough time on board to do that - 4.5 hours.
I like Palmland's idea, too.
Geoff M.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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Hmmm. This reminds me of our trip to Denver in 2000. A tour group loaded in Glenwood Springs. Because they weren't picking up an additional coach until Denver, the group took over the sightseer lounge for the entire Rockies segment.
Definitely annoying in both cases.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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One could also note same regarding the WB Lake Shore as New York passengers are not offered tables during the "prime' Dinner hour of 6 to 730PM. That period is reserved for Boston passengers connecting from 449.
dilly Member # 1427
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To add to Mr. Norman's comment:
During the summer, when the eastbound Lake Shore Limited usually leaves Chicago with three sold-out sleeping cars, the crew typically summons first class passengers to the dining car on a strict one-sleeper-at-a-time basis. If you're unlucky enough to be in "Sleeper #3," you won't be called to dinner until the final seating, well after 10PM.
When traveling solo, I've always ignored this custom. After the first seating has begun, I simply wait ten minutes, and then head for the dining car anyway (just as I do when traveling westbound, from New York, and the 6PM seating is reserved for passengers "originating in Boston only"). Invariably, there's at least one table (and often several) with an empty seat. I've never had a crew member give me a hard time when I've claimed it. Not even when I'm traveling in the aformentioned Sleeper #3. Not even when I'm riding in coach.
The moral: if you're hungry (and provided you're not traveling with a party of twelve), don't sit there suffering. Go to the dining car anyway, regardless of whatever seating "system" seems to be in operation that day. 99.9% of Amtrak's diner crews honestly don't care which car you've come from.
If you show up and there's an empty seat, it's yours. First come, first served.
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