What does that mean in practice? Like can't you "bid" for a permanent job whenever but it's filled based on seniority?
So, for example, you can spend a couple years in Chicago on the extra board or you can move to Miami (example) and get a regular schedule if you want? Or am I totally wrong?
Which is why they get lots of days off after that 6 day run. Isn't it like 6 days on and 6 days off for a train like that?
In practice I've often seen SCA's greet passengers or open the door in the middle of the night at stations of all sizes.
Also don't forget the Coach Attendants - I've...
One of the tricky things about Amtrak dining is how much it changes even within all the different titles they give the different services. The Amfleet II's did have steam tables added to them I believe, so in Diner-Lite mode they could serve everything that wasn't grilled on board (eggs, steaks...
What makes flex a "full meal" vs. the Cafe Car?
Waffle House does... and at a good price too! But yes, many chain restaurants are simply re-heating food delivered by Aramark or Sysco. I'm not sure how the "chef-inspired" menu items were prepared on board but the Mahi Mahi and Lamb Shank were...
I disagree - Flex is worse than the cafe car menu for me. The current national cafe car menu has 2 salad options, and 2 cold sandwich options along with a cheese and cracker tray and a veggie and hummus tray. That's in addition to some hot choices that are, in my opinion, better than flex -...
The Empire Builder used to offer the "Big Sky Chicken Picnic Basket" or something like that - it was from a local restaurant/caterer and was purchased in the lounge car. So this can work.
Ideally though, the food is still loaded and handled by the existing commissaries - Amtrak can serve any...
That was something that I hoped would stay - especially on the single-level trains where the Viewliners really are the best car for enjoying the scenery. If I get decent food back like on the Silver Trains, the trade is worth it but to still eat flex food - no! haha.
Interesting, it sounds like staffing is no longer the issue keeping Flex dining on some trains but rather a choice to test a fancy version of flex.
Does anyone know if there are certain things an LSA can't do vs. a chef? For example - could they make up a pot of chili for lunch? Or some sort of...
Was your sleeper the very last car on the train? That can definitely make the ride worse.
The Amtrak long distance trains - the locomotives are always pulling the train when in-route except when they reverse into stations or into sidings - during that time the Conductor or Assistant Conductor...
Agreed. I might be one of the few, but Amtrak Sleeper does compete with Domestic 1st for me.
But I do find it interesting to compare Amtrak with VIA and Alaska Rail as well as all the Airline services.
This is the kinda thing that makes my head hurt... the bar is right there and they won't staff it! Why wait for new equipment - staff the ones you have. Maybe they will see this can be a good thing.
Sure, but the service is there. The Cafe car isn't a guarantee either - it could always be bad ordered at the last minute or have no power or something. As for the snack... if I don't get Biscoff cookies did I even fly????? haha. Yeah, if Pretzels are the only snack I'm disappointed but...