Seat assignment questions

Hi,
My name is Afan and I bought my first Amtrak ticket. Yeee!!!
But...! I didn't had a chance to choose my seat?!?
I used the LiveChat (an AI, pretty sure) and I was told that I can't choose my seat and it will be assigned to me automatically.
I was REALLY, REALLY hoping for the window seat. The view and the power outlets for work.
I'm assuming there is nothing I can do about it, right?

I hope I'll have luck on Sunday.

Thanks for listening my rumbling...

Afan said:

Hi,
My name is Afan and I bought my first Amtrak ticket. Yeee!!!
But...! I didn't had a chance to choose my seat?!?
I used the LiveChat (an AI, pretty sure) and I was told that I can't choose my seat and it will be assigned to me automatically.
I was REALLY, REALLY hoping for the window seat. The view and the power outlets for work.
I'm assuming there is nothing I can do about it, right?

I hope I'll have luck on Sunday.

Thanks for listening my rumbling...

Click to expand...

Welcome to AU and riding Amtrak. Many happy rides....

What train are you traveling by? There are only certain trains and that too in certain class that you can get a pre-assigned seat. On most trains you just get on the train and find something or the Conductor or Coach Attendant assigns you a seat when you board.

You will have access to a power outlet no matter which seat you sit in. I agree with you that not getting a window seat is a bit of a bummer.

Another welcome, and let us know what train and what cities you are travelling to. We can provide some hints for getting the seats you want.

If the conductor assigns seats, politely ask that, as a first time traveler, you would really appreciate it if you could get a window seat. No guarantees, of course; it is possible that groups seating together will be boarding at later stops and so seats that appear open may not be. Still, no harm in asking.

For example, if you happen to be getting on the train at the origin station, and that station has Red Caps, it is perfectly okay to suddenly find your luggage is very heavy and you need some help. The service is completely free and they almost always walk you onto the train ahead of other passengers. You should give at least a $5 tip and more if you really do have serious luggage.

I used to commute from Boston to Stamford CT, and I had a regular Red Cap that would greet me every Friday and joked how heavy my (10 pound) bag looked.

As mentioned before, if you get on at an intermediate station, if you don't get a window immediately keep an eye open for couples getting off at later stations. You can get a hint if the conductor walks down the car a few minutes before and pulls off the little tags above the seat. As soon as they get up, it is perfectly okay to take their seats and move your tag to their row. Just be ready, because you won't be the only one watching...

If it is business class with assigned seating, the system assigns your seat initially, but you have the ability to go online and change it. Regular coach (and certain BC) is as described above.

I apologize for not replying earlier.

I'm boarding the California Zephyr tomorrow in Osceola at 8:23 PM, headed to Glenwood Springs, CO. I checked the Amtrak website more thoroughly and discovered that seating is first-come, first-served. I didn't realize that before.

I'll try Flitcraft's suggestion; as he said, "No harm in asking."
However, there's a slight issue with that plan. According to the Amtrak Osceola website (amtrak.com/stations/osc):




Another question I have is about long-term parking. I live in Des Moines, about 45 minutes north of Osceola. A couple of months ago, when I started exploring the idea of riding Amtrak for the first time, I read that leaving my car for a few days at the Amtrak building wouldn't be a problem. However, now the website states something different:



I spoke with Amtrak Customer Center over the phone, and the representative mentioned that I can park my car in front of the Amtrak building for a couple of days as a customer. However, she noted there are no security cameras in the parking lot. My car is old and banged up, so I don't think anyone would bother it, but I'm still a bit unsure. Has anyone else done this? Is it a reasonable idea or should I reconsider?

Thank you for any help.

Afan said:

I apologize for not replying earlier.

I'm boarding the California Zephyr tomorrow in Osceola at 8:23 PM, headed to Glenwood Springs, CO. I checked the Amtrak website more thoroughly and discovered that seating is first-come, first-served. I didn't realize that before.

I'll try Flitcraft's suggestion; as he said, "No harm in asking."
However, there's a slight issue with that plan. According to the Amtrak Osceola website (amtrak.com/stations/osc):

View attachment 36888


Another question I have is about long-term parking. I live in Des Moines, about 45 minutes north of Osceola. A couple of months ago, when I started exploring the idea of riding Amtrak for the first time, I read that leaving my car for a few days at the Amtrak building wouldn't be a problem. However, now the website states something different:

View attachment 36889

I spoke with Amtrak Customer Center over the phone, and the representative mentioned that I can park my car in front of the Amtrak building for a couple of days as a customer. However, she noted there are no security cameras in the parking lot. My car is old and banged up, so I don't think anyone would bother it, but I'm still a bit unsure. Has anyone else done this? Is it a reasonable idea or should I reconsider?

Thank you for any help.

Click to expand...

Stuff like that is very variable depending on what the area is like.
https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/osceola-ia-osc/

Afan said:

I apologize for not replying earlier.

I'm boarding the California Zephyr tomorrow in Osceola at 8:23 PM, headed to Glenwood Springs, CO. I checked the Amtrak website more thoroughly and discovered that seating is first-come, first-served. I didn't realize that before.

I'll try Flitcraft's suggestion; as he said, "No harm in asking."
However, there's a slight issue with that plan. According to the Amtrak Osceola website (amtrak.com/stations/osc):

View attachment 36888


Another question I have is about long-term parking. I live in Des Moines, about 45 minutes north of Osceola. A couple of months ago, when I started exploring the idea of riding Amtrak for the first time, I read that leaving my car for a few days at the Amtrak building wouldn't be a problem. However, now the website states something different:

View attachment 36889

I spoke with Amtrak Customer Center over the phone, and the representative mentioned that I can park my car in front of the Amtrak building for a couple of days as a customer. However, she noted there are no security cameras in the parking lot. My car is old and banged up, so I don't think anyone would bother it, but I'm still a bit unsure. Has anyone else done this? Is it a reasonable idea or should I reconsider?

Thank you for any help.

Click to expand...

Boarding and seating vary by station train and crew. But seats are not assigned in advance in the reservations system except for Business and Acela First Class in the Northeast Corridor.

The most common boarding process at intermediate stations is you board and find yourself an empty seat with no seat check (indicating occupancy) above it. Often certain rows are designated for parties of 2 and parties of 3 or more with signs. Sometimes the attendant or conductor will assign seats at the door as you board. Mostly not, though. Fairly frequently crews board families first, then couples, then singles. YMMV.

At some terminals and crew change points the incoming conductor may do a check in and assign seats. However, Osceola is not a crew change point and certainly is not a terminal, so that isn't a possibility. I have never known station agents anywhere to have anything to do with seating even at staffed stations. That is under the purview of the conductor.

I don't know about the security of parking at Osceola. Being a resident of the Midwest, you'd have a better feel for unmonitored parking in a small Midwestern city than I would, or an Amtrak agent in Philadelphia would.

You would know your territory better than I. But I've left our car for almost a month at Illinois stations as well as Ft. Madison and Mt. Pleasant, IA without any problem.

Afan said:

I apologize for not replying earlier.

I'm boarding the California Zephyr tomorrow in Osceola at 8:23 PM, headed to Glenwood Springs, CO. I checked the Amtrak website more thoroughly and discovered that seating is first-come, first-served. I didn't realize that before.

I'll try Flitcraft's suggestion; as he said, "No harm in asking."
However, there's a slight issue with that plan. According to the Amtrak Osceola website (amtrak.com/stations/osc):

View attachment 36888


Another question I have is about long-term parking. I live in Des Moines, about 45 minutes north of Osceola. A couple of months ago, when I started exploring the idea of riding Amtrak for the first time, I read that leaving my car for a few days at the Amtrak building wouldn't be a problem. However, now the website states something different:

View attachment 36889

I spoke with Amtrak Customer Center over the phone, and the representative mentioned that I can park my car in front of the Amtrak building for a couple of days as a customer. However, she noted there are no security cameras in the parking lot. My car is old and banged up, so I don't think anyone would bother it, but I'm still a bit unsure. Has anyone else done this? Is it a reasonable idea or should I reconsider?

Thank you for any help.

Click to expand...

On the Zephyr, there is a 'coach attendant' that controls who sits where. Some attendants will let you pick any open seat, some will assign you a seat number upon boarding. Depends on the attendant and how busy the train is. (If it is the latter, you may not have much choice regarding what seat you get. However, you can always ask).

The good news is that the Zephyr also has a "sightseer lounge" car. The upper level of this car is first-come first-serve for passengers to sit and watch the scenery go by. There are several tables on one end of that car with power outlets that are a good place to spread out and work compared to the tray table at the seat. However, the coaches will be a little bit quieter. Thus, I would probably try to snag a seat in the lounge car (even if you get a window seat!)

BTW, your coach seat gets 'reserved' for the duration of your trip, so don't worry about having to give that up if you go to the lounge.

Hope you have a pleasant journey!

That sounds like a great trip! You'll get some incredible scenery once you leave Denver.

I've given this advice many times here, but as the train pulls into Denver (around 8am), head for the SightSeer Lounge car and grab a single seat facing outward on the right side, facing the station. The folks getting on at Denver know how great the scenery is, and they will all head straight for the SSL when they board. It may not look like much as you trundle out of town, but just wait until you hit the Big 10 Curve and the 28 or so tunnels up the Front Range to the Moffat Tunnel. You have to physically remain in your seat, don't assume you can throw a jacket to save it. Of course you can go to the bathroom, but then throw a jacket and ask someone to tell people you will be right back. Don't grab a double seat or a table because they will fill up and people will want to sit together.

Once you go through the Moffat Tunnel you can relax a bit, but you might want to come back for the ride down Glenwood Canyon. When you get close to town, go back to your seat and pack up your stuff so the attendant and/or conductor know you are getting off.

p.s. You'll know you are getting close to Denver when you see more cows than you've ever seen in one place before...

I will point out that unlike a you-know-what, the windows in coach are rather large and you can usually see fairly well out of both sides of the train, even when you are seated in the aisle.

Afan said:

I apologize for not replying earlier.

I'm boarding the California Zephyr tomorrow in Osceola at 8:23 PM, headed to Glenwood Springs, CO. I checked the Amtrak website more thoroughly and discovered that seating is first-come, first-served. I didn't realize that before.

I'll try Flitcraft's suggestion; as he said, "No harm in asking."
However, there's a slight issue with that plan. According to the Amtrak Osceola website (amtrak.com/stations/osc):

View attachment 36888


Another question I have is about long-term parking. I live in Des Moines, about 45 minutes north of Osceola. A couple of months ago, when I started exploring the idea of riding Amtrak for the first time, I read that leaving my car for a few days at the Amtrak building wouldn't be a problem. However, now the website states something different:

View attachment 36889

I spoke with Amtrak Customer Center over the phone, and the representative mentioned that I can park my car in front of the Amtrak building for a couple of days as a customer. However, she noted there are no security cameras in the parking lot. My car is old and banged up, so I don't think anyone would bother it, but I'm still a bit unsure. Has anyone else done this? Is it a reasonable idea or should I reconsider?

Thank you for any help.

Click to expand...

We have the same home station.
My last Amtrak ride was last fall, and there is usually lady that opens the station for the train departures and arrivals (unknown if there have been any recent changes). I think she is not an Amtrak employee hence the unstaffed on the station information. She may be a volunteer or city employee? Anyway, the station has always been unlocked and staffed and restrooms on our rides. Don’t go out on the platform before being told or you will get yelled at for safety reasons.
There is a sense that the parking lot is safe enough to park in for some days/week+. I have told this story before but on one of our trips I think I was hefting multiple heavy suitcases over to the platform and I think I unknowingly bumped the unlock on my remote and our pickup got left unlocked for a week and everything was in place when we got back. I cannot guarantee your auto will not be bothered, but I have not had a problem and the nearby neighborhood vibe does not throw off a “my car will be be stripped and on blocks when I get back” to me

I usually park on the east side, partway down to the south. This way I am not clogging up the close spots for the ride share or people parking for just the arrival/departure. There are some light poles around the lot to position under. I kind of like the east row partway south because it is least visible from the both streets. That may or may not be a good security idea, but it is my style, more of trying to get out of the higher volume traffic areas for less chance of door dings or someone accidentally hitting it.

UserNameRequired said:

I think she is not an Amtrak employee hence the unstaffed on the station information. She may be a volunteer or city employee? Anyway, the station has always been unlocked and staffed and restrooms on our rides.

Click to expand...

That's correct. She is not Amtrak staff, but is a "station caretaker" and is either a volunteer or a city employee. She cannot sell tickets, accept baggage, does not have much more information than is available to the general public, and does not represent Amtrak.

Brian Battuello said:

That sounds like a great trip! You'll get some incredible scenery once you leave Denver.

I've given this advice many times here, but as the train pulls into Denver (around 8am), head for the SightSeer Lounge car and grab a single seat facing outward on the right side, facing the station. The folks getting on at Denver know how great the scenery is, and they will all head straight for the SSL when they board. It may not look like much as you trundle out of town, but just wait until you hit the Big 10 Curve and the 28 or so tunnels up the Front Range to the Moffat Tunnel. You have to physically remain in your seat, don't assume you can throw a jacket to save it. Of course you can go to the bathroom, but then throw a jacket and ask someone to tell people you will be right back. Don't grab a double seat or a table because they will fill up and people will want to sit together.

Once you go through the Moffat Tunnel you can relax a bit, but you might want to come back for the ride down Glenwood Canyon. When you get close to town, go back to your seat and pack up your stuff so the attendant and/or conductor know you are getting off.

p.s. You'll know you are getting close to Denver when you see more cows than you've ever seen in one place before...

Click to expand...

I'm filing away these gems of info ready for my big trip in September!

zephyr17 said:

That's correct. She is not Amtrak staff, but is a "station caretaker" and is either a volunteer or a city employee. She cannot sell tickets, accept baggage, does not have much more information than is available to the general public, and does not represent Amtrak.

Click to expand...

Given that the Zephyr has a history of being hours late, is it fair to assume that the station waiting room will remain open as long as necessary?

PaTrainFan said:

Given that the Zephyr has a history of being hours late, is it fair to assume that the station waiting room will remain open as long as necessary?

Click to expand...

That is the policy for staffed stations. I wouldn't bet on that for caretakers at unstaffed stations with waiting rooms, though, they really aren't within Amtrak's control. If the city employee responsible for locking up is about to go off shift, I imagine they'll probably lock up. The ones staffed by volunteers maybe the volunteer would stay, but maybe not.

zephyr17 said:

That is the policy for staffed stations. I wouldn't bet on that for caretakers at unstaffed stations with waiting rooms, though, they really aren't within Amtrak's control. If the city employee responsible for locking up is about to go off shift, I imagine they'll probably lock up. The ones staffed by volunteers maybe the volunteer would stay, but maybe not.

Click to expand...

Yeah. The CS was running late at Salinas once when I was there with the kiddo. It was still running late but I figured we needed to get there even though the estimated departure was going to be a while. I talked to a bus driver who said he had to wait, and the station agent who said that got paid overtime but would rather be home. We got to Emeryville after normal station closing time, and I think they kept it open.

Some of the station rooms are a bit interesting. Fremont, CA is only serviced by Capitol Corridor, so that's a bit different than with stations with long-distance trains. But that place has an operating business, and I think they're the ones who open the waiting room, although I'm not sure who closes it.

At LAUPT seat assignments for coach are assigned prior to boarding at the information desk. You are required to have a seat assignment before boarding.


I am taking a day trip on Metrolink and just overheard them announcing this, no further information.

zephyr17 said:

That is the policy for staffed stations. I wouldn't bet on that for caretakers at unstaffed stations with waiting rooms, though, they really aren't within Amtrak's control. If the city employee responsible for locking up is about to go off shift, I imagine they'll probably lock up. The ones staffed by volunteers maybe the volunteer would stay, but maybe not.

Click to expand...

For grins I emailed the general Osceola city mailbox and got a quick response. The respondent was specific with the name of the caretaker and said she is "really good to keep the building open during those delays. It is a public building and from what I know is open 24 hours a day." Of course, it can't be open 24 hours a day if needs to be unlocked, but I got the message that the caretaker tries her best to see that it is open at appropriate times. She also misidentified that the caretaker "is with Amtrak."

PaTrainFan said:

For grins I emailed the general Osceola city mailbox and got a quick response. The respondent was specific with the name of the caretaker and said she is "really good to keep the building open during those delays. It is a public building and from what I know is open 24 hours a day." Of course, it can't be open 24 hours a day if needs to be unlocked, but I got the message that the caretaker tries her best to see that it is open at appropriate times. She also misidentified that the caretaker "is with Amtrak."

Click to expand...

I would agree, she throws off a sense of caring, being dedicated, and reliable.