Having only traveled regionally (primarily Acela), this was our first "real" long distance train trip .... NYP to LAX, with the requisite stop in CHI. As with all train noobs, I definitely learned more than a few things during this round trip!
First, we traveled from NYP to CHI on the LSL, in coach. Mistake #1 was even choosing coach, mistake #2 was not being astute enough to get to the gate before the massive cattle car throng of humanity tried to get through the one-at-a-time passageway. As a result, my wife and I were not able to sit together on the overnight trip to CHI, and as has been previously discussed, Amtrak likes to cram as much flesh as they can into the car that is definitely head to CHI. None of the riders in the car were willing to switch seats, and frankly, the conductors were not willing to even discuss a seating change. Their attitude was less than appealing for a 1st time rider.
However, upon arrival in CHI, where we were to hook up with the SWC, we were directed to the Metropolitan Lounge (the SWC portion was in a roomette) to wait for boarding. Obviously, the difference between coach and "1st class" is like night and day, and we were immediately upgraded to fine, upstanding citizens by the Amtrak staff. I took the time to upgrade my return CHI-NYP trip to a roomette, not wishing for a repeat experience like the first portion.
The SWC boarded right on schedule, we were taken to our roomette (#14, lower level, at our choosing) and began the journey. There have been enough reports here on some of the very scenic portions of this trip that I won't blather on about, but in brief the CO, NM, AZ portion took my breath away .... simply beautiful!
On the return trip, the SWC again boarded right on time, this go round we were in roomette #13. My only real complaint about both portions of the SWC is that the air movement on the lower level of the Superliners is horrible. Walk upstairs and it's plenty cool, go down to the cabins in the lower level and you are sweating bullets. It happened both ways, to all unit on the lower level, so I have to assume that there must be a flaw in the air handling system. Not pleased about that, at all.
For the final leg on the LSL back to NY, our roomette on the Viewliner had a toilet and sink ... no shower, so I don't know what they call they arrangement now. Far more comfortable quarters, real temperature control and much nicer top bunk. Once back in NYP and out of Amtrak's system, we went back to being part of the maddening throng in the station and struggled to catch the local NJ Transit commuter back to our home town.
We met some amazing people on the ride, the food was actually very good and our treatment by the Amtrak staff top notch (well, except for the 1st NYP-CHI part). We really enjoyed the trip and we have become Amtrak fans. If we never see a plane again, that'll be fine with us!!
First, we traveled from NYP to CHI on the LSL, in coach. Mistake #1 was even choosing coach, mistake #2 was not being astute enough to get to the gate before the massive cattle car throng of humanity tried to get through the one-at-a-time passageway. As a result, my wife and I were not able to sit together on the overnight trip to CHI, and as has been previously discussed, Amtrak likes to cram as much flesh as they can into the car that is definitely head to CHI. None of the riders in the car were willing to switch seats, and frankly, the conductors were not willing to even discuss a seating change. Their attitude was less than appealing for a 1st time rider.
However, upon arrival in CHI, where we were to hook up with the SWC, we were directed to the Metropolitan Lounge (the SWC portion was in a roomette) to wait for boarding. Obviously, the difference between coach and "1st class" is like night and day, and we were immediately upgraded to fine, upstanding citizens by the Amtrak staff. I took the time to upgrade my return CHI-NYP trip to a roomette, not wishing for a repeat experience like the first portion.
The SWC boarded right on schedule, we were taken to our roomette (#14, lower level, at our choosing) and began the journey. There have been enough reports here on some of the very scenic portions of this trip that I won't blather on about, but in brief the CO, NM, AZ portion took my breath away .... simply beautiful!
On the return trip, the SWC again boarded right on time, this go round we were in roomette #13. My only real complaint about both portions of the SWC is that the air movement on the lower level of the Superliners is horrible. Walk upstairs and it's plenty cool, go down to the cabins in the lower level and you are sweating bullets. It happened both ways, to all unit on the lower level, so I have to assume that there must be a flaw in the air handling system. Not pleased about that, at all.
For the final leg on the LSL back to NY, our roomette on the Viewliner had a toilet and sink ... no shower, so I don't know what they call they arrangement now. Far more comfortable quarters, real temperature control and much nicer top bunk. Once back in NYP and out of Amtrak's system, we went back to being part of the maddening throng in the station and struggled to catch the local NJ Transit commuter back to our home town.
We met some amazing people on the ride, the food was actually very good and our treatment by the Amtrak staff top notch (well, except for the 1st NYP-CHI part). We really enjoyed the trip and we have become Amtrak fans. If we never see a plane again, that'll be fine with us!!
