AGR newbie --Train Connection and baggage Questions

[erinch13]

For a June trip out west, I booked a trip using my husband's points on the Capitol Limited from WAS to CHI. Gets in at 8:45.

I then booked the other leg on the Southwest Chief to ABQ using my points .

If the CL is delayed for some reason, will they rebook the SC or do I need to get Trip interruption insurance?

And can we check bags all the way through? We actually will be starting on the Northeast Regional in Philly to head down to WAS.

Thanks!

 

[Ryan]

Both Philly and ABQ have checked baggage service, so you will be able to check your bags all the way through.

However, the regional you're taking doesn't have baggage service, so they won't travel on your train. If you are able to check them before noon (or maybe a bit earlier), then they'll likely get put on the Silver Star to DC and then transferred to the CL. What regional are you taking?

If they miss the Star, they'll likely end up a day behind you. I don't think the schedules work out such that something dropped later can make it to NYP to make the LSL to meet you in CHI.

Since you booked the trip together, Amtrak will do what is necessary in case of a misconnect. It could involve the SWC getting held for a late departure (if you're close, and there are a lot of you), taken off of the CL a little early to catch a bus to get to CHI faster, or catch the SWC after it has departed. Or, if it's really bad, they'll put you up for a day and get you on the next day's train.

 

[OBS]

To be safe, I would just wait and check bags in Wash. DC.....

 

[Ryan]

A kind reader pointed out that I probably missed the fact you're doing the trips on two separate reservations because of the points?

If that's the case, it's worth a call to see if they can link the reservations in case of a misconnect. I've tried that in the past, and been told that it isn't necessary. Others have reported running into problems since they're not listed as a connecting passenger. I've not read anything definitive on the topic.

 

[erinch13]

We can take either the 185 NE regional or the 2151 Acela.

Since we will be leaving ABQ for a conference several hours away in New Mexico, sounds like hand carrying to WAS to maximize chances of luggage is a good idea.

 

[Ryan]

Both of those leave with plenty of time for your bags to get put on 91 at 12:30 and make the transfer to 29.

 

[oregon pioneer]

I have booked a through trip with separate reservations, and because I did it on the same phone call, with the same agent (and for the very same reason: two people's points), the agent told me they were linking the reservations.

If they did not tell you they were doing this when you made the reservations, I would at least call and check.

 

[the_traveler]

Yes, please call and have the reservations linked. When you check your bags, give the agent BOTH tickets. (Otherwise, the bags may only be checked to Chicago since that is where your ticket says your destination is!)

 

[erinch13]

Gina was fabulous and was able to link the reservations.