Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges 2025

[pennyk]

From January 5, 2025 forward, please post comments discussing Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges here. For previous posts regarding Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges, please refer to this thread, which is currently locked:

https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/amtrak-metropolitan-lounges.79939/page-16

 

[IAmNotATrain]

Do Lounge passengers in Chicago and Los Angeles get priority boarding in coach for the LD trains? Thinking of buying points for lounge passes for my trip.

 

[Eric in East County]

Do Lounge passengers in Chicago and Los Angeles get priority boarding in coach for the LD trains? Thinking of buying points for lounge passes for my trip.

This can depend on several factors. In Chicago, when we’ve been transported from the Metro Lounge to our LD train coach in a Red Cap cart, we are usually the first ones to board. On our last trip, however, our getting a cart was delayed due to the limited availability of carts. By the time we got to our coach, the “walkers” had gotten there first.

 

[Cal]

Do Lounge passengers in Chicago and Los Angeles get priority boarding in coach for the LD trains? Thinking of buying points for lounge passes for my trip.

In Los Angeles the platforms are open-access, just go to the platform early and be there when the train pulls in (usually 40 minutes to an hour prior to departure). Not a guaranteed way to board first, however, because by the time they actually start boarding there might be more people and the way things end up you might not be at the position best to get on first.

 

[Stevenz]

While waiting for the Floridian to leave Chicago I was wandering around because I can’t sit still in such situations. So I checked out where the gate was, just to be prepared. Sometimes I want to know what is required of me in advance. (The staff person at the Great Hall wouldn't tell me.). Well, right at the gate I found a lounge for passengers needing extra assistance with boarding. One of the criteria was anyone “over 65.” No additional qualifications noted. So in I went, showed my ticket, and was invited to have a seat. We were called and taken to the gate ahead of the “walkers”. Not a lot ahead but enough. It was a great find.