California Zephyr discussion 2024 H2 - 2025

[MccfamschoolMom]

The trap that I fell into with that work-around was that that meant the Chicago to Cleveland (and back) was on a separate reservation, so the connection wasn't guaranteed for me.

This is why I wouldn't want to use points to pay for the 2 Lincoln Service segments as a separate reservation, because the connection from the eastbound CZ to the Lincoln Service could be messed up if the CZ runs late. And because the Lincoln Service isn't one of the long-distance routes, there would be less likelihood of other CZ passengers with guaranteed reservations continuing on the Lincoln Service to hold the Lincoln Service's departure.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Cash&Points have finally been implemented (sometime in 2024). I may be looking at using that option for a trip I’m starting to plan.

 

[UserNameRequired]

Cash&Points have finally been implemented (sometime in 2024). I may be looking at using that option for a trip I’m starting to plan.

I don’t have personal experience with Cash&Points, but there was a thread analyzing that vs. purchasing more points to cover a trip so if you are a careful shopper it could be worthwhile to price buying points vs. Cash&Points.

 

[Bob Dylan]

The hubby and I are just about ready to book an October roundtrip on the CZ, but don't want to take it all the way to Emeryville. We're debating which stop to get off at in California, preferably during daylight hours and with hotels as close as possible to the station. (The 2-block walk from the Fort Worth station to the hotel in 90F heat on last year's Texas Eagle trip exhausted us!) Also, my current AGR points balance is just under 37K, not enough for even 1 person one way Chicago-Sacramento in a roomette. As long as we'd be overnighting in a hotel before catching the eastbound CZ the next day, would we be OK using points + cash to buy the tickets, or should I buy enough points for at least the westbound trip? (We would also be connecting from/to the Lincoln Service in Chicago, which shouldn't be a problem on the westbound trip, but could be a difficulty coming home.)

Buying lots of AGR Pounts isn't a good deal,( and using them in Coach is an especially poor deal) you'd be better off to Pay Cash for a Segment since Point+ CashTrips tend be Pricier than Tickets bought with Cash.( and you no.lomger get the Low Bucket Rail Fare when using points to book a Sleeper)

Sacramento is OK for staying overnight,( the,Excellent California Rail Museum is next to the Amtrak Station)but I suggest you take a look @ Davis, the cool College town which is the first stop West of Sacramento).

Both towns have Hotels and Eating places within walking distance of the Amtrak Station.

And since you're going in October, tte weather will be pleasant. In the Summer Temps are regularly over 100 in the Sacramento Area!

 

[railiner]

I caught Amtrak #6(10) east of Ottumwa, Iowa this (Sunday) morning being pulled by a Union Pacific SD70M and one Amtrak P42. I think I saw that this Zephyr started out this way when it left Emeryville.

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I’m surprised they didn’t swap for a BNSF unit at Denver. That’s the way they used to…

 

[Agent]

I’m surprised they didn’t swap for a BNSF unit at Denver. That’s the way they used to…

I don't think I've ever seen a report of them swapping freight locomotives at Denver for an Amtrak train. In fact, not too long ago, they added a BNSF unit in front of an ailing Union Pacific unit.

 

[Mary Olup]

You can buy points on Amtrak Website

 

[Mary Olup]

You can buy the points you need on Amtrak site