My USA trip 2024... (part 1)

[caravanman]

Chicago Union Station is undergoing alterations, so coach passengers are asked to wait in the main hall, instead of the former waiting area.



It was not over busy this Sunday evening, there was even a “photo shoot” taking place in a quiet corner, some “fashion” promotion I guess.



There was an Amtrak employee stood at in the great hall, he periodically shouted to alert passengers of trains which were soon departing, as well as answering folk's queries. Hollering at the top of your voice in a large echoing hall is possibly not the best way to communicate information, but it saved the guy walking about...



There was a bit of customer upset when one guy who had several large bags was refused help to carry items to the train, not sure what he was entitled to? Strangely, the redcap had plenty of time to whizz around the grand hall giving a female staff member a fun ride on his cart.

We were called through to stand in line for 30 minutes, before going out to the train. I was pleased to get two seats to myself, as the train was not over busy.

Sadly, an elderly person collapsed on the platform, so we had a delayed departure. Probably nothing to do with her needlessly having to stand in a line for half an hour…

The train ride itself was very good, I was surprised to get a fair amount of sleep, glad to have the two seats to myself!



A fashionable old man, dressed for a long night in a coach seat...



I got chatting to an interesting lady from Pakistan, who was a bit confused about the train procedures, so I was able to assist her. She reward me by treating me to an Amtrak coffee.

Bus substitution again between Albany and Boston. I found it quite interesting, travelling through small towns as we called in at every station, en route.

One night at the Boston hostel, near the Chinatown area.



back to the airport for the flight to Dublin, then a change of planes and on to Manchester.



My plane from Boston, above.

That's all folks!

Thanks to all who have liked, tolerated, and commented on my rather self indulgent trip report...

 

[Maglev]

I enjoyed the trip report! It's always interesting to read your insights into American culture.

 

[caravanman]

Just a few replies to comments made... I probably would use the Irish pre clearance route again, but would not give it such weight in planning a trip again. I guess the reason larger airports like Heathrow don't do this is the amount of resources it would consume, given the finite space and how busy they are already.

I hear that Edinburgh is considering pre-clearance options.

I flew to Boston rather than to Chicago as it is a shorter flight.

I have no idea how long it takes for US citizens to pass through immigration at various airports, it can be a slog for tourists!

As to ground floor, first floor, etc, I guess I am slanting things for a US audience!

I realise that I have been quite self indulgent with this trip report. The background is that I suffered a minor stroke in February this year, and this longer trip was a test of myself to see if I could manage, see what transpired.

I was pleased that things went as well as they did, I didn't do anything too stupid while away from home, and I have a better idea of my capabilities now.

Thanks again for putting up with my "holiday snaps" !

 

[greatwestern]

Ed,

Nice to read and "see" your adventures in the USA in September.

As you know , I travelled from Bristol to Chicago on Aer Lingus via Dublin just the day before you travelled and I experienced the same problems with the queues to get through to pre-clearance for my flight (and as a result nearly tried to board the United flight !!).

Despite my pre-clearance experience this time (and I have done it before with absolutely no problem) I felt the benefits at the other end were well worth it (subject of course to price considerations !!!).

 

[Palmland]

Thanks again for a well written and informative trip report. It sounds like you were able to regain some confidence as a solo traveler after your health concerns.

I can see why two nights in coach on the EB seemed daunting (I certainly wouldn’t try it). But, did you consider a flight to Portland and then the overnight Coast Starlight to LA?