We can debate the wisdom of even taking this trip in light of Omicron, or preferably not - the trip was taken. My son and daughter, who are cautious people by nature, really wanted to go, and with Covid cases exploding in Michigan, we didn't feel as if it would be any less safe in Chicago. So what follows is my TR of our family trip to Chicago over NYE, which was a fun annual tradition for us pre-pandemic,with the usual reporting of the good and the not so good.
Departure
Wolverine services having been restored, we are back to 3 trains daily between Detroit(Pontiac) and Chicago. Our coach seats out of Ann Arbor were booked well in advance, and I put in a lowball upgrade bid. It was a week or so before Thanksgiving, and BC out of Chicago was only $69 I think? As opposed to $40 in coach so I decided to spring for BC on the return. Especially given this was part of our family Christmas present. We monitored the Covid situation and agreed to reach a consensus on whether or not to cancel as things got closer. The day before departure, Amtrak sent the Covid screening email, which while nothing is perfect, is a great idea and is obviously better than not doing it. Reporting of any Covid-like symptom is enough to be able to cancel without penalty, and I applaud Amtrak for not incentivizing sick people to travel. All travel companies should continue to do this, and if a few people take advantage so what if they do.
NYE morning and we were on our way. There was a pretty big crowd on the Ann Arbor platform, and boarding was the usual level of disorganized and hectic. The conductors only said to turn right or left, and as the train started moving, people were walking up and down the aisles in different directions, looking for empty seats. The 3 of us each had aisle seats near each other, so our hopes of being together and one across the aisle weren't going to materialize. I really, really wish Amtrak would let us reserve seats on the corridor. VIA certainly does. Anyway, we didn't converse with our seatmates beyond greeting, and also avoided any food or beverage, as the goal was to get to Chicago safely. Mask compliance was good, the car was quiet and the ride was relaxing even without being next to the window. And, it wouldn't have mattered much as the windows were grimy. Amtrak includes as part of its marketing that views come standard with every ticket, so if they're going to market that, clean the damn windows. I noted that on the email survey following the trip.
Arrival
Arrival into Chicago Union Station is always exciting. Those first views of the city skyline followed by disembarking on the dimly lit platform, then heading into the bright station, feels as promising today as it did 20 years ago. There was a different sense, though, with the Covid situation, that we would just be passing through as quickly as possible. I look forward to the days when we can enjoy the station atmosphere without fear of disease, we just aren't there yet.
We regrouped off to one side near the ticket counter area, where passengers were headed up to Canal Street. It was close to 3 pm and our hotel room was ready, so we preferred not to walk in the cold with our luggage. We followed the crowd up the escalator and saw that people were crossing to the other side of Canal, so Uber and Lyft might have been moved over there. My son checked the app. It might have been due to a price surge from our train, but Uber/Lyft both showed a fare of $25 to get to the hotel, not counting tip. There were no cabs in evidence, although I think the covered area when you first go outside might be a cab stand. If so, GREAT setup for bad weather. I had an idea. We walked around the corner, to Adams St., adjacent to the Metropolitan Lounge. There they were - taxicabs! We were on our way. Ten bucks and change. We gave him a $20, still a savings over Uber. I am very happy to return to using cabs in Chicago again. Whether it's driver shortages or price hikes on the Ridesharing apps, there is simply no incentive to use them, at least in downtown Chicago.
Our Stay
Mixed bag, you could say, although on the whole a delightful trip. We had our hearts broken of course, on NYE, with our Wolverines getting beaten by Georgia. It did lessen the pain that we weren't just sitting at home, and we tried to look at it as having played with house money. They still had a great season. Getting outside and walking is the best way to get past a disappointing loss. Especially with magical views of downtown to distract us.
Departure
Wolverine services having been restored, we are back to 3 trains daily between Detroit(Pontiac) and Chicago. Our coach seats out of Ann Arbor were booked well in advance, and I put in a lowball upgrade bid. It was a week or so before Thanksgiving, and BC out of Chicago was only $69 I think? As opposed to $40 in coach so I decided to spring for BC on the return. Especially given this was part of our family Christmas present. We monitored the Covid situation and agreed to reach a consensus on whether or not to cancel as things got closer. The day before departure, Amtrak sent the Covid screening email, which while nothing is perfect, is a great idea and is obviously better than not doing it. Reporting of any Covid-like symptom is enough to be able to cancel without penalty, and I applaud Amtrak for not incentivizing sick people to travel. All travel companies should continue to do this, and if a few people take advantage so what if they do.
NYE morning and we were on our way. There was a pretty big crowd on the Ann Arbor platform, and boarding was the usual level of disorganized and hectic. The conductors only said to turn right or left, and as the train started moving, people were walking up and down the aisles in different directions, looking for empty seats. The 3 of us each had aisle seats near each other, so our hopes of being together and one across the aisle weren't going to materialize. I really, really wish Amtrak would let us reserve seats on the corridor. VIA certainly does. Anyway, we didn't converse with our seatmates beyond greeting, and also avoided any food or beverage, as the goal was to get to Chicago safely. Mask compliance was good, the car was quiet and the ride was relaxing even without being next to the window. And, it wouldn't have mattered much as the windows were grimy. Amtrak includes as part of its marketing that views come standard with every ticket, so if they're going to market that, clean the damn windows. I noted that on the email survey following the trip.
Arrival
Arrival into Chicago Union Station is always exciting. Those first views of the city skyline followed by disembarking on the dimly lit platform, then heading into the bright station, feels as promising today as it did 20 years ago. There was a different sense, though, with the Covid situation, that we would just be passing through as quickly as possible. I look forward to the days when we can enjoy the station atmosphere without fear of disease, we just aren't there yet.
We regrouped off to one side near the ticket counter area, where passengers were headed up to Canal Street. It was close to 3 pm and our hotel room was ready, so we preferred not to walk in the cold with our luggage. We followed the crowd up the escalator and saw that people were crossing to the other side of Canal, so Uber and Lyft might have been moved over there. My son checked the app. It might have been due to a price surge from our train, but Uber/Lyft both showed a fare of $25 to get to the hotel, not counting tip. There were no cabs in evidence, although I think the covered area when you first go outside might be a cab stand. If so, GREAT setup for bad weather. I had an idea. We walked around the corner, to Adams St., adjacent to the Metropolitan Lounge. There they were - taxicabs! We were on our way. Ten bucks and change. We gave him a $20, still a savings over Uber. I am very happy to return to using cabs in Chicago again. Whether it's driver shortages or price hikes on the Ridesharing apps, there is simply no incentive to use them, at least in downtown Chicago.
Our Stay
Mixed bag, you could say, although on the whole a delightful trip. We had our hearts broken of course, on NYE, with our Wolverines getting beaten by Georgia. It did lessen the pain that we weren't just sitting at home, and we tried to look at it as having played with house money. They still had a great season. Getting outside and walking is the best way to get past a disappointing loss. Especially with magical views of downtown to distract us.
Anyway, the walk was beautiful. Back at the hotel, we were all asleep before midnight. The hotel had extra security measures in place to avoid raucous noise from the rooms, and they did a great job. I did hear some comings and goings in the wee hours but that's as good as can be expected for NYE. It's also an older building and the soundproofing not the best in the world. The next night was even more restful and we enjoyed sleeping in.
