Pacific Surfliner south, coach seat differences?

[user 6862]

Adding a little detail to our itinerary, and found if I dummy book a single trip from SLO to RAT the Coach Seats on the PS are given only as Business Class if we want a Roomette between LAX and RAT.

If I make 2 bookings, SLO to LAX and LAX to RAT I can booked unreserved 'normal coach' or Business Class as we wish, plus a Roomette for the LAX to RAT section.

Pricing is no different booking business separately to LAX or booking as a single ticket through to RAT, but it has caused me to wonder what is the difference between regular coach and business coach on the Surfliner and as it's not so much extra is it a good idea?

Thanks

 

[kbmiflyer]

Business class seats are slightly nicer with slightly more leg room and recline. The seating is still 2 x 2. There are also free snacks in each business class car.

Business class seats are also reserved, so you are guaranteed a seat. Coach is unreserved. However, getting on in SLO this wouldn't be an issue in coach since you are the first stop and there would be plenty of seats.

Another business class benefit is you get to use the metro lounge in LA, which is a quiet place with free snacks. But you would already get to use that as part of your roomette purchase LAX to RAT.

I see no reason you wouldn't book SLO to RAT as a single ticket and get to ride in business.

 

[roadman3313]

You can book coach and your roomette on the same booking if you decide. When looking at the premium booking category you will see the word "Change" in the box that says "1 Business Class Seat" and two directional triangles to the left and right of the word. If you click on one of the triangles it will change to "1 Unreserved Coach Seat" and the price will adjust accordingly. If you do that it will be booked as one trip all the way through and preserve the connection in your reservation.

If you don't mind paying a little extra to be in business class you will get some Danishes, and coffee, tea, and juice (I assume you'd take the morning departure from SLO to make your connection), however beyond that there is no real added benefit in my opinion. Some say it may be a little quieter, however it all depends on who booked business class with you. I've been on trains where it has been nice and trains where it has been the party car (within reason). Coach is just fine for that trip. Plus, if the consist has a Superliner in it (many do to add capacity) that will have much more leg room and recline than Business Class would.

It's all up to your preferences but you can book it either way on a single reservation

 

[user 6862]

Thanks, very helpful.

If we book reserved business class seats, can we chose seats on the right side at booking (as we are travelling south). Or as this is in February and starting at the PSL terminal, can we almost guarantee we can get two seats on the right if we book unreserved?

Yes, we would be on the 774 at 06:55 am out of SLO

 

[amamba]

No you cannot reserve specific seats at the time of booking. A reserves ticket means that theoretically they won't overbook the train.

 

[the_traveler]

Yes, "reserved seat" on Amtrak just means you will have a seat on the train, not a specific seat assigned at the time of booking. Once you get on the train, you can choose your seat. Technically "unreserved seat" means you are not guaranteed a seat, just a space on the train. However, since you are boarding at the starting point of that run, you will not have trouble finding a right side seat.

 

[oregon pioneer]

I have taken that train out of SLO several times (always December to February), and have easily gotten a seat on the right side. Many of those getting on in SLO are commuter-types, and they've seen the scenery before, ha, ha! So they just drive up at the last minute, grab any seat, and open the computer. If you get there for early boarding in February, there should be no problem at all.