Passengers who don't sight-see in the Sightseers Lounge

[sunchaser]

Am I the only person who gets irritated at the number of people who now seem to immediately go into the Sightseers Lounge, but not actually sight see? They will read a book, or open their laptop, or play cards with someone, or play on a Gameboy, but never look out the windows at all. I was on the Capitol Limited last Labor Day going from Harpers Ferry to Cleveland and it was my first time on the CL. I wanted to watch the country go by, but had to remain standing for quite some time until one of the non-looky-lous would get bored with their laptop and leave their seat.
Am I the only one aggravated by this? I bring my camera the first time on a particular route and take as many pictures as possible. These people could just stay at their seats or go to the lounge car if they wanted to isolate themselves in a book or computer or to play cards with a friend.

Have any of you politely suggested to the non-lookers they might be better in another car?

It doesn't really bother me too much [okay, it bothers me a bit] if they read, play a game, use their laptop, etc. But what does bother me are the people who go to the lounge and take a nap! We had a guy in the lounge car on the CZ who sprawled across several seats, sound asleep, as others had to stand for our trip through the Sierras!

I was in the SSL on the Empire Builder on my way to Portland one time and promptly at 6AM the conductor made everyone that was asleep in the lounge wake up. Most of the sleeping passengers didn't like it but they complied. I think those that take a nap and sprawl over several seats should be made to wake up.

I know this was discussed a while back (coach passengers sleeping overnight in the lounge), but it's really too bad that the Conductor(s) allow passengers to do this. I personally have not seen it, but I can't imagine people sleeping on the floor or draped across the chairs in there could be very safe. I would hate to walk through there and accidentally step on someone!

I can understand if someone falls asleep while looking out the window during the day, but to go there for the purpose of sleeping-IMO-tends to impose on others around you.

 

[MrFSS]

I know this was discussed a while back (coach passengers sleeping overnight in the lounge), but it's really too bad that the Conductor(s) allow passengers to do this. I personally have not seen it, but I can't imagine people sleeping on the floor or draped across the chairs in there could be very safe. I would hate to walk through there and accidentally step on someone!
I can understand if someone falls asleep while looking out the window during the day, but to go there for the purpose of sleeping-IMO-tends to impose on others around you.

When I was on the EB several weeks ago I had to walk from the 28 sleeper through the coaches and the SSL to get to the diner. Early in the AM the SSL was "packed" with folks on the floor sleeping. They were ususally between the seats and the windows. No chance of stepping on them but they sure blocked the seats so no one could sit down if they wanted to.

 

[Guest]

I know this was discussed a while back (coach passengers sleeping overnight in the lounge), but it's really too bad that the Conductor(s) allow passengers to do this. I personally have not seen it, but I can't imagine people sleeping on the floor or draped across the chairs in there could be very safe. I would hate to walk through there and accidentally step on someone!
I can understand if someone falls asleep while looking out the window during the day, but to go there for the purpose of sleeping-IMO-tends to impose on others around you.

When I was on the EB several weeks ago I had to walk from the 28 sleeper through the coaches and the SSL to get to the diner. Early in the AM the SSL was "packed" with folks on the floor sleeping. They were ususally between the seats and the windows. No chance of stepping on them but they sure blocked the seats so no one could sit down if they wanted to.

Think it depends on the conductor and the LSA, I've seen them wake up and run off the lounge lizards, tell them it will open @ 6AM! On the other hand as Tom said I've seen it packed all night, both on the floor and the seats and tables!

I'm not so much opposed to sleepers as the drunks and loudmouths that yell/curse/make inappropriate remarks etc. Have seen people like this removed and put off the train, other times the conductors were "see no evil/hear no evil"!! :blink: