crescent2
Conductor
My late husband, who wasn't in a power chair but had to use a wheelchair at times, and I traveled both on Amtrak and by air on vacations. We enjoyed traveling by Amtrak, but we never took a trip together that was nearly as long or as involved as the one you'd be taking. (I've since taken longer, involved Amtrak trips, so I'm considering those experiences.) If you do choose Amtrak, definitely get the H room on the eastern trains. It's very roomy and has its own bathroom. We never traveled together on the western trains. If you decide on Amtrak, as already suggested, use the amsnag site to help you find better fares if your dates are at all flexible. Sleepers are expensive, though, whether you use money or AGR points.
I've never traveled on Greyhound, and honestly around here it is not even considered by most people. That might be an erroneous perception by people; I don't know. Traveling by car or van would be much better than bus, but even that would be a long trip and it may not even be an option for you.
With the length and cost of such a long Amtrak (or road) trip, personally I would recommend seriously reconsidering flying. I'm not fond of flying at all, but sometimes the practicalities of any alternate form of transportation just don't make sense.
To me, with my experience of traveling with hubby, this sounds like one of those times because of the distance and time involved. We never had any real problems flying, but you do have to notify the airline when making your reservations that your husband has a power chair and will require assistance. If you are a belt-and-suspenders type (like me!), a phone call to the airline to verify your special needs a couple of days before the flight won't hurt. They even helped us through the huge Atlanta airport and then onto the planes ahead of the other passengers. IIRC, we were usually given bulkhead seats. Yes, coach is cramped, but you'd only be on the plane a few hours, as opposed to days or at best what will seem like days via the other methods. And the cost will likely be much less. If there's time, you might want to get a co-branded credit card and use the bonus frequent flyer points to help with the cost, too.
I know that wasn't your question, but it's just my honest opinion. In any case, best wishes for a good trip however you decide to travel.
I've never traveled on Greyhound, and honestly around here it is not even considered by most people. That might be an erroneous perception by people; I don't know. Traveling by car or van would be much better than bus, but even that would be a long trip and it may not even be an option for you.
With the length and cost of such a long Amtrak (or road) trip, personally I would recommend seriously reconsidering flying. I'm not fond of flying at all, but sometimes the practicalities of any alternate form of transportation just don't make sense.
To me, with my experience of traveling with hubby, this sounds like one of those times because of the distance and time involved. We never had any real problems flying, but you do have to notify the airline when making your reservations that your husband has a power chair and will require assistance. If you are a belt-and-suspenders type (like me!), a phone call to the airline to verify your special needs a couple of days before the flight won't hurt. They even helped us through the huge Atlanta airport and then onto the planes ahead of the other passengers. IIRC, we were usually given bulkhead seats. Yes, coach is cramped, but you'd only be on the plane a few hours, as opposed to days or at best what will seem like days via the other methods. And the cost will likely be much less. If there's time, you might want to get a co-branded credit card and use the bonus frequent flyer points to help with the cost, too.
I know that wasn't your question, but it's just my honest opinion. In any case, best wishes for a good trip however you decide to travel.
