Starlight Boarding in Seattle

[Oreius]

Here’s another question about boarding. I purchased a Bedroom for myself with my points, but I also purchased a Roomette with cash for my parents. My intention is to give my parents the Bedroom so they have their own potty and shower. I would take the Roomette for sleeping-we can all three fit in the Bedroom during the daytime. Would the Conductor give me an issue for doing this? Technically I bought both accommodations myself. Any suggestions?

 

[Triley]

That would mostly be between you and your sleeper attendant. I am curious why you don't have it ticketed to have them in the bedroom, and yourself in the roomette, but it doesn't matter. There is nothing that states you can only be in the "your" room. Families rotate between rooms all the time, and as long as everyone is properly ticketed for a sleeper, that's fine. Just let your sleeper attendant know, and all is good. If it's a busy train, they may also speak to the LSA, to ensure that you three are able to be accommodated together during any meals requiring reservations. If you still share the same last name as your parents, both your sleeper attendant and LSA may pick up that you're likely travelling together, though it's quite easy to overlook on a busy train.

Either way, have a great trip!

 

[zephyr17]

The conductor isn't going to have a problem. They typically lift tickets prior to boarding in Seattle. Explain it briefly to the attendant as you board. The chances of the attendant having an issue with it are infinitesimal.

 

[Oreius]

Thank you. I don’t think it’s a problem. There are very few people with my last name in the US.

I’ve also made Redcap arrangements in both Seattle and Los Angeles for my mom and I to get to the sleeper from the station building. She has a double knee replacement and I just have had a 4th spinal surgery. How far of a walk is it to the platform from the building in Seattle?

Our Seattle hotel is in Pioneer Square—adjacent to the station. What time shall we arrive?

 

[amtrakp42]

Be there about an hour early. Over in the right corner is seating for red cap service. Many times they can take you down before general sleeper boarding. This way not many in their way to help you with luggage etc.

 

[zephyr17]

Starlight usually opens for boarding about 30 minutes before departure. Since you want the Red Cap preboard you want to be there before that.

If you are checking bags, there is a 45 minute hard cutoff.

I'll go with an hour. That is about the time I give it. Arrive on a Sounder from Everett, go have breakfast at 13 Coins, mosey back across the street to King Street Station about an hour before.

 

[Cal]

How far of a walk is it to the platform from the building in Seattle?

Platform is right outside the doors, but the sleepers will be all the way down towards the front.

 

[Oreius]

We're going to be at the station ninety minutes before departure. This way, we can check our 3 suitcases, get in for Redcap boarding assistance and be all squared away.

 

[TinCan782]

Platform is right outside the doors, but the sleepers will be all the way down towards the front.

Another reason to use a Red Cap...to drive you down the platform to the sleepers.

 

[20th Century Rider]

I can't remember when there's ever been a problem with people going to visit bedroom passengers during the day... I 've made lifelong friends on the train... many of whom had invited me into their bedrooms to visit and talk about train travel etc. Simply no issue. The only thing I can think of is at night when beds are made and only for those passengers ticketed for that bedroom; and possibly some kind of regulation that may come along with this Covid Delta Variant thing.

Enjoy the trip with your parents and know it's perfectly fine to visit with them in the bedroom accommodation.