Taking the kids to Grandma's...

[LucindaH]

Hi everyone, I am new to your forum and hope you can help me out. I am from the South Bend area of Indiana. My mother in law who is in ill health and is 77 lives and San Antonio and I am contemplating taking my 3 children to see her via Amtrak ( Texas Eagle) during our schools spring break first of April. I have to admit, I have a love for trains, my Grandfather was an engineer on the Soo Line which later became BNSF? ( I believe) and retired in the early 80s. Because of his connections, it was cheap for us, we would take the train to Devils Lake North Dakota to visit my mothers family twice a yr from Indiana. So I cut my teeth on Amtrak from the late 60's though the early 80's and I have a huge fondness for it.

Well my concerns are that I will be traveling alone with kids, which really isn't a big deal, my husband is a truck driver and I am used to being alone with them. But their ages scare me a bit considering that roomette accommodations are cost prohibitive for us, there is just no way to swing it till summer and I fear that may be too late...My kids are a very mature almost 7 yr old,and 4.5 yr old daughters and a very large 13 month old son who is very mobile.( Mother in law has never seen the boy either) I have a lot of questions and could use your expertise.

My first question - if I were to connect here in SOB, it would take me into CHI where I would transfer to the Eagle. Would I be able to check my baggage here and not touch it till SAS or will I have to get it and then schlep it over to be checked in for the Eagle? I am scared I wont be able to handle car seats ( for the rental in SAS) and luggage, stroller and kids.... If I happen to use the NLS station to get to CHI would it be the same?

Secondly -would I be able to take a stroller onboard the train or would I have to baggage check it? My concerns are trying to corral the kids while trying to get baggage at 11 at night in SAS.

Thirdly and most importantly- do you think I will be safe traveling alone? Its been a long time and I have been reading horror stories....

thanks so much! Lucinda

 

[Shawn Ryu]

Yea, you can check your baggae from wherever its available and check it to any stations that have checked baggage service.

Depends on how much you are bringing. check Amtrak website. A Stroller would count as one baggage. The max is two, and they have to conform to certain size.

Yea, definitely. Its a train. Theres a limited space with Amtrak workers all over the place.

 

[LucindaH]

Yea, you can check your baggae from wherever its available and check it to any stations that have checked baggage service.

Depends on how much you are bringing. check Amtrak website. A Stroller would count as one baggage. The max is two, and they have to conform to certain size.

Yea, definitely. Its a train. Theres a limited space with Amtrak workers all over the place.

thank you for clarifying the baggage for me, my Dad argued that I would have to lug the baggage, but I think that is because where we would pick up the train it didnt have an office there.

We will be well within the carry on limit, no way I am trying to lug 6 carryons with the kids. I was thinking a folding stroller, diaper bag and wheelie stroller.

I know the safety thing sounded weird, but it is my husbands biggest concern.

another question and I looked on the website, are there changing table available? I planned on bringing plastic bags for the diapers so he doesnt stink up the coach, but just wondering if they actually had a place to change him at

 

[Shawn Ryu]

Max is two per person. Just to clarify.

 

[GG-1]

Aloha Lucinda

I don't know which train is tour first train and don't know your starting station so can't answer about that part of baggage. If your stroller is of the folding type there will be on problem on the TE.

As to safety I have never had concern related to being on the train. When I took my 8 yr old Granddaughter the only part of the train f had concern for her was that she would be careful walking. We had a sleeper and went from LA to Vancouver, CA

 

[Pastor Dave]

Hi Lucinda,

Many years ago I took my boys on an LD train in coach. They were older then than your kids are now. I approached the trip with some trepidation. In some cases my concerns came to fruition and other times my boys really surprised me. I think the big challenge was keeping them occupied since enjoying the scenery out the window did not seem to be of interest to them.

Recently we took my granddaughter to Florida and I did everything possible to be able to pay for a bedroom. If you can figure out a way to swing it, it is a lot less stressful.

 

[LucindaH]

RIght, I have 2 paying children and myself, so I should be ok on the carry ons.

Thank you GG-1, that ans a big one for me, I couldnt see doing it with out my stroller!

Our first train would be one the 29 Capital limited which would take us into CHI, and we would have to wait 3 hours for our connection on to the TE. I think I have it figured out, as long as it is a manned stationed which ours here (SOB) is they can check our baggage all the way through.

I have so many questions..... I am so sorry!

 

[LucindaH]

Hi Pastor Dave, I would love to be able to swing the bedroom but it turns out trip from $400 to over $1200 and right now we just cannot swing it. Without going into too many details, our lil guy is a miracle and by Gods grace he is even here. He was born almost 3 months early and spent the first 4 months of life in a NICU with us believing he would never walk, talk, eat etc...well by some miracle, God stepped in and our lil guy is a strapping neurologically normal boy, only downside was our share the hospital bills have pretty much left us broke....anyway too many details...but, I know I cant drive with 3 little ones like that, so I am going to have to find a way to make coach work for us, scary as it is for me, I just have to see her before she passes.....

 

[the_traveler]

Both SOB and SAS offer checked baggage, so you can check all your bags right thru. They will be transferred for you in CHI.

I would consider going coach between SOB and CHI, and then get a Family Bedroom between CHI and SAS! It has 2 regular sized berths and 2 berths about 4 feet long. It also includes all meals for all of you (in the Dining Car) and also allows you to use the Metropolitan Lounge in CHI!

Also, the accommodation charge is per room, not per person!

You are allowed 2 checked bags PER TICKETED PASSENGER. And BTW, the stroller is not included in that count and does not have to be checked!

went from LA to Vancouver, CA

I never knew there was a Vancouver in California!

 

[LucindaH]

thank you for the info the_traveler, very much appreciated.

I keep looking at the bedrooms and while it is so expensive, it would make things a lot easier as the baby could be sat down with out worry of running off...and the food is included... right now the lowest price is $371 plus the $238 fare (evidently it was on sale till yesterday..)....lots to think about, thank you!

 

[LucindaH]

one more question about the family bedrooms, if by chance my husband could go, he wouldnt be allowed in correct: as the max is 4, I tried it on the website, 2 adults, 2 children and an infant and its a no go on the bedroom...so even though the baby is one they count him as a full occupant on the room?

nevermind, I must have been doing something because it just allowed it...sorry

 

[GG-1]

Aloha

While a sleeper in best, I have on 4 occasions taken a coach for one night. On each of these trips there was a family or two in coach. And only once did I see a little one have problems (not serious), a little noisy.

In considering the cost difference of a sleeper remember meals are included in the sleeper price and if only a sleeper on the TE you get to use the CHI lounge with free snacks and boarding before the coach crowd. not the worst thing to deal with, and in CHI you can also get a Red Cap to take you to your train, the typical tip is 5.00 a bag.

 

[GG-1]

Aloha

Some others will know about the count of the one year old as a person in the family room but will need to go through an Agent at Amtrak if you add your husband.

And Traveler is right, I forgot the British Columbia. oops :help: :help: :help:

 

[sunchaser]

Lucinda,

Welcome to the board!

Here are the carry on baggage limits for the train.

Two-Piece Limit: Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as purses, briefcases, laptop computers, baby items such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats, and equipment required for a passenger's medical condition such as breathing assistance devices and oxygen tanks.

Keep checking the prices for a family bedroom-you may find a price drop. Also, remember it includes all meals with the bedroom, plus there is a shower, and coffee, juice, bottled water included.

I have seen changing tables in the communal bathroom in the sleepers, but don't know about coach.

Sounds like a great trip! You may want to bring a small 'car toy' or two for them, crayons, coloring books, that type of thing. They probably will find it fun to look out the window part of the time. If you have a laptop, you may want to bring it & some DVD's & headphones. Have a great trip!

 

[the_traveler]

And Traveler is right, I forgot the British Columbia. oops

I'm always right - except when I'm wrong!

 

[Train2104]

You could take the South Shore Line from SOB into CHI and experience some of that street running that might go away in a few years (and shorten the layover), but the transfer from Millennium to Union isn't that easy.

 

[The Davy Crockett]

Sounds like your travel dates are not very flexible, but if you did have some flexibility, you could try the AmSnag website: http://biketrain.netfirms.com/amsnag/amSnag.php to see if there are cheaper rooms on different days. The prices can vary a lot for rooms because Amtrak does "bucket" pricing. Don't know if it will help you or not, but its a thought. If you have any questions about AmSnag, I'm sure someone here could answer them. I've found the knowledge and help provided on this site to be pretty awesome!

 

[Shawn Ryu]

You could take the South Shore Line from SOB into CHI and experience some of that street running that might go away in a few years (and shorten the layover), but the transfer from Millennium to Union isn't that easy.

Taxi is always an option, because it isnt that expensive, because they are not that far apart.

 

[LucindaH]

thank you for all the replies..

We have done the South Shore multiple times, we use it to visit Chicago during the holidays. I think we would just stick with the couple hour layover, less hassle.

We are still debating the whole family room or not issue, waiting to do our taxes and see if that can help me decide lol

I have found and used the Amsnag, great program, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[George Harris]

Another thing about the train, there is no need to keep the kids belted in or in a car seat. However, if you want to have the little one in a car seat, there are not seat belts at all to hold it in place.

There is far less hassle to take a train than to fly.

A thought on calling to estimate train arrival for whoever will be meeting you in San Antonio: The approach to the San Antonio station is very round about in the city itself, and subjec to random delays from none to who knows within the last few miles. If things go well, the arrival time could be as little as around 1 hour 45 minutes after leaving San Marcos, but the schedule allows 2 hours 40 minutes. If you have a cell phone, call whoever is meeting you when you leave San Marcos telling them this, as if the train leaves San Marcos on schedule it could possibly get to San Antonio as early as 9:00pm. You don't want to have to hang around for about an hour because you told them the train was on schedule at San Marcos, with everybody thinking that meant an arrival at San Antonio at the scheduled 9:55pm.

 

[LucindaH]

thank you for the info on SAS George, I am still working on the transportation from the station to a hotel for the night and then to get a rental car. My MIL shouldnt be driving at night if you kwim...

 

[oldtimer]

Hi LucindaH,

In know that you asked about a changing table you will find them in the restrooms of the Superliner cars (the two level cars) but as having worked for Amtrak for 35 years and on the Superliner waste system since the cars came out. I need to alert you that you MUST NOT dispose of any diapers into the toilets. They are not built to handle any thing but human waste and the supplied toilet paper. I have had the fortunate opportunity to unplug hundreds of these systems. If the system plugs up with any thing it can have serious consequences, failure of the toilets in the whole car and even overflowing waste on the lower level with the stench causing the whole car to not be fit for use.

Enjoy your trip, I was probably 3 when I took my first train trip and still remember some of it! Please heed my words regarding the toilets.

Thanks

 

[George Harris]

thank you for the info on SAS George, I am still working on the transportation from the station to a hotel for the night and then to get a rental car. My MIL shouldnt be driving at night if you kwim...

Yes, I do, about the night driving. How far are they from the center of town? If the hotel is not far, a taxi would probably be your best bet to get to the hotel. If your inlaws are not too far out, a taxi ride to them might be better cost wise than getting a hotel room for one night. You should be able to find out what the taxi rates are on line. At least, that works for other places. Never tried it for San Antonio. Could also check out their public transit system as well.

If you make a reservation or contact a hotel ahead of the trip, find out if they have a courtesy van that could pick you up at the train station.

Taxi thoguth number 2: If you take a taxi to your inlaws, will you really need a rent car at all or could you use their car for your getting around while there?

Much to think about.

 

[PRR 60]

thank you for the info on SAS George, I am still working on the transportation from the station to a hotel for the night and then to get a rental car. My MIL shouldnt be driving at night if you kwim...

Yes, I do, about the night driving. How far are they from the center of town? If the hotel is not far, a taxi would probably be your best bet to get to the hotel. If your inlaws are not too far out, a taxi ride to them might be better cost wise than getting a hotel room for one night. You should be able to find out what the taxi rates are on line. At least, that works for other places. Never tried it for San Antonio. Could also check out their public transit system as well.

If you make a reservation or contact a hotel ahead of the trip, find out if they have a courtesy van that could pick you up at the train station.

Taxi thoguth number 2: If you take a taxi to your inlaws, will you really need a rent car at all or could you use their car for your getting around while there?

Much to think about.

I was in San Antonio in October. The cab fare from the Grand Hyatt (not far from Amtrak) to the airport was $30 (including tip). That may be a decent measure of the cost to take a cab from Amtrak to an outlying San Antonio location.