Texas Eagle Discussion 2025

[Keith1951]

By doing some quick test-bookings, it looks like the Eagle is not running at all south of St Louis on April 6th as the train just shows sold out when using any destination south of STL. Check your email to see if you have received any information from Amtrak. On Amtrak's Advisory page I don't see any information, so it looks like they haven't officially announced it yet. You can try calling Amtrak to see if they realize it's cancelled (I don't think they will, I think it will just say sold out for them too), and try to get on the Chief or maybe EB/CS combo instead.

I contacted Amtrak and they said there's no problem, my trip is not impacted, but I don't know if I believe them. Trying to figure out who I can contact to get the real info.

 

[trimetbusfan]

I contacted Amtrak and they said there's no problem, my trip is not impacted, but I don't know if I believe them. Trying to figure out who I can contact to get the real info.

If you look up the schedule for CHI-LAX on 4/6, train 421 still shows up as a valid option. If it were canceled or truncated it would not. I will attach it below.

Edit: you also have to remember that train 421 has limited capacity and its only a few weeks out from travel. There is a genuine chance the sales for train is not blocked and rather is actually sold out for this departure.

 

[Cal]

However, it's NOT canceled, otherwise, it would say "CANCELED".

I mean before the Floridian change was put in the system it just showed "Sold out." This is different since it's just trackwork, but there is still precedent for cancelled trains being marked as sold out. I do think it's probably going to be bustitution though.

 

[F900ElCapitan]

I'm getting worried. I'm hearing the TE will have some kind of track work soon. We have a trip coming April 6th from CHI to LA on train 421. Can someone tell me will our trip be disrupted, or will we have to get off the train and catch a bus, and get back on the train, at some point? Also, is there somewhere I can look all this info up myself?

Unfortunately, your train will be affected. Now, what Amtrak decides to do may change, but as of now, 21 and 22 are canceled between STL and FTW and 421/422 are cancelled in their entirety. You might try to talk to “Customer Relations” (call the reservation number and ask for them specifically, you have to be transferred), they may have more information.

Following is a list of the dates affected.

#21 from Chicago:
March

• 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31

April

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30

May

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

June

• 1, 2

#22 from San Antonio:
March

• 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

April

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30

May

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31

June

• 1, 2, 3

 

[railiner]

You would think that they could arrange a detour route around the affected area, with such a long period of trackwork. There are probably several options…

 

[Keith1951]

Unfortunately, your train will be affected. Now, what Amtrak decides to do may change, but as of now, 21 and 22 are canceled between STL and FTW and 421/422 are cancelled in their entirety. You might try to talk to “Customer Relations” (call the reservation number and ask for them specifically, you have to be transferred), they may have more information.

Following is a list of the dates affected.

#21 from Chicago:
March

• 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31

April

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30

May

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

June

• 1, 2

#22 from San Antonio:
March

• 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

April

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30

May

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31

June

• 1, 2, 3

Now I'm really worried. I had hoped they would have told me that my trip was cancelled, then I would know where I stood. If it was cancelled, I would make other plans. But even customer relations say my trip is still good. I don't know what to do. I want to take the TE, but I need to make sure its running. Where did you get your info?

 

[F900ElCapitan]

From another board where a poster went through and did dummy bookings for each day. There is also an Amtrak employee (station agent on the route) that corroborates the information.

 

[Keith1951]

From another board where a poster went through and did dummy bookings for each day. There is also an Amtrak employee (station agent on the route) that corroborates the information.

If your Amtrak agent corroborates all this, I wonder why Amtrak reps dont see this info when I ask about my trip? Any ideas why they are not letting me know if it's cancelled?

 

[trimetbusfan]

From another board where a poster went through and did dummy bookings for each day. There is also an Amtrak employee (station agent on the route) that corroborates the information.

I’ve been doing dummy bookings as well. However, so far nothing has shown that the train is canceled between these segments yet, just ‘sold out’ which could just mean that new sales are blocked.

Which is clearly why Amtrak tells @Keith1951 they are still planning on running the train.

It seems to me that Amtrak is still figuring out what they are going to do (or if they have, they haven’t loaded it into ARROW yet), which is why no cancelations have been made yet.

 

[zephyr17]

I’ve been doing dummy bookings as well. However, so far nothing has shown that the train is canceled between these segments yet, just ‘sold out’ which could just mean that new sales are blocked.

Blocking sales for when there is a potential change/cancellation that is not fully firmed up seems to be a standard operating procedure at Amtrak.

No agent at Amtrak, whether regular CSR, AGR CSR, Customer Relations rep or station agent will know anything more than what is showing in ARROW. And what ARROW is showing is the train is "operating" but "sold out". Pretty much nobody will know it is cancelled, or cancelled and bustituted, until that is entered into ARROW and activated.

"Sold out" in all accommodation types and classes of service often means operation is in a limbo state with cancellation probable. Plan accordingly. Can you accept a bustitution? Or even "service cancelled with no alternative transportation"?
If not, with all classes of service on a given date showing "sold out" it might be time to think about Plan B.

 

[allanorn]

We have never been to either Springfield or StL. We will do the Arch in StL and its park, but would love suggestions for one full day in StL.

The Arch and the park it's in are relatively small. I think I spent a total of 2-1/2 hours there, give or take, but I planned it so I was there after the initial rush at opening and before noon. Make sure to get tickets for the ride up the Arch before you get there, and I hope neither of you are claustrophobic.

Couple of fun options in StL for a full day. The World Chess HOF isn't as nerdy as you would think and worth an hour or two if you're into it, plus the Central West End has some good food options. Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo aren't too far away from the CWE and worth a walk around if it's a nice day. The National Museum of Transportation is pretty good but you'll need to get a ride to/from there; there's no transit that goes anywhere near there. The Missouri Botanical Gardens are also rather nice for an afternoon, but transit to get there is poor.

 

[Keith1951]

Blocking sales for when there is a potential change/cancellation that is not fully firmed up seems to be a standard operating procedure at Amtrak.

No agent at Amtrak, whether regular CSR, AGR CSR, Customer Relations rep or station agent will know anything more than what is showing in ARROW. And what ARROW is showing is the train is "operating" but "sold out". Pretty much nobody will know it is cancelled, or cancelled and bustituted, until that is entered into ARROW and activated.

"Sold out" in all accommodation types and classes of service often means operation is in a limbo state with cancellation probable. Plan accordingly. Can you accept a bustitution? Or even "service cancelled with no alternative transportation"?
If not, with all classes of service on a given date showing "sold out" it might be time to think about Plan B.

 

[Keith1951]

Zephyr17, I decided to play it safe and took plan B. Switched to the SWC. I hear it's a better train. Actually, I have been on both. But, I like the 65 hours on the TE. But there are 2 of us and my better half doesn't. So, she is ecstatic about the switch. I wasn't sure what I was going to do until I read your post. I couldn't understand why no Amtrak official knew what was going on. Now after reading your post, I understand. Thanks for yours and everyone's help.

 

[anilou]

Will we get from LA to Houston on April 23?!?

 

[Cal]

Will we get from LA to Houston on April 23?!?

Yes. The Sunset Limited, which is the train that runs between LA and Houston (and onto New Orleans) is unaffected AFAIK. It's only the Texas Eagle that is affected.

 

[drdumont]

Don't get your hopes too High!

While the Sightseer Lounge's return is a WONDERFUL thing, there has been no mention of returning to actual FOOD in the "dinig" car. I fear you will still encounter FLEX slop (apologies for the redundancy).
I will rejoice with great glee if I am proven wrong, but I am not putting away my electric cooler chest just yet.

 

[MccfamschoolMom]

While the Sightseer Lounge's return is a WONDERFUL thing, there has been no mention of returning to actual FOOD in the "dinig" car. I fear you will still encounter FLEX slop (apologies for the redundancy).
I will rejoice with great glee if I am proven wrong, but I am not putting away my electric cooler chest just yet.

I'd even be happy if the "Eaglette" were to adopt "free Cafe Car food" for sleeper passengers, which apparently is how the City of New Orleans handles meal service. The Flexible Dining lunch/dinner entrees were each OK the first time, but really uninspiring when repeated, when the hubby & I rode the TE last fall. We could in theory have eaten lunch aboard the train on the way back, but were so tired of Flexible Dining that we opted to eat lunch in a local restaurant when we got off the train (in Pontiac, IL).

 

[drdumont]

Yes. The Sunset Limited, which is the train that runs between LA and Houston (and onto New Orleans) is unaffected AFAIK. It's only the Texas Eagle that is affected.

Alas, you can look up the historical data. The Texas Eagle ended up being

There's no reason to think it would come back just because of the addition of the SSL; they aren't a pair. SSL is coming back, I believe, because they finally got enough SSL's back into operation. Pretty sure traditional dining requires some extra funding, and probably hiring more OBS.

Alas, that is the cold hard truth. There has been NO mention of returning FOOD to the menu, the FLEX slop will still remain.
As to the SSLs, think about it. For the Eagle to have SSLs on the route, it will require FOUR SSLs, as there are two 21s and two 22s on the route each day.
Ex: WB 21 leaves CHI Monday about 1345. 21 leaves CHI Tuesday about 1345, but Monday's train is usually in the D/FW area by then, God willing. Same scenario goes for 22, EB Leaves SAS Monday about 0700. 22 Leaves Tuesday about 0700 as Monday's train is hopefully nearing STL. <I fixed the original error>
Beech Grove gets HUGE props for all the wokl getting these cars back in service. I think there was damage repair as well as some sprucing up here and there. They have also returned a bunch of Transition Sleeper/Dorm cars as well. The Eagle, the Chief and I think the Zephyr have benefited from added Sleeper capacity. The Transition Sleeper is my choice when riding Roomettes. Less foot traffic, Potties seem to stay cleaner, and I for one like the sound of the engine.

ADDENDUM>:::::
As I think of it, the SSL has its own Snack Bar Downstairs. This renders the "Snack Bar/Cafe" kind of superfluous, wot?
Could it be that a real Diner MIGHT be employed? <Be still my beating heart>.
Of course, this means additional staff, as a Real Diner needs Galley staff downstairs, and a couple of FSAs upstairs. And the supply chain/operations at the origin must needs additional work.
Alas, unless there is a MAJOR shuffle and an early Birthday surprise for Ol' Doc,, we will probably see the Same Old Crap in the "CAFE", and the Snack Bar end shuttered, with the Operating Staff using that area as their personal lounge/Storage Area.

Sic Transit Gloria AMTRAK

 

[drdumont]

I'd even be happy if the "Eaglette" were to adopt "free Cafe Car food" for sleeper passengers, which apparently is how the City of New Orleans handles meal service. The Flexible Dining lunch/dinner entrees were each OK the first time, but really uninspiring when repeated, when the hubby & I rode the TE last fall. We could in theory have eaten lunch aboard the train on the way back, but were so tired of Flexible Dining that we opted to eat lunch in a local restaurant when we got off the train (in Pontiac, IL).

The FLEX stuff was crap from the get go. They've foisted that stuff on us on the CHI-WAS route for years. I remember making a meal rez, was told to wait for summons. The stuff was on the table when I arrove. "Eat and get out" was the prevailing atmosphere. I had better meal experiences aboard the old Diesel Subs eating Midrats.
We long ago resorted to carrying an electric cooler bag, supplies, a Single Cup Keurig and snakebite remedy. Came in right handy alwaysl times, especially when the Eagle had some of its more spectacular delays, like this week. I believe 22 arrove in Marshall some 16 hours late. We fed the SCA fresh coffee with doughnuts a couple of times, especially when the Roofing Tar Urn was down.

Author's note: For us, once we DO get aboard, delays don't bother us. The ride is usually the purpose of the trip. We are well provendered, and isolated from workaday issues, as "Sorry, I'm on vacation and the cell service is lousy". <Actually it is not, but work doesn't know that>

I don't wish to start a megillah, I know not everyone feels the same way and I respect that. Transportation should run on time, amenities should be quality, and people feel strongly about that.
AMTRAK definitely does not give value for price in regard to food service on the FLEX routes.

I for one will rejoice when I see the SSL and fervently beseech the Powers that Be that one day soon, the FLEX stuff will be consigned to the compost heap of History, a place it richly deserves. But for the nonce, we'll bring our own.