Traveling together, boarding different locations

[catnipper]

There are 3 of us adults traveling together, but will board at two different stops. One will be in Jacksonville (boarding with a 2 year old) and 2 of us in Jesup, GA. We would all like to sit together if at all possible.

We called Amtrak and they are cross referencing us so the conductor knows we will be traveling together. However, there are no guarantees we can be seated together.

JAX and Jesup are one stop away from each other, I believe.

Can anyone help with this as to what they have experienced and is this doable? We are all first time train travelers so appreciate any suggestions or feedback.

Thank you.

Catnipper

 

[caravanman]

Hi,

In my experience, it is all a matter of luck.

If the train is busy, you may well be allocated a seat number, rather than choosing your own seat. However, if you can "persuade" other passengers to exchange seats with you, you might be able to move to sit near each other. Passengers tend to be seated in the same coach according to where they are leaving the train, rather than where they board, so you should all be seated in the same coach at least. Being "upfront" with the conductor and coach attendant as you board should help, just mention that you have another family party boarding at the next stop, and they might well do the decent thing and hold back seats for them..

If the train is already busy, or the staff are in a bad mood, you might just have to grin and put up with it!

(I have observed that Americans seem to prefer to have anything on the seat next to them, other than another passenger, so it often requires you or the conductor to ask directly that they shift their bag, coat, etc to allow families to sit together!)

Ed B)

 

[the_traveler]

I really think that if you mention it to the car attendant or conductor when you board, they will try to keep 4 seats together available. But don't forget, on the Silver Service trains, there are no 4 seats together. (The best you could hope for is either 2 sets across the aisle or the row ahead or behind you.)