Using amenities on board

[chakk]

And if you do decide to mosey into coach to watch the scenary, be certain to pick an empty coach seat that does not have a seat check above it. Else, the person who IS regularly sitting at that seat could become quite upset when he/she returns to their seat from the loo or lounge or diner and finds a stranger sitting in their seat. Next they may be asking you to empty your pockets to verify that you didn't take some of their property from under their seat or from the seat backs.

My own personal rule is that, if I paid for coach, I shouldn't be attempting to cop a ride for any time on my train in a sleeping room -- even if it is clearly unoccupied -- and vice-versa. Yeah, many times I have ridden in coach on the CZ with the sleepers sold out and the coaches half-empty. But those coach passengers are enduring the "trials and tribulations" of having to sleep overnight in a coach seat, while the sleeping car passengers get to retire for the night to flat beds in lockable rooms.

 

[Boogs]

Once again thanks for all the advice. It would be my intention if I do get off the train to stay nearby and not wander off too far. I hadn't realised that most stations would lack refreshement outlets. If we do need anything I will make sure I only get off when there is a reasonable timeframe and will ask the attendant for advice on where to go. I cannot ever see myself leaving the station area under any circumstances.

I further question, where is PDX, the station mentioned above as having cool signs?

Thanks

John

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Once again thanks for all the advice. It would be my intention if I do get off the train to stay nearby and not wander off too far. I hadn't realised that most stations would lack refreshement outlets. If we do need anything I will make sure I only get off when there is a reasonable timeframe and will ask the attendant for advice on where to go. I cannot ever see myself leaving the station area under any circumstances.

I further question, where is PDX, the station mentioned above as having cool signs?

Thanks

John

PDX - Portland, OR

 

[ehbowen]

Once again thanks for all the advice. It would be my intention if I do get off the train to stay nearby and not wander off too far. I hadn't realised that most stations would lack refreshement outlets. If we do need anything I will make sure I only get off when there is a reasonable timeframe and will ask the attendant for advice on where to go. I cannot ever see myself leaving the station area under any circumstances.

"Under any circumstances?" That covers a lot of ground. Amtrak trains have quite a bit of padding built into their schedules to help recover from delays, but if there are no delays then that leaves you cooling your heels for long periods en route. On my last Sunset Limited trip returning to Houston from New Orleans, we arrived in Beaumont over 45 minutes early. Combine a 45 minute wait with the fact that we could see a Family Dollar store at the end of the station driveway, and my mother and I decided to take a bit of exercise. We are both good walkers and the driveway was in good condition, so there wasn't much risk that one of us would turn an ankle or suffer some other mishap to delay us. We bought some snacks and were back on board with fifteen minutes to spare.

The train WILL NOT leave early. Just make sure that you have an accurate watch, set for the correct time (watch the time zones!), and be prepared for the possibility of the unexpected (like turning an ankle). Always leave yourself at least ten minutes slack time if you leave the immediate vicinity of the train.

 

[user 1215]

Once again thanks for all the advice. It would be my intention if I do get off the train to stay nearby and not wander off too far. I hadn't realised that most stations would lack refreshement outlets. If we do need anything I will make sure I only get off when there is a reasonable timeframe and will ask the attendant for advice on where to go. I cannot ever see myself leaving the station area under any circumstances.

I further question, where is PDX, the station mentioned above as having cool signs?

Thanks

John

For the most part, I would agree with you. I have waited in Jacksonville for almost 30 minutes, but they get pretty uptight if you even go into the station to get a soda from the vending machine (to save a dollar and get a bottle rather than a can). There is also generally an agent standing at the door, and may not like you coming in and out with just a ticket stub (or without one like an eticket).

However, in Albuquerque, NM, you can sometimes have almost an hour wait, especially if the freight traffic is light and the Southwest Chief is just running mad. There are several small shops and restaurants outside the station worth checking out (mmm.... like a Coldstone icecream!). I'd probably draw the line at trying to watch a movie at the Cinema across the street, though!