Originally Posted by
mikeschu
1. Is it best to book online, by phone or at the ticketing station? I read in another post that the sleeper car reservations are handled by a different agent on the phone.
Other than being able to pick what room you get in what car, there is no advantage to visiting the station or calling Amtrak. You'll get the same prices online as you would speaking with a live agent. Of course the call or station visit do come with other prices, like being in line, waiting on hold, costs to travel to the station.
Originally Posted by
mikeschu
2. I am hopefully booking early enough to get a good roomette, and I am looking to be on the left side of the train from SAN to Vancouver. When I ask for a sleeper, what are the best available options and the best way to convey it? I'm guessing that upper level and as far back from the engines as possible is the best situation.
Most people prefer upper level as the views tend to be better. Additionally, you walk from car to car on the upper level. So being downstairs means you have to climb upstairs to go to the diner or lounge cars. On the other hand, downstairs has 3 restrooms vs. 1 up, and the shower is also on the lower level.
Originally Posted by
mikeschu
3. How important is it to book tickets early for the Cascades train?
They don't usually sell out, unless it's around the holidays, but waiting to buy the tickets could see a price jump.
Originally Posted by
mikeschu
4. If I book a roomette, do I get an upgraded ticket on a regional rail line? I'll travel SAN - LAX on the Pacific Surfliner, where they don't have sleeper cars.
As mentioned in other posts, if you were using AGR points to "pay" for the trip, then you would get business class on the Surfliner and the Cascades train to Vancouver. But since you're paying for the trip, if you want the upgraded BC seats, you need to request and pay extra for them.
On the Surfliner you do get coffee/juice/morning snack, but that's about it. On the Cascades train it can be far more advantageous to get the BC seat. First, the check in line is shorter. Second, second the seating is 2 & 1, meaning bigger seats and bit more leg room too. Third, you get a coupon for $3 towards anything in the cafe car. Finally, and perhaps most important IMHO, the business class cars are the first 2 cars to disembark in Vancouver. That means you get to clear customs before all the coach passengers.
Depending on just how many passengers were on the train that could easily mean 1 hour or more less time spent waiting to clear customs.