So just to make sure I haven't misunderstood, the 35,000 point redemption for a three-zone roomette would cover both me *and* a friend sharing the roomette in full? If so that's fantastic, thanks!

Another thought that has occurred is the possibility of making a return trip from Chicago to the west coast, flying there and back from PHL where I'm based. Possibly the California Zephyr one way and the Southwest Chief the other. I know nothing about these routes so any recommendations about whether one would be better than the other, or if the whole idea is crazy because I'd be getting cabin fever after two multi-day train journeys would be greatly appreciated.