guv1976

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

1. There are no seat reservations on Amtrak. If you want to sit close together, you should plan to depart from South Station, and board early. You can retrieve your actual tickets at any Amtrak station that has a ticket window or a QuikTrak machine. So even if your tickets are for a departure from BOS, you can pick them up at BBY a day or two prior to departure, if you prefer. You will need your six-character reservation number and your credit card to retrieve your tickets.

2. I have checked baggage a number of times on Amtrak, and have never had anything lost or delayed. However, there is only one train per day that carries checked baggage from BOS to WAS, and that is the overnight train. So if you check your baggage in at BOS just before taking the Acela, your baggage will be carried on the overnight train, and arrive WAS the next morning. If you want to do this, carry on what you need for your first overnight in WAS. Or, check your baggage in at BOS the day before your departure from BOS, and then claim it upon arrival at WAS.

3. As noted, departing from BOS is recommended to get your preferred seats, and is required if you want to check baggage. (There is no baggage checking available at BBY.)

I don't know whether this is of interest to you, but Amtrak permits free, en-route stopovers of less than 24 hours on its tickets, but the stopover(s) must be booked/ticketed before your first segment departs. So if you wanted to spend several hours (or even an overnight) in NYC or PHL, for example, you could do so at no extra charge, provided that the same fare bucket is available on all segments.

Also, be aware that tipping of the First Class attendant at the end of your ride is customary, if you have received good service. Others on this board can chime in on the usual amount of tipping.

Enjoy your trip!