Thinking of using 20k points for a MIA-to ABQ in a roomette. Which routing is better scenery wise, the longer way via NYC and using the LSL or switching at WAS and taking Cap Lim??

Is there any other routing from MIA towards west coast that anyone recommends (using 20k roomette award) instead of the above??

Also, was going to continue from ABQ to LAX in a PAID coach seat- would I be able to check my bags in MIA all the way to LAX, even though I would have two different tickets (one points & one paid)??

THX!!

Depends on what you find more scenic. The Cap will have mountains to look at, while the LSL provides for a lovely ride up the Hudson river while doing dinner in the diner.

It's probably easier to change trains in DC however, a less confusing station down there as compared to NY Penn.

If you're leaving on the right day, you could connect to the very scenic Cardinal in DC. But know that this train doesn't run with a full dining car. You still get included meals, but nothing can be cooked to order, it's all heated in a convection oven.

Yes. You'll have to show all your tickets to the clerk, including the paid tickets, but you'll be able to check the bags all the way through.

How about a little more creative routing (albeit it would be 3 zones to ABQ)
Dates are hypothetical

Friday, August 5, 2011
92 Silver Star (MIA - RGH)

Depart: 11:50 am, Fri, Aug 5, 2011
Arrive: 8:43 am, Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Duration: 20 hr, 53 min

Saturday, August 6, 2011
79 Carolinian (RGH - GRO)

Depart: 4:50 pm, Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Arrive: 6:27 pm, Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Duration: 1 hr, 37 min
Amenities
19 Crescent (GRO - NOL)

Depart: 12:22 am, Sun, Aug 7, 2011
Arrive: 7:32 pm, Sun, Aug 7, 2011
Duration: 20 hr, 10 min

Monday, August 8, 2011
1 Sunset Limited (NOL - LAX)

Depart: 11:55 am, Mon, Aug 8, 2011
Arrive: 8:30 am, Wed, Aug 10, 2011
Duration: 46 hr, 35 min

Wednesday, August 10, 2011
4 Southwest Chief (LAX - ABQ)

Depart: 6:15 pm, Wed, Aug 10, 2011
Arrive: 11:42 am, Thu, Aug 11, 2011
Duration: 16 hr, 27 min


-------------------

You could do this and keep it to 2 zones by stopping in El Paso and make the 4 hour drive up I25 and keep it less crazy, avoid chicago/NEC, get to spend a night in new orleans

Sample iten


Friday, August 5, 2011
92 Silver Star (MIA - RGH)

Depart: 11:50 am, Fri, Aug 5, 2011
Arrive: 8:43 am, Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Duration: 20 hr, 53 min

Saturday, August 6, 2011
79 Carolinian (RGH - GRO)

Depart: 4:50 pm, Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Arrive: 6:27 pm, Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Duration: 1 hr, 37 min
Amenities
19 Crescent (GRO - NOL)

Depart: 12:22 am, Sun, Aug 7, 2011
Arrive: 7:32 pm, Sun, Aug 7, 2011
Duration: 20 hr, 10 min

Monday, August 8, 2011
1 Sunset Limited (NOL - ELP)

Depart: 11:55 am, Mon, Aug 8, 2011
Arrive: 4:15 pm, Tue, Aug 9, 2011
Duration: 29 hr, 20 min