First timer - many questions
 

Hello all,

I'm nearly ready to book my first ever long-distance train trip. I'll be going from CHI-SEA in early Feb and booking a roomette. I decided to take the train since, as I'm re-locating semi-permanently back to Victoria, BC, I'll have a lot of stuff to take with me. I've read through the Amtrak website and this forum to get a very good impression of what the trip will be like, but I still have some other questions I hope to have answered before I book.

1. I understand that after booking I will need to pick up the tickets from an Amtrak office prior to departure. I should be able to do this at my nearest ticket office in Toronto (TWO), yes? Or will that not work for some reason because it's a Canadian station? I could drive down to Buffalo Depew but I'd rather not if it's avoidable.

2. When I arrive at the station on the day of departure, with my physical tickets, do I need to check in anywhere? Or do I just take my bags to the baggage check and then carry on until it's time to leave?

3. How easy is it to get bags to the baggage check in Chicago? I understand there is parking right at Union Station, so how far of a walk is it from there to baggage? I'll have 6 bags to check, do I have to get them there all at once or could I bring my luggage in two trips? I know there are Red Caps but I dunno if they'd be roaming the garage and as I'm tight on money I'd rather do it myself rather than having to tip x 6 bags.

4. How exactly does one claim luggage at the final destination. I read that they charge storage fees on bags not claimed within 2 days, so I gather it's not like an airport where the bags come out on a conveyor and need to be taken right away? The reason I ask is that I'll have to go get my Vancouver-bound rental car from the Seattle Hilton a couple miles away, then come back. From what I've seen on Google Street View, there's ample parking near the station and it looks a wee bit quieter than downtown Chicago.

5. Final question, how sound-proofed are the roomettes whilst the train is running at speed through the night? I'm not bothered by white noise, but I do know that I'm among the worst of snorers and worry I'd make enemies of my carmates. Worse still, I'd rather not get ejected from the train somewhere in rural Montana... :D

Sorry to bombard with questions, but that last train trip I've ever taken in my life was a VIA trip to Ottawa when I was 11. So, needless to say, I'm new at this. Thanks in advance for insights!

My take
1 Should be able to pick up tickets at Amtrak Toronto but there is no advantage. Just pick up in Chicago.

2 There is a ticket/baggage check counter where you can get it all done Pick up ticket and check baggage (There is a disadvantage to picking up tickets early) There is also a first class lounge where you can leave your carry-ons until train time if you care to explore Chicago's downtown area

3 Union station has parking but it is a long trek from garage. Are you renting from Hertz? If so their car return is in the garage as well. There will be no roaming red caps in or near the garage. 2-3 trips will be necessary.

4 At destination luggage will be brought to station proper. A claim check WILL BE NECESSARY. If you do not claim pretty quickly it will be stored securely and available during Baggage hours.

5 There is very little soundproofing in the room and none in the wall adjacent to the hallway so you will be heard. My suggestion is to take a room at the end of the car not in the middle. PS You need to get the snoring checked it is a good indicator of sleep apnea which can be a life threatening condition.

I gather from your post that you know 3 pieces luggage free and $10 for the other 3. Do not go over 50 lbs each as they will not be accepted.


There is also a way to send 2 more pieces of luggage to destination for about $100 but it involves going to DEPEW

Thanks for the reply! If I can just get tickets and check luggage at the same time then I'll just do that. I'll be renting from National and returning to their North Lasalle office so I'll just park it in the garage and make a few trips. I suppose on arrival I could just claim my luggage and then call for a pick up for that rental if it's easier.

I appreciate the concern re: sleep apnea. I have been tested and do have a case of it, but it has gotten better since i lost some weight (and should continue to do so). This is why I'm leaning towards the train versus flying. I do fit in airline seats, but only just. I will try to get a roomette near an end so i have one less neighbour to annoy and so perhaps there is more ambient noise to muffle me a bit. Do I get to select the roomette when i book?

Yep. You pick the room when at booking.

The Superliner sleeper layout is here if you need it:
http://trainweb.org/crocon/sleeperplans.html

By the way why are you driving to Chicago instead of taking the Lake Shore limited from Buffalo (depew) Also Maple leaf to DEPEW but it is a lonnnnng layover in a hole in the wall station

Seems car rental cheaper and you can drive right up to the station(practically) then drop off car at Buffalo airport and take cab back to station lass than 3 miles At $ 2.30 for first 1/6 mile or any part there off. $ 0.50 for each additional 1/6 mile or any part there off. US $ 30.00 for per hour waiting.

So + - $15.00

Seems cheaper to me and no driving plus coach fare is fairly cheap about $54.00 right now

There's no checked baggage service on the Maple Leaf so that rules out leaving right from Toronto. I did look into the Lake Shore Limited but the late departure means I'd be sleeping on that one. The upgrade to a sleeper is more than I'd like to pay for just one night, and I'd rather not spend an overnight in coach (especially given my snoring). I even looked at picking up the Lake Shore in Cleveland or Toledo but it just became too much of a logicistical headache.

I'm using a free day with National so the rental cost is the same if I drop in Buffalo or Chicago. The cost of a coach seat is about the same as the extra gas to get a Ford Fusion/Chevy Malibu to Chicago, so given the circumstances I'd prefer to just go to bed early the night before, then get up in the wee hours and drive to Chicago.

Well thought out.

Thank you! :)

I just booked and my ticket says I got Roomette #013. It never did let me choose which one I wanted, but it's close enough to what I was going for. Hopefully having only one neighbour and being on track level will help matters. Thanks again for the tips, I'm looking forward to my trip!

If you want to change then just call Amtrak but you seem pretty well positioned

I apologize -- your room is assigned at booking. If booking over the phone, you get to pick. If booked online, you have to call to change it.

I would prefer a room on the upper level. The track level is more noisy, and not as nice a view. But you really should spend the day in the Sightseer Lounge to best enjoy the scenery.

No worries. As I mentioned before I'd prefer the lowel level with the hope that the track noise might drown out some of my snoring. Once I've lost another 100 pounds or so I'll reward myself with an upper level roomette. :p

I just remembered a few more quick questions and figured I'd continue here rather than post a new thread.

1. Is there a weight limit for the upper bunk? I've read that some single travellers leave the upper bunk made up and the lower bunk set up as seats which I'd like to do, but that will only work if the upper bunk can support me.

2. I noticed in the lower level there's a spot called "Baggage". Is this a secure place to leave my carry-ons while dining or sitting in the Sightseer Lounge?

3. Is a well-sealed cardboard box acceptable as luggage? The website just says sturdy containers and nothing soft-sided like a plastic Rubbermaid box. There would be nothing terribly fragile in the box, mainly linens and a few kitchen items.

Thanks again!

The upper bunk comes down to rest on the top of the hard plastic shell that contains the head rests for the seats. The bed will hold quite a bit. Generally the problem for those carrying a few extra pounds isn't worry about if the bed can hold them, but rather can they squeeze between the wall and the lowered bed to actually climb up into the upper bunk.

The room is 3'6" wide and the upper bunk is 2' wide, leaving only a foot an a half to squeeze oneself into the bed. The other issue to consider is that you don't have a whole lot of room between you and ceiling. Some find that disconcerting too. I would suggest that you lower the bunk to get a feel for things first, before you decide which bed to have the attendant make up for you. Most attendants will be happy to quickly lower the bunk so that you can see. And in fact, they have to lower it no matter what at least for a minute, since the mattress for the lower bed is stored on the upper bed during the day.

You can leave your bigger carry-on suitcase in that area. Do not leave any valuables in it, or anything breakable in it. Bring your carryon suitcase into the room with you.

Yes, that is acceptable, but do be sure that it's a sturdy box.

Tuneman1984
Before I lost weight I used the top bunk at 300 lbs + - no problems.
140 Kilos + - to you

Re: "security" with regards to the Sleeper Rooms and Roomette.

There is no lock on those doors that can be secured from the outside of the cabin. There is a small latch system which requires someone on the inside to set (or undo) the lock. This is similar to a bathroom stall lock, where it is locked only while you are inside.

Generally, people don't go in other people's sleepers as a matter of ettiquette. If you're concerned, then when visiting the diner/lounge/sightseeing cars, keep any valuable personal belongs on your person. That said, I've never had an issue leaving items in bags in the roomette, but I don't leave hundred dollar bills out on the seat either.

I figured as much when I looked up about the roomettes, that it wasn't 100% secure but generally people wouldn't have the nerve to go fishing around in someone else's space. I'll probably just keep things out of sight (out of mind) like you suggest.

Interestingly we use pounds for a person's weight despite having the metric system. Also feet and inches for height. It's one of those areas where metric never really took off, even with the younger generations like myself that were raised entirely within it. Now is the Superliner the one where there is no window beside the top bunk, or is that the Viewliner?