CA Zephyr or SW Chief and Starlight
Apr 6, 2012, 7:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
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Posts: 2,604
CA Zephyr or SW Chief and Starlight
Going from Ann Arbor to San Francisco in July. With 6 other family members.
Currently have booked 3 bedrooms taking the SW Chief and Starlight from LA to SFO.
After reading that the Zephyr has great scenery, was wondering whether to try to get the award reservation (made before April 1 ) switched to the Zephyr.
My original thought was the Starlight would be fun to experience.
But now the scenery and the earlier arrival time into San Francisco by going directly are having me reconsider.
Just curious what input I'd get here to help with the decision.
Currently have booked 3 bedrooms taking the SW Chief and Starlight from LA to SFO.
After reading that the Zephyr has great scenery, was wondering whether to try to get the award reservation (made before April 1 ) switched to the Zephyr.
My original thought was the Starlight would be fun to experience.
But now the scenery and the earlier arrival time into San Francisco by going directly are having me reconsider.
Just curious what input I'd get here to help with the decision.
Apr 6, 2012, 9:16 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
Posts: 13,988
You won't be able to switch and keep the pre-April-1 points rate. You'll have to cancel and then re-book at the newer higher rate.
I have taken the Zephyr twice, never the SWC/Starlight. The ocean-front scenery in SoCal is supposed to be beautiful, but with the added travel time I don't see how that makes up for the relatively dull (or so I've heard) scenery on the SWC versus what you get through the Rockies/Utah/Sierras.
I have taken the Zephyr twice, never the SWC/Starlight. The ocean-front scenery in SoCal is supposed to be beautiful, but with the added travel time I don't see how that makes up for the relatively dull (or so I've heard) scenery on the SWC versus what you get through the Rockies/Utah/Sierras.
Apr 7, 2012, 8:03 am
#3
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I've done the SWC, Zephyr, and Coast Starlight. The Chief has great scenery during daylight hours out of La Junta, CO to Gallup, NM. The Coast Starlight route spends little time in view of the ocean - although the coastal hills ~Santa Barbara to San Jose are pleasant. Whether that compensates for added travel time is up to you. I don't know that I would see either routing as clearly superior, causing me to refund three rooms at old rates for three rooms at new redemption rates.
Last edited by 3Cforme; Apr 7, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Apr 7, 2012, 8:45 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
You won't be able to switch and keep the pre-April-1 points rate. You'll have to cancel and then re-book at the newer higher rate.
I have taken the Zephyr twice, never the SWC/Starlight. The ocean-front scenery in SoCal is supposed to be beautiful, but with the added travel time I don't see how that makes up for the relatively dull (or so I've heard) scenery on the SWC versus what you get through the Rockies/Utah/Sierras.
I have taken the Zephyr twice, never the SWC/Starlight. The ocean-front scenery in SoCal is supposed to be beautiful, but with the added travel time I don't see how that makes up for the relatively dull (or so I've heard) scenery on the SWC versus what you get through the Rockies/Utah/Sierras.
I've done the SWC, Zephyr, and Coast Starlight. The Chief has great scenery during daylight hours out of La Junta, CO to Gallup, NM. The Coast Starlight route spends little time in view of the ocean - although the coastal hills ~Santa Barbara to San Jose are pleasant. Whether than compensates for added travel time is up to you. I don't know that I would see either routing as clearly superior, causing me to refund three rooms at old rates for three rooms at new redemption rates.
If I can't just switch and would be forced to cancel and rebook, I'll have 30,000 points "saved" to do the Zephyr later.
So, an easy decision with not being able to switch.
Apr 7, 2012, 4:38 pm
#5
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Apr 8, 2012, 2:37 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DTW/FNT
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Posts: 4,823
I'd take it this time, and do the Zephyr trip at some other time.
Bob H
Apr 8, 2012, 6:20 pm
#7
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Location: Ann Arbor
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And next Saturday, I see if one of us "won" the Half Dome lottery to hike the trail in Yosemite. I'll be surprised if one of us didn't. Should be a great vacation.
Apr 9, 2012, 7:56 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2005
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While I think of it, to/from Ann Arbor you can no longer check baggage, so you'll have to carry it on.
Also, from Ann Arbor to Chicago, I always like to sit on the north side of the train to see Lake Mi.
Bob H
Also, from Ann Arbor to Chicago, I always like to sit on the north side of the train to see Lake Mi.
Bob H
Apr 9, 2012, 3:49 pm
#9
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We made our first trip on Amtrak from Chicago to Ann Arbor this past Christmas.
When I asked the family if they wanted to fly or take the train to San Francisco, everyone (wife and 3 kids) said take the train.
I didn't expect it to be unanimous.
So, I'm looking forward to a long distance train ride and sight seeing.