Amtrak virgin SFO-ORD-LAX-SFO
May 16, 2014, 6:55 am
#31
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Knoxville TYS TN
Programs: Hilton (D)
Posts: 256
During western station stops where dwell time allows (conductors will say), take the opportunity to step off the train and take in mountain scenery without the brown-tinted safety glass between you and it.
Step away from the train and breath in cool, crisp mountain air at stops like SLC, Grand Junction, DEN, ABQ. Especially if it's early morning.
You will be exploring America at ground level. Enjoy it. Beats flyover travel IMHO.
If the Southwest Chief is on time at LAX, make traxx to the first class lounge above and to the right of the ticketing desk. Stash your luggage with the attendants and explore downtown LA for a few hours before boarding the Coast Starlight.
Step away from the train and breath in cool, crisp mountain air at stops like SLC, Grand Junction, DEN, ABQ. Especially if it's early morning.
You will be exploring America at ground level. Enjoy it. Beats flyover travel IMHO.
If the Southwest Chief is on time at LAX, make traxx to the first class lounge above and to the right of the ticketing desk. Stash your luggage with the attendants and explore downtown LA for a few hours before boarding the Coast Starlight.
May 19, 2014, 6:33 am
#33
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DTW/FNT
Programs: Delta (nee NW), Hilton Diamond. IHG (PT)
Posts: 4,823
Never tried a single Amtrak segment, and now I find myself on the California Zephyr Emeryville-Chicago where we will stay 2 nights before going back on the Southwest chief to LA, connecting to Coastal starlight back to Emeryville in time for graduation
We have booked 2 roomettes for a total of 4 people. Is there a way to sea car maps ala seats maps like seatguru.com to see where we are compared to dining cars etc? Should we care at all which roomettes we get?
What limitations are there on menus? Can you have multiple course from the included menu? I know no alcohol, but I guess you can bring your own?
And no internet on any of those trains with the exception of one car on the Coastal starlight?
Any advise for firsttimers?
Thanks^
We have booked 2 roomettes for a total of 4 people. Is there a way to sea car maps ala seats maps like seatguru.com to see where we are compared to dining cars etc? Should we care at all which roomettes we get?
What limitations are there on menus? Can you have multiple course from the included menu? I know no alcohol, but I guess you can bring your own?
And no internet on any of those trains with the exception of one car on the Coastal starlight?
Any advise for firsttimers?
Thanks^
If you bring your own alcohol, you're limited to drinking it in your room.
Also, depending on when your going there is a possibility of a detour through Wyoming which would mean the train would run non stop between Salt Lake City and Denver.
Bob H
May 19, 2014, 6:35 pm
#34
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: RIP
Posts: 506
Thanks again for all advice.
Now stocking up for the return on Southwest Chief.
Our own alcohol worked fine in lounge and diner, if using cups brought from roomette, and behaving. It was also clearly hinted from staff. All great staff btw.
What seems customary to tip your sleeper attendant (for 2 roomettes)?
Now stocking up for the return on Southwest Chief.
Our own alcohol worked fine in lounge and diner, if using cups brought from roomette, and behaving. It was also clearly hinted from staff. All great staff btw.
What seems customary to tip your sleeper attendant (for 2 roomettes)?
May 19, 2014, 6:44 pm
#35
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CMH/CVG
Programs: Marriott, Southwest, American, Delta, Amtrak,Multiple others
Posts: 564
On your return, when you are in Kansas City you can see a great barbecue restaurant across the tracks (too bad you can't make a carry out order). If you have a chance, go into the station that is one of the few restored classic Union Stations that still serves Amtrak. Pierpont's is an excellent bar/restaurant located in the station. I can't recall the layover time in KC because that previously was my 'home' station where I boarded the train.
Have a great trip.
Have a great trip.
May 19, 2014, 6:46 pm
#36
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: RIP
Posts: 506
On your return, when you are in Kansas City you can see a great barbecue restaurant across the tracks (too bad you can't make a carry out order). If you have a chance, go into the station that is one of the few restored classic Union Stations that still serves Amtrak. Pierpont's is an excellent bar/restaurant located in the station. I can't recall the layover time in KC because that previously was my 'home' station where I boarded the train.
Have a great trip.
Have a great trip.
Last (hopefully) questions as we arrive LA at 0815 and depart on Coastal Starlight at 1010. If we misconnect, what can we expect from Amtrak? Hotel/meals/24h delay? Or any other way (on Amtraks expense) to get to SF (our destination) same day? Other train/bus etc?
May 19, 2014, 7:48 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Thanks for the tip. Will check it out.
Last (hopefully) questions as we arrive LA at 0815 and depart on Coastal Starlight at 1010. If we misconnect, what can we expect from Amtrak? Hotel/meals/24h delay? Or any other way (on Amtraks expense) to get to SF (our destination) same day? Other train/bus etc?
Last (hopefully) questions as we arrive LA at 0815 and depart on Coastal Starlight at 1010. If we misconnect, what can we expect from Amtrak? Hotel/meals/24h delay? Or any other way (on Amtraks expense) to get to SF (our destination) same day? Other train/bus etc?