Booked Amtak from San Jose to Lamy NM for January
Sep 25, 2022, 4:38 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
Booked Amtak from San Jose to Lamy NM for January
I was looking at airfares to Albuquerque and even with Frequent Flier Miles it was just a bloody waste of miles or $$$. I was able to book Amtrak with t he Disability Discount for $246 r/t in includs Buinsess Class from Los Angeles to San Jose on the Coast Starlight and I will be able to see the Metropolitan Lounge at LA.
The coach seats on Amtrak beats fying and I have the extra time to take the train. I love the Observation Car. Tell me can you get this flying? Amtrak allows you to check 2 free bags or bring it on with you plus caryon. You can arrive 30 minutes before the train/bus and SJ Diridon and LA Union Station is nowhere near as crowed as the airports.
Considering I will be flying to Phuket about 1.5 weeks later on Singapore Air and I may do a jaunt to Kona its a way to relax and enjoy the winter. I have done this route a few times and its been over ten years.
I wnat to know if the updated coach seats are the same size as the old Superlliners? Will the Traditional Dining be open to us coach passengers? Now I do not mind the Cafe Car as I used it when I would take the Capital Corridor Trains to my Grandparents outside of Auburn and also on the San Joaqin Trains but do miss the dining cars.
Any FTer planning to take the train?
The coach seats on Amtrak beats fying and I have the extra time to take the train. I love the Observation Car. Tell me can you get this flying? Amtrak allows you to check 2 free bags or bring it on with you plus caryon. You can arrive 30 minutes before the train/bus and SJ Diridon and LA Union Station is nowhere near as crowed as the airports.
Considering I will be flying to Phuket about 1.5 weeks later on Singapore Air and I may do a jaunt to Kona its a way to relax and enjoy the winter. I have done this route a few times and its been over ten years.
I wnat to know if the updated coach seats are the same size as the old Superlliners? Will the Traditional Dining be open to us coach passengers? Now I do not mind the Cafe Car as I used it when I would take the Capital Corridor Trains to my Grandparents outside of Auburn and also on the San Joaqin Trains but do miss the dining cars.
Any FTer planning to take the train?
Sep 25, 2022, 5:23 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,584
Have you considered flying one way, and taking the train the other? I'm seeing $136 one-way fares between SJC and ABQ on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Southwest, AA, AS, DL, and UA. Two free checked bags on Southwest, of course.
I like Amtrak, too, but I would only do a overnight trip on Amtrak in sleeper accommodations (roomette or bedroom).
I like Amtrak, too, but I would only do a overnight trip on Amtrak in sleeper accommodations (roomette or bedroom).
Sep 25, 2022, 7:36 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 284
If you happen to get a coach that has been refurbished, there aren't all that many in service, they have same seats as always, just reupholstered.
As a Business Class passenger on the Starlight, you can access the dining car, although on a space available basis. Prices are fixed, $25/lunch, $45/dinner (which includes appetizer, dessert and one alcoholic beverage). You will not have access to the diner on the Southwest Chief.
I assume you are laying over in LA, since the Starlight and Southwest Chief don't connect, the Starlight not arriving until about 3 hours after the Southwest Chief leaves.
You'll be able to access the Metropolitan Lounge upon arrival on the Starlight, but not leaving the next day on the Southwest Chief.
As a Business Class passenger on the Starlight, you can access the dining car, although on a space available basis. Prices are fixed, $25/lunch, $45/dinner (which includes appetizer, dessert and one alcoholic beverage). You will not have access to the diner on the Southwest Chief.
I assume you are laying over in LA, since the Starlight and Southwest Chief don't connect, the Starlight not arriving until about 3 hours after the Southwest Chief leaves.
You'll be able to access the Metropolitan Lounge upon arrival on the Starlight, but not leaving the next day on the Southwest Chief.
Last edited by zephyr17; Sep 25, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Sep 25, 2022, 10:47 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
If you happen to get a coach that has been refurbished, there aren't all that many in service, they have same seats as always, just reupholstered.
As a Business Class passenger on the Starlight, you can access the dining car, although on a space available basis. Prices are fixed, $25/lunch, $45/dinner (which includes appetizer, dessert and one alcoholic beverage). You will not have access to the diner on the Southwest Chief.
I assume you are laying over in LA, since the Starlight and Southwest Chief don't connect, the Starlight not arriving until about 3 hours after the Southwest Chief leaves.
You'll be able to access the Metropolitan Lounge upon arrival on the Starlight, but not leaving the next day on the Southwest Chief.
As a Business Class passenger on the Starlight, you can access the dining car, although on a space available basis. Prices are fixed, $25/lunch, $45/dinner (which includes appetizer, dessert and one alcoholic beverage). You will not have access to the diner on the Southwest Chief.
I assume you are laying over in LA, since the Starlight and Southwest Chief don't connect, the Starlight not arriving until about 3 hours after the Southwest Chief leaves.
You'll be able to access the Metropolitan Lounge upon arrival on the Starlight, but not leaving the next day on the Southwest Chief.
I am connecting on the return going I am on the Bus to Stockton ,Train to Bakersfield and then bus to LA.
I am looking forward to meals on the Starlight!
Overall I am very happy that Amtrak is consistant with their product!
Sep 25, 2022, 10:56 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
Have you considered flying one way, and taking the train the other? I'm seeing $136 one-way fares between SJC and ABQ on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Southwest, AA, AS, DL, and UA. Two free checked bags on Southwest, of course.
I like Amtrak, too, but I would only do a overnight trip on Amtrak in sleeper accommodations (roomette or bedroom).
I like Amtrak, too, but I would only do a overnight trip on Amtrak in sleeper accommodations (roomette or bedroom).
Sep 26, 2022, 12:31 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 284
You'll be able to enjoy the Metropolitan Lounge on the return trip, assuming the SW Chief is on time or close to it.
Oct 1, 2022, 1:30 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
Fantastic totally worth the $32 for a 10.5 hour trip.