California Zephyr
May 17, 2005, 11:06 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Here! (Or there - I'm not sure)
Programs: Peon in all
Posts: 4,358
The CZ is (IMHO) the most scenic trip that Amtak offers. Especially the portion from Denver to Grand Junction, CO, where the CZ travels through the Rockies - much of the time where there are no roads! During this portion, I like to stay in the lounge car - for better views. The portion ease of Denver is nice, but nothing special.
The sleepers on the CZ are well used. You may have a shot, being that your trip is late May - before the heavy summer travel season.
I would only try to upgrade on the CZ (for the trip west of Chicago). The trip on the eastern half (if on the Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal) is a single level train, where the CZ is a Superliner (much better).
The sleepers on the CZ are well used. You may have a shot, being that your trip is late May - before the heavy summer travel season.
I would only try to upgrade on the CZ (for the trip west of Chicago). The trip on the eastern half (if on the Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal) is a single level train, where the CZ is a Superliner (much better).
May 17, 2005, 11:13 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: PHL
Programs: AA(PPro), UA, AGR, BW(Plat), HH, WoH, MB(S)
Posts: 778
Right now there are 7 roomettes and just 1 bedroom remaining on the May 31 Zephyr Chicago to San Francisco. The odds of getting a roomette are pretty good: a bedroom, pretty bad.
May 17, 2005, 11:23 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 22
Originally Posted by PHLviaUS
Right now there are 7 roomettes and just 1 bedroom remaining on the May 31 Zephyr Chicago to San Francisco. The odds of getting a roomette are pretty good: a bedroom, pretty bad.
You know, I was completely ready to pay for the full-fare upgrade to a sleeper, but since I used AGR points, Amtrak won't let me do it. I have to wait until I'm on the train. Makes no sense to me, and if I had known that in advance, I might have just saved the AGR points. Seems like a long trip to do in coach. And a kinda silly rule on Amtrak's part.
May 17, 2005, 11:41 am
#5
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Cows in Berkeley?....Moooo!
Programs: Fly Amtrak, Go Greyhound! I'm often wrong but always sincere.
Posts: 7,102
Making the trip in coach isn't so bad as long as the train isn't full and you manage to keep the seat next to you open. If you bring a blanket and maybe a real pillow, the seats aren't so bad and have a footrest and plenty of recline. Plus, whether you want to or not, you are almost guaranteed to end up in conversations with complete strangers on a frequent basis 
.
I am honestly surprised for Memorial day weekend, there are still 7 sleepers open. Last time I purchased an upgrade on the train, it was $200 from Emeryville to Chicago. Hope you manage to snag one, it's worth it just for the free meals!.
.I am honestly surprised for Memorial day weekend, there are still 7 sleepers open. Last time I purchased an upgrade on the train, it was $200 from Emeryville to Chicago. Hope you manage to snag one, it's worth it just for the free meals!.
May 17, 2005, 11:59 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 22
Originally Posted by OutOfOffice
I am honestly surprised for Memorial day weekend, there are still 7 sleepers open. Last time I purchased an upgrade on the train, it was $200 from Emeryville to Chicago. Hope you manage to snag one, it's worth it just for the free meals!.
One more question that's kinda related. I still have't bought a return trip. I really hate flying but will probably end up taking Jetblue back to NYC. BUT if Amtrak had a weekly special for that time (June 18ish) I'd probably just take the train back.
Any idea how far in advance they post those specials and if it's likely they'll have on around that time for Emeryville-Chi-NYC? So far, there's not.