New Version -Ten Secrets to Sleeping in Coach!
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- @winkles-moose2022
[Updated version with better audio]
If you're considering taking an Amtrak train cross-country in coach, you've come to the right place for advice and ideas.
While riding in a sleeper car is easy, coach cars can be a bit more challenging. Be sure to read this quick guide to learn about Inflatable Foot Rests. I also have a longer version that provides more detailed information, so be sure to check it out. Thank you for reading!
Our Story:
Winkles and Moose's Amtrak Adventures was inspired by my Grandfather's time working on the Pennsylvania Railroad in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1918 because of a common railroad accident. He worked as a lineman in Crestline, Ohio, a main hub for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). My dad would often take Santa Fe's El Capitan to visit his mother in Huntington, Indiana via Chicago. During my father's last 6 months in hospice, we watched countless CZcams videos about Amtrak adventures, Pennsylvania Railroad history, and travel blogs. He always wanted to go on "one more trip", but it was not workable, so we watched our favorite CZcams channels instead. With a little free time, I took "one more trip" with Moose, my grandchildren's long-distance phone buddy. We embarked on a "Where's Moose?" experience, traveling over 6,000 miles, visiting 119 cities and 18 states, and sleeping in coach for six nights. Most videos feature First-Class or sleeper accommodations, but these are my ten tips for coach travel.
Our Mission:
We make videos about Amtrak Coach seats because we believe there is a need to address passenger comfort, accessibility, safety, and overall travel experience. Understanding the features, amenities, and potential improvements of Coach seats can enhance the journey for passengers and help Amtrak provide better service.
Accessibility in terms of income is another crucial aspect to consider when discussing Amtrak Coach seats.
Ensuring affordability and options for individuals across various income levels promotes inclusivity and enables more people to access rail travel as a viable transportation option.
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Helpful Links:
1) Amtrak Official Website: The main website for booking tickets, checking schedules, and accessing general information about Amtrak services. www.amtrak.com/
2) Route Maps: Amtrak's route maps showcase their network across the United States. www.amtrak.com...
3) Timetables: Access train schedules and timetables for various Amtrak routes. www.amtrak.com...
4) Destinations Guide: Information on popular destinations served by Amtrak trains. www.amtrak.com...
5) Amtrak Guest Rewards: Amtrak's loyalty program for earning points while traveling. www.amtrak.com...
6) Onboard Experience: Details about what to expect on board, amenities, and services provided during your journey. www.amtrak.com...
7) Baggage Information: Guidelines and policies regarding baggage allowance and requirements. www.amtrak.com...
8) Special Offers & Deals: Check for current discounts, promotions, and special offers on Amtrak travel. www.amtrak.com...
9) Accessibility Services: Information on accessibility and assistance for passengers with disabilities. www.amtrak.com...
10) Contact Information: For inquiries, reservations, and customer service. www.amtrak.com...
I’m getting that foot rest game changer.
It’s worth the $20 on Amazon, small package to carry.
We've done overnight in coach on the Auto Train a couple of times and we're doing it again. Definitely pack the comfort bag, pillows, blankets, sanitizer, etc., and a well stocked snack bag of trail mix, fruits, protein bars, etc. (I even bring along a couple of shooters and buy a soda in the cafe, for a nightcap) To help beat the boredom don't forget to bring something to do, movies, game books, novels, music, get up now and then, maybe find a friendly traveler to talk with for a while. Getting that comfy position that will last the night can be a challenge, but I tend to doze on and off and I'm plenty rested by the time we reach our destination.
Great info!
People take their shoes off to sleep, how was that odor wise?
Thanks for the dressing room tip. I wasn’t aware of them. About to spend 100+ hours in coach with my 9 year old.
Oh boy, that could be a challenge. If you can’t locate one the handicap restrooms are good to.
Good point on the headphones.
Thanks for a great video! Later this summer I plan on taking the Sunset Limited from El Paso to LA and then the Coast Starlight up to Portland. I'll be doing that on coach with two nights on the rails. Your video was a great service for my planning.
Glad to hear!
Thank you for re-making this video with better audio quality 🙏🏻
No problem 😊
Making videos is definitely a work in progress.
Great tips. Ive gone from ATL to NYC twice in coach. Just got back from a NYC to New Orleans in a roomette which was train heaven. For me to consider a long overnight trip in coach, Amtrak would have to offer a single seat option. I really dont like strangers that close for that long. Great tips though!
Great input, I liked the single seat option during Covid , just so much more comfortable.
All your comments were extremely helpful. I know now that I will request a BEDROOM when I travel long distance by train. I am very claustrophobic and also like privacy. Your explanations made everything very clear. I love train travel and now I know my next experience will be so much better.
Glad it was helpful!
Well then, enjoy spending 10-12 times what a coach seat would cost. Hope it is worth it for you.
I haven't experienced the new seats, but with the old ones a pillow is important, and a blanket. I went across the country in winter and my down jacket was OK for a blanket. I'm 5'10" and fit in one seat fine and didn't feel the need for a footrest. My hint: Fill a water or soda bottle with vodka (I know it's not allowed) for a nightcap to help going to sleep. I pulled a knit watch cap down over my eyes - better than a sleep mask and keeps your head warm too. I actually washed my (short) hair in the tiny sink as a shower substitute.
Great ideas, I like the hair washing thought. That’s the one area I hadn’t quite figured out. What was the product and/or make you used?
Wipes and sanitizing spray are essential.
Haha, unfortunately yes, especially on the 2nd day.
So much better! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Oh, thanks for the advice.
Having ridden a long distance train at the bulk head, Iam not sure I would recommend it. Every time anybody walks through to the next care you at wakened by the door opening and closing not to mention the blast of air that comes with it.
Actually I agree with you, it’s a trade off for more room. Ear plugs or sound canceling headphones are a must.
I haven’t traveled overnight by train in so long, that the bigger question I have is what the most secure way to travel with a laptop or tablet would be. If I want to use it during the trip, it must be accessible, but is there a safe place to put things when I leave my seat, or do I take my electronics with me everywhere?
Great question, on long distance trains, I left my laptop hooked up on my fold down table or in the seat next to me. I always had it hooked up for charging. No problems. You could tuck it in above in the overhead storage. I brought a overnight bag just for stuff like that.
Thanks for the info. May I make one suggestion to make your videos flow a little better? Maybe edit the audio to chop out the one to three second pause between thoughts? You give great information but the pauses... Between the pieces of information... are a bit much. 👍
Thanks for the tip, it's definitely been a work in progress and new learnings. Can you expand on that thought of the pauses? I'll take a look at the audio editor, it's been pretty helpful.
Has anyone sleeping in coach used a bipap machine while sleeping during travel? This is necessary for some of us and I am not sure it will work in coach.
They have 110 plug-ins by the seats, so it should work. You might want to pack a short extension cord. Also, see if you can sit downstairs, where there’s more room.
I did most of the things listed - including the bipap - and stayed in a Roomette! Granted, this was during the peak of the Virus, so I stayed *in* the Roomette the entire time, save to go to the bathroom, shower, and breakfast - and no, I wasn’t that worried about getting the Virus for myself.
I was *far* more worried about getting it *and then giving it to my aged (then in his early eighties) father.*
The fact that I have something akin to “justifiable social phobia” doesn’t help much.
I would NEVER ride overnight in coach. Your trip can be spoiled by one ( or more passengers) You could be listening to a couple of drunks talking all night long, because the conductor never mentioned quiet hours or dimmed the lights in the coach. During the night you will be awakened by passengers getting on the train trying to settle in etc. How long does it take two people to decide who is going to charge their phone first? Take overnight coach and find out at 3 am! Try enjoying the mountain scenery while you have a delusional passenger sitting in front of you swearing and making threats. That guy was finally removed after 6 hours only when he stood up and threatened to stab his imaginary companion. Remember, the people who are on the no fly list are taking Amtrak. Take a sleeping car, and use coach only for limited day trips.
Thanks, you make some valid points, in my travels I’ve seen some interesting individuals, with that said I just think you have to be aware of your surroundings, on longer trips get to know your neighbors or new “community.” Don’t be afraid to use the conductor. Let’s face it , cost Is a huge factor $150 vs $800 vs $2,000. So how do we make it work?
It's July, thinking about taking the Zephyr from a station in CA to Illinois in 2 months. No private rooms available. So, some who choose to travel by train have to take coach. You are only looking at the negative possibilities. What one thinks about, one attracts. It's the Law of Attraction.