Amtrak Traps People Still Fall For
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- čas přidán 4. 06. 2024
- Today we are sharing the list of Amtrak traps people still fall for. There are lots of tricks up the sleeves of Amtrak and we are here to share some we fell for and some we have seen others fall for too.
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I’m a Trucker and those roomettes are bigger than the sleepers in a Semi Truck.
But some are paying $1300 for that roomette.
Useful video, but I have noticed that Grounded Life often mentions how small the Roomettes are, making them sound to neophytes as if they were airline seats. No mention of 1) the Roomette seats are still MUCH better than airline seats, 2) the amount of personal space is still MUCH more than an airline seat (even compared to airline business class and most domestic first class airline seats), 3) there is NOTHING compelling a sleeper car passenger to stay locked in their Roomette.....instead, it should always be stressed that sleeper car passengers can go almost everywhere on the train, at any time, for any length of time, if they want a break from their Roomette (etc).
Last year my train (Southwest Chief Chi to LA) was cancelled due to downed trees on the track, leaving me stranded in Chicago partway through my trip. Amtrak put me and hundreds of other travellers up in a nice hotel for the night and then refunded my points plus about 15000, the very next day.
Last September I was contacted by an Amtrak agent that my sleeping car was removed due to an equipment shortage on the Westbound Southwest Chief out of Chicago. I was given the option to ride coach, get re-routed onto the Westbound Texas Eagle, or a refund. I opted for the re-route at no extra charge. It was a longer ride, but I didn't mind it. Amtrak will do whatever possible to make accommodations for passengers-a far cry from what airlines will do.
@@georgemcdowell8302 I love that about them. They will go the extra mile to make things right.
Amtrak would have more customers if they could only get off the CSX tracks.
I usually get the roomette, I'm a solo traveler, However most of my awake time is in the lounge car. where there is room and you meet a lot of people. Always made a couple of new friends. Priceless
one of the best things on amtrak is meeting a wide variety of folks who are not in a hurry. if u dont like people you'll probably hate amtrak :)
We had a really lazy sleeping car attendant on the Silver Meteor. He grumbled when we asked to dine in our room. He never showed up to get our room ready for the night. I complained to Amtrak Customer Service and received a $500 voucher.
I didn’t realize that Amtrak vacations isn’t Amtrak. Thanks !
Yes. They are just like any other third-party consolidator. As with probably all consolidators, they are fine--when everything goes as planned. BUT, when "things" happen--things get messy. Hotels don't know you, so any changes have to be done through the consolidator--try reaching them after office hours!
I have heard about Amtrak Vacations not being there when things go wrong, but my one experience was different. I went through them, not knowing they were different from Amtrak, and even bought their trip insurance. Covid restrictions hit that year and our hotel and car rental were both on the closed side of east Glacier Park. They didn’t hesitate to make sure we had a hotel and car, plus the extra stop to the western side of Glacier. We had a great time!
It's like Medicare Advantage is NOT Medicare. They rip off the name and make people think they are getting more coverage, but Medicare Advantage is a for-profit company that can deny coverage on things that Medicare would not.
For one person the roomettes are great. More than enough room to be comfortable. For two people, not so much. You had better be very close to your roommate because you will be very close to your roommate! 😁
Agreed. I have traveled in a Viewliner roomette with my husband. Enough space, albeit snug, for two half days with an overnight in between. But: we have traveled in small RVs and lived in express-style hotel rooms while away on business, been married for 25 years and lived together 15 years before that, and have a respectful relationship. Even with all that, we agreed to only use the roomette toilet if there was an emergency.
Kind of sounds like you should take the advertised occupancy of the sleeper car options and divide by two!
@@trishoconnor2169 The full bedrooms hold two just fine. They are darned expensive though.
@@trishoconnor2169 Ha, ha. I wouldn't go that far, but both the roomette or bedroom require that there be no more than one person that is plus-sized or has limited agility.
My fiance and I took Amtrak for the first time in November. We had a Roomette on a Viewliner and found it to be quite roomy and comfortable. She's not exactly a tiny woman either. We had a Viewliner I on the way up, Viewliner II on the way back. Definitely prefer the Viewliner II. We both agreed to use the toilet in the hallway. We didn't want the trip to end.
Ref scheduling I have been as much as 12 hours late to my destination due to flooding on the tracks. We got into Chicago at 1am and there was no transportation in the city out to the far suburbs. I ended up spending $100 on a cab. I also once missed a connection in Los Angeles from the Southwest Chief to the Coast Starlight. Amtrak put me on a bus to Bakersfield where I caught the San Joaquin's to Martinez and caught up with the Starlight there. I got a very nice refund from Amtrak the same day. All that said, Amtrak, for the most part, has been very conscious of traveler dilemmas and went well out of its way to be helpful when a traveling companion had a medical emergency. They were great.
I just love this couple they provide so much information that helps and guide you for you’re train travel. I’m from Cincinnati and we have the Cardinal. I’ll be traveling to Chicago this summer.
Same here. I'm across the river from you in KY had have watched their videos religiously because we are planning our first trip to Chicago this year. It's nice to have a little insight of what to expect. 😊
What happened to Chili there?
I have a special spot in my heart for the Cardinal. I am from Cincinnati aknd I am old enough to remember when Union terminal was a busy place with many trains coming and going any day. Now the Cardinal is the only train that goes through there and that makes me sad.
I just wish the Cardinal ran daily. It’s so convenient and affordable. I can get on a block from my hose here in Maysville, KY at about 11:30 pm , sleep most of the way to Chicago, and have breakfast before the train arrives.
Roomette top bunk sort of like being in an MRI machine. We got two bedrooms and had the wall pushed back. Lots of room!! Pricey, but worth it if this is your trip of a life time.
I can only speak for the Viewliners but nothing even close to the experience of a.head MRI in an old machine. My fiance and I found the Viewliner Roomette to be quite spacious due to how well thought out it was. I has the upper bunk and didn't find it tight at all.
I loved my roomette traveling from Philadelphia to DeLand, FL. Definitely more relaxing than a plane or car. Will use it again!
And definitely better than a bus.
@@susanfarley1332anything is better than the bus.
I love that overhead shot of the roomette. That model must be tiny; she only takes up half the seat and she has a pillow behind her so her legs can reach the front of the seat. My brother-in-law and I rode the Coast Starlight from Seattle to San Jose. It was a great trip and we really enjoyed the roomette. And the food was good but the dining car was extremely crowded and regimented. We ended up taking our meals in the bar. The service was much more relaxed and the bar car attendant was very hospitable.
That is so true because the first day I took the train by myself, the train was late literally 7 hours. So now I know whenever I book a train ride I just go with no rush.
I didn't even call them when my train was delayed and they still gave me a cash voucher. Pretty awesome.
I never get the travel insurance. And you are right amtrak normally makes good on refunds. But you also have to pick the FLEX Ticket when purchasing. That way you are guaranteed a refund if something goes wrong. It might be a little extra but worth it.
I always buy the Flex version and it's come in handy more than once!
“Flex” just seems Amtrak treats costumer less than friendly…
Please be aware that Amtrak customer service can be unreasonable. Recently on the Southwest Chief that was supposed to connect with the Coast Starlight on morning of arrival at LAX. The Chief ran 8 hours late... so I called Amtrak Reservations and arranged to pick up the Starlight the next morning. Upon arrival at LAX was told that I could have taken a 5 hour bus ride out of Victorville connecting in Bakersfield for Emeryville... to pick up the Starlight that evening. Nobody including the conductor informed me of this mandatory diversion. I was refused any kind of assistance in LAX because I failed 'to know' about the mandatory diversion. Was forced to get my own hotel accommodation, meal, and transfers for the overnight at LAX. As a senior traveling in an H room, I felt this completely ignores any policies Amtrak has for the wellbeing of its customers.
tesbernstein, from your description, it does not seem that there was anything "mandatory". It sounds you discussed the situation with AMTRAK and agreed with a solution they offered. That is not "mandatory". Did you ask if there were any other options, or did you just accept the first solution they offered? And you don't say whether taking the Starlight the next morning worked out OK, or if there was some other problem.
@@youtuuba When I reserved the CS for the next morning the agent assured me that there should be overnight accommodation in LAX offered and I had no reason the doubt it.
@@tedbernstein3809 , there is no overnight accommodation AT Los Angeles Union Station unless you want to sleep on a bench. There is still something missing from your story.
@@youtuuba When they comp an overnight stay at LAX they provide vouchers for cab, nearby contracted hotel, and meals. Just like they do in CHI where they use Swisshotel. Was comped once before at LAX for a very late train that missconnected with the northbout CS. That is what they should have done this time.
We were happy to have the travel insurance when we had to cancel our train trip due to illness at the last moment.
So were we ....
I have had 27 dollars save me over a thousand on a train trip. When I called Amtrak they were not helpful at all and the insurance took care of everything. It has not benefited you but it has others.
I think of travel insurance as being for if you become seriously ill when it's too late to get refunded for a trip you have to cancel. That's something that can happen to anyone at any time, but becomes more and more likely as you get older.
The Viewliner roomettes are OK. The Superliner roomettes are very tight. I try to get a bedroom when ever possible if riding on a Superliners. Im doing the Auto train in May. Bedrooms both ways, and I am travelling alone.
As a single person the roomettes are simply lovely.
I'm definitely thinking about upgrading now I've read so many ppl saying this!
Also the earlier you book through Amtrak - the cheaper the price. That can also inflate the price they are expecting to find.
exactly right -- price is based on demand relative to scheduled departure, the closer to departure, the higher the the cost of tix
@@oldsoul3576not always
Just did my first trip in a roomette and was shocked at how small the room was. We still had a great trip.
did it Feel bigger after a short time...I've always noticed after the first hour or so, it really feels quite comfortable and seems bigger.
We were quite comfortable. Watching on CZcams just made them seem bigger.@@miragexl007
We were on a trip in a bedroom once, there was another couple we saw setting up their roomette. They were both "large" individuals. It was clear that they would not be comfortable. I am not even certain how one of them climbed to the top bunk. Later on, we saw them in the dining car and the staff made them squeeze in next to each other instead of across from each other, then never sat anyone across from them. I can't imagine they enjoyed their trip.
I learned about Amtrak vacations years ago, ended up booking everything on my own because for the same price I was able to get much better hotels. Also, their tour itinerary was packed with bus tours which we didn't want.
As for trip insurance, I usually by from a third party. I never but from the carrier, be it an airline, cruise line, or Amtrak. I usually only buy it for big trips with multiple segments that can affect each other.
Absolutely, plan on a full day between connections, overnight at your connecting city. Alleviates the stress. . Due to unforeseen circumstances, Amtrak trans can terminate anywhere along the route. This has happens due to wildfires, landslides, freight derailments. I always have a "plan B"... look at the major cities along your route, find the nearest hotel to those stations. Locate the airlines that serve those destinations ahead of time. Just having this knowledge will make you confident instead of lost should the worst happen. Difference between "oh my god, what am I going to do" and "crap, but I got this".
It is not a bad idea to pad air travel schedules as well. I usually give myself 3-4 hours for a connection at an airport and it makes all the difference. At my last trip through ATL, I hit the lounge for some drinks and meal, had a massage, then took a nap in Minute Suites. It completely changes the ATL experience almost to something as relaxing as taking Amtrak.
I once took advantage of a layover in Amsterdam to create an extra 'mini-vacation' within a longer trip. Instead of booking our flights back to back, or even with a few hours layover, I scanned down the flights and found one with over 12 hrs in between. We got to Amsterdam late afternoon, I had a room booked right off one of the main squares. We hit a coffee shop, then my husband (a musician) grabbed his saxophone, and I grabbed a seat at an outdoor Cafe to watch as he went from one little street busker or group to the next, joining in, as a crowd started following him, lol! (He's a bit of a crowd pleaser.) He left all the extra tips for whichever act he'd joined in with, and got back to my table saying "That was FUN! Now let's eat!" Then we grabbed a few hour's sleep and headed out to the airport the next morning for our last flight. (Don'tcha just love it when a plan works out!)😊
I love your channel! You've been so helpful. I was surprised how jerky & rocky the train was heading to Glacier. When walking through coach, the train hit a big bump. I almost fell on top of a girl that was sitting in an aisle seat. I felt so embarrassed, but glad I was able to catch myself before I fell on her.
The trains are very bumpy and rocky I couldn't sleep well at all! I don't know how people are able to sleep I was miserable!
Regarding sleeper accommodations, I am the nearly 70 year old who uses the upper bunk. Easy to do in a Viewliner, due to the headspace and my having no significant physical impairments. I have doubts regarding comfort in a Superliner, but I know I can do it. If I had doubts, the spouse and I would set up some form of test space at home to trial claustrophobia and climbing (probably require two different layouts, but I like that sort of inventive challenge).
If you believe that Amtrak Roomettes are small (and they are) ; at one time railroads offered a single room with a bed in a car called a "slumbercoach" . Those rooms were very tiny and there were something like 40 of them in a car.
Or Pullman sleepers. "Here are your coach seats. Look, now they are bunk beds! At least we give you curtains for privacy!"
Even more odd to our minds today: that was the peak of travel luxury at the time.
Re: cruise ship connections.
That's just people not following the cruising guidelines of arriving at the port city the day before. Not an Amtrak problem.
Great info. Back in Dec I attempted to plan my first “vacation” using my wits and Amtrak Customer Service - That did not go well… I think it was after I asked the agent about getting from Seattle to Alaska… Amtrak transferred me to Railbookers… I discovered there was a huge up-charge for their very friendly staff and services. Still, it is my first trip of this sort, (not knowing anyone upon my arrival), and somehow having someone else arranging travel, hotel and the one tour - to see the Northern Lights, was “easier” however costly. I think after this trip me and my reading, “art- ing” and quilting will do the next one, should the good Lord tarry; by myself since I’ll have my feet wet.
Many thanks for your very helpful information and perspectives.
The main advantage of business class (on the northeast corridor) is that you have reserved seats. That can be a big deal on a crowded day, if you want to sit with your companions, or if you don't want to fight the boarding mob at moynihan.
And on the Cascades, if you don't get one of the Heritage Fleet trains, you get 1+2 seating so if you're traveling alone you can actually travel alone.
Just recently took the AutoTrain from Lorton VA to Sanford FL sharing a roomette with a friend heading down. Yes, is kind of tight space even for regular size people, however it beats driving on I-95 and got there 1/2 hr ahead of time. If you are bringing your car along, if you show up 1/2 hr to 45 min before last call for the car, your car will probably be available within 1/2 hr of arrival. I guess since the last car wasn’t full, there were no lines for bathrooms or showers! Overall it was a good experience.
Just took our first Amtrak trip, the CZ from Ottumwa to Reno (roundtrip) in a roomette. Yes, they are small! Outbound we experienced an 11 hour delay due to freight train derailment. Our return trip was cancelled several days in a row due to a severe snowstorm in the Sierras. Definitely not the norm. Rented a car to return home. Staff on the train were absolutely wonderful, but phone line customer service was horrendous. We were given conflicting info every time we called. Would love to give Amtrak another chance, but not so sure. Love your channel and content.
My friend and I figured out a roommette is much more comfortable if you have the attendant on the Empire Builder make up the bottom bed. We could sit facing each other with our legs stretched out like we were in recliners. We used Amtrak Vacations and it paid off when the east side of Glacier Park was closed for covid and they came to the rescue, handling everything.
I always travel by myself so a roomette is fine for me. My brother and his wife get roomettes across the hall from each other if there aren’t any bedrooms available. To be honest, they don’t even care if their rooms are right across that hall haha…
on the ny-wash route business class always has way more legroom than coach and as a solo traveler almost always got a 'double seat' whereas rarely do in coach
Not always. In the front of the car are 2 small seats that face each other. I am 6’2” and had to sit side ways. The next stop a girl couldn’t sit in her seat because I wasn’t a child. The conductor moved me to a normal seat in business class.
I have ridden the NY to Philadelphia and must say it was a pleasure. As soon as the train was under way, people who regularly commuted were very friendly and polite. The trip was memorable in the best way.
I did switch my seats to business class on northeast regional because want to make sure I am facing forward.
I find Biz Class on the NE Regional to offer a wider seat than coach and, surprisingly, is far more comfortable than Acela.
That said, I'm really looking forward to traveling on the New Acela whenever it finally enters service.
First timer in a roomette, i found it comfortable with two, we left the seats in sleep position to lay around in it, grandkid had the top bunk, very comfortable
My business class sadness: I value my Amtrak credit card. Loved that I could get extra points for BC. BC got me into the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge, which I mainly valued for the luggage storage and freed me to explore between train journeys. Now: Chicago Union’s website implies that we can still use the lounge like the rest of the premium riders (nope).
Years ago, a planned flight to Florida to catch a cruise ship was cancelled. Fortunately, we were able to re-schedule another flight, and were able to catch our ship just in time. It was VERY stressful. After that, I swore I would NEVER book a flight to a cruise on the same day as the cruise was leaving. I can't even imagine taking a train, unless I had a cushion of maybe a week.
NEVER book a flight for the day the cruise is leaving. Do you really trust airplanes that much?
Go the day ahead, and relax.
@@cruisecrazy7066 We have taken Amtrak from Alexandria, VA to Florida to catch a cruise and we always plan to arrive the day before the ship sails. We arrive, go to our hotel, have dinner and go to0 sleep. Even if the train is several hours late we wouldn't have a problem.
We do the same thing i9f we have to fly to the port. Well worth the cost of the hotel room.
It's a train, not a hotel room.💜
I’ve shown up for Amtrak trains and been told, “there will be no train today.” No train, no alternative transportation, no nothing. So be prepared for that scenario to happen because it can.
Thank you for all of your videos, they have helped me when I travel with Amtrak! Just a note about business class, another perk is that they are often not as full and there are often less kids. So if you are looking for a quieter ride it can be great! I can only speak from my trips from Chicago over toward Detroit however.
Thanks for the helpful reveal on train travel. It is sad to learn that the time honored Amtrak is scamming travelers along with the airline industry.
Great information! We recently purchased that global USB charging adapter that you recommended. It's handy for domestic or overseas travel. We also got the CSR card to use with our Chase World of Hyatt card. We're looking forward to lounge access and 3x travel. You guys upped our game!
You mean misinformation.
. Please explain "misinformation"?
Thank you both very helpful!!! 😊
My wife and I aren’t small people, but the Sleeperette is just fine. I’m fine with coach, but my wife prefers the privacy and the beds. I don’t expect to sit up in bed. I crawl into the upper berth and love it.
We always plot extra time. The last time that we took Amtrak to a cruise we arrived three days early. After the 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal, we stayed in Miami overnight before boarding to use a rail pass for the next two weeks.
Thank you !!! I enjoy your experiences and your truth!
Thanks for explaining this so well !
We thoroughly enjoyed the roommette after we watched your videos and Rob's measurements !! You did a very good job of showing the sizes, the coach and leg room, and all sleeping rooms! Thank you both
I have done Amtrak round trip three times, all three times on the Coast Starlight (aka Coast Star Late). Two times I went 1st class in a Roomette and the last time I went coach. Never again on coach. I am planning on a major cross-country trip this fall. Initially I was looking at booking a bedroom but saw your video which revealed that the bathroom/shower is tiny and basically unusable. I wouldn't be able to even turn around. Also, cross country with a Bedroom is extremely expensive so I have been exploring booking a roomette for the trip. It's just a little over half the cost of the same trip in a bedroom. That means I can take the train both ways rather than flying home. One thing you might want to mention in a future video is the lack of leg room in the roomette when the bunk is laid down. Your knees are against the door and this makes it a tad more difficult to get ready for bed.
Did you notice that Amtrak has changed the pricing on last minute trips? Seems like if you wait till the last minute you can get a better deal on a roomette. I just checked Reno to Sacramento on the 30th and it went from $447 for a roomette to $256. I noticed when booking they don't show how full the train is anymore either.
Great info for newbies!! I take amtrak alot up & down the East Coast and for plenty of years. I mostly get coach seating because it is cheaper, but with that cheaper seat you also get rude people Lol!! People forget they are in shared spaces and they LOVE talking on their phones (and not with earbuds in). I have heard many a conversation both ways, Lol!! I plan on taking business class to Savannah for a family reunion. I will get there the day before b/c the time antrak arrives in Savannah I might (probably) will miss Friday's activities. Have you guys ever ridden the train from NYC (I get on in NC) to FL, especially in coach? Its a hoot 🤣🤣
There is one other benefit to Business class vs. Coach... for people like my husband who have problems with Anxiety... It is quieter in Business AND they do even have a quiet car if that is needed too... ALSO.... There are eastern routes that do use Superliner cars... Capitol Limited is one of them...
The new Siemens Venture Coaches just aren't all that comfortable on trips longer than a couple of hours; found Business Class (older Amfleet/Horizon era) on the MO River Runner well worth it between KC and StL
I listened to Rob when he was measuring everything in each room. So I really enjoyed my trip ☺️
When flying in for a cruise, I would suggest that people fly in the day before. If I were traveling to the cruise by train, I would suggest at least two days before.
I really enjoy your show. We ate total train people. We have taking several long trips across the USA. We always get a sleeper. 😁🎉🎊. Thanks for helping all of us get educated on train travel. 🤗🤗🤗
Trap #1: thinking you can take the train any place useful in the USA. Except, maybe, the Northeast corridor.
The Northeast Corridor is the best place to take useful trips on Amtrak.
😅Not necessarily. If you live near one stop and travel frequently to another place further down the line, it's great. I live in Memphis, and taking the City of New Orleans down to New Orleans is great. You leave Memphis around 8-ish in the morning, arrive in New Orleans around 3:30pm, with plenty of time to get your stuff into your room before you head out to explore, have dinner at a reasonable hour, etc. Then, coming back, it leaves New Orleans at like 1:40 in the afternoon, plenty of time to have a leisurely brunch before leaving, then you arrive back in Memphis around 10:30 that night. The train takes about an hour and a half longer, but it sort of adds to the novelty of the trip, and is MUCH less hassle than ripping down there in a car, then having to deal with driving and parking, etc., when you get there. Also, after you've rambled New Orleans for a day or two, it's nice to kick back and snooze or just chill and watch the scenery coming home. WAY better than driving, I think!
@@deb7518 I have to go to Cleveland in May. I looked at taking Amtrak from Philly to Cleveland. Total time of the trip by train: 17 hours. Driving time: 7 hours. Flight time:
I've been all over the US on Amtrak; Seattle, Orlando, NYC, Chicago, L.A., Atlanta, San Francisco, D.C., Houston, Portland, & some less populated cities.
Although I have only done overnight on the Autotrain (coach), I love and learn so much from your videos. So glad we didn’t get a roomette as I would have been like the gentleman you described!
I have always planned personal travel that required any specific arrival date and time with built in extra days so that I arrive at least a day early. I realize that I am blessed to be able to incorporate any additional costs into our budget, but the relaxation I am able to experience while traveling is priceless!
Allie, I was wearing the same headband while watching this!
Thank you! Great tips!
I booked my 12 day trip using the 800 number and came out cheaper than I expected. One service the lounges have is luggage storage if you have a long layover between trains. We did that in Chicago so we didn't have to take our luggage with us to eat etc.
Thanks for this information. I found the info about Amtrak Vacations and travel insurance the most helpful
Great information and I really appreciate it.
Thanks for posting an excellent compilation of Amtrak travel tips (practically hacks)! Videos such as yours meant there were few surprises on my first Amtrak adventure, several years ago. One I didn't fully appreciate until after the fact, was how incredibly lucky I was not to miss a connection due to failure to allow for late arrival times. I did have to cancel a hotel reservation in NOLA because the Sunset Limited was 11 hours late after a train/truck collision in Texas (no one injured, thank goodness), but in retrospect, I figured I got off pretty light, since I wasn't charged for the hotel room. Anyway, whenever I'm planning another Amtrak trip, I like to re-watch your best videos to refresh my memory and avoid travel trauma. Thanks again!
You Guys Are Awesome. I took Business Class A Couple Times Out Of Chicago Union Station Just For Free Lounge Access. It really wasn't much more than Coach. But now i get a Roomette. Rooms are way too expensive. You Are Soooo Right. Never take an Amtrak and Expect being On time.
Thanks for the pointers
Good information as always!
The 1 Auto Train we took north yrs ago was very late (station arrival at 5pm in Lorton). Didn't upset us because we had another day and a half on the road. Many were upset as they had plans for that nite .
Today I could understand there frustration if they had reservations at a motel or event that day.
One Big thing to me on the ZEphyr, that really surprised/surprises Me....Just the first hour seems pretty small at first but Become/Feels much bigger after that and quite comfortable. of Course were all under 200lb, and the Big Picture windows which might help. Anyway, absolute Wonderful Memories with my kids!! First trip, back in 2016?, with the first daughter...came into California, from Chicago, 1/2 hr early. I was Surprised after hearing All the Late issues being the number 1 negative! Well, then the next 3 times/trips 2-4 hrs late, not to mention 1 derailment that cancelled our train x 3 days...lol. Guess we got lucky on the very first trip
Enjoy your videos. My husband and I took our first train ride last year in a roomette leaving from stl in coach to chicago in a roomette to washington d.c. we did book through amtrak vacations and i didn't think it was too expensive, it cost $2200 for both of us which did include the hotel and also several tours in d.c. We had never been to d.c. before so I wasn't sure about hotels and what to do so booking through amtrak vacations did help. Since I watched your video I wasn't aware that amtrak can book our hotels too.
Hearing what you are saying about the Roomet, top bunk space reminds me of my days in the Navy on the ships. At least on the ship we kind of had wider bunks & those are normal 3 high.
My wife and I have never had a problem with the roomette, I usually sleep on top and I've always considered the small rooms very cozy. Right now, two things are preventing us from traveling on the train. Two to three hour delays (especially on the SW Chief) and the dining car situation. Apparently they still won't let people traveling in coach eat in the dining car. Along with that, the price of meals has gone way up. Both of us would love to do another train trip but it doesn't look like that is going to happen in the foreseeable future.
jerryprice....your comment makes no sense as written. You state that you and your wife usually take a Roomette, then complain because 'they still won't let people traveling in coach eat in the dining car'.....what's that to you if you are traveling in a sleeper car? And the price of meals has not gone up if you don't have to pay for them at all, which is the situation for sleeper passengers. As for the 'dining car situation', what are you talking about? On my recent trips within the last year or so, every train I have been on west of Chicago has had the normal dining car meals for sleeper passengers (I don't know if they were letting coach passengers into the dining car). And those meals were the same kind I used to experience years ago. I know that for a couple years and during COVID there were a lot of dining restrictions and reduction of food services, but unless things have gone south since last summer, you might be not traveling on AMTRAK due to out of date understanding of the current situation.
@@youtuuba Let me clarify that. We have traveled first class as well as in coach. Back before all this covid silliness coach passengers could eat in the dining car the cost just wasn't included in the ticket. However that was okay as we were never more than two nights out. Now only first class passengers get to eat in the dining cars, Hell! that was half the fun getting the opportunity to talk with interesting people. It's true food costs have gone up I understand that but even traveling in coach I should have the opportunity to enjoy a meal in the dining car. We really wanted to take another trip this summer but after a lot of careful research it just isn't feasible. Not only that
Amtrak is having a terrible time being on time especially on the SW Chief.
Very useful information.❤
Regarding roomettes and two occupants: If you and your partner have completed a stay in a packable tent or a older style Japanese hotel room and the relationship survived undamaged, you're good to go.
I have watched a few of your videos. Very helpful :-) THANKS!
The Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge in NYC is great. I took the train to NYC to spend the day in the city. When I arrived at NYC I went to the lounge and the food offerings took care of breakfast. Then I took a few snacks to get me through the day. About an hour before my train left I ate again at the lounge and got a few snacks for the trip home. So I saved about $ 30.00 by not buying street food, bagels, ect. It was certainly relaxing and made the day better. I accessed the lounge for free with a voucher but I would consider spending $50.00 for access. It's really only costing me about $20.00 more when subtracting the cost of food on the streets. Well worth $20.00 to be upstairs relaxing where you have the lounge bathrooms, nice seating, no noise,, ect. You also get to pre board your train before the folks downstairs.
I booked a roomette from NYC to Wilmington. I enjoyed access to the Metroplitan Lounge.
Wish yall would take train trip in Austrailia, Africa, India or any other places where trains run and no fancy upgrades
Australia has some very nice trains - better than Amtrak, The Blue Train in South Africa is luxurious. India too has comfortable trains in Air Conditioned Class but I know what you mean -- it would be interesting to hear about roughing it on some really basic trains.
I think the roomette is better for solo travelers; the bedroom is better for a duo. Last year, I booked an Amtrak ticket at the last minute; I got business class because it was cheaper. I'm glad I booked business class because it has more leg room than the coach.
The only time I buy travel insurance is for international trips, and that mostly for medical. I see no need to buy it for an Amtrak trip.
I plan to catch the Cardinal in Cincinnati and transfer to the California Zephyr in Chicago. There's a 3 hour layover. So you think I'll need to spend a day in Chicago and catch the Zephyr on the following day?
I plan on staying the day than risk the chance.
Last year (Jan)I was supposed to take the Chicago to Wash. DC (Capital Ltd) train but due to the big train wreck in Ohio which closed down that track passengers were put on the Cardinal. However the Cardinal had a 2-3 hour delay in Cincinnati as well as a longer normal travel time and I missed my connection by about 10 minutes to the Fl. Train (Silver Meteor) which we were told would be held for us. I was stuck in Washington till the following day so I went to the ticker agent and asked to be put up in a hotel because I HAD A TRAIN RESERVATION. She invited me to sleep on a bench in the waiting room till morning. Knowing the crime rate in DC I got a hotel room at a cost of over $200.00. I wrote a letter to Amtrack relating my ordeal and did not receive a reply, however, about 6 mo. later I received a check for the cost of the room. I do not know how others passengers were treated.
Remind me of the RACKS in the navy
Yesssss! That is the attraction for me, especially the top berth. Reminded me of my first rack on the USS Forrestal CV-59…I sleep very well on Amtrak
That's exactly what I was thinking. We recently took the Coast Starlight and the top bunk reminded me of the berthing area of some ships I was on. Actually more room than an enlisted Marine's bunk.
I think you are taking a risk without insurance sometimes. But now that you said they will make good without insurance I may chance it my next trip. Ty
NYC to Miami, 52 hours late arriving
No food, no water, toilets overflowing.
1200 dollars for a bedroom
Food was a burger 24 hours behind the scheduled time for dinner.
No breakfast, no lunch, no dinner because they were supposed to arrive before these times
I always pack some snacks, just in case.
Reminds me of the old Jack Lemon movie The Out Of Towners. Script was written by the seriously funny & talented Neil Simon.
After watching your video and so many other train travel videos I'm still confused about one thing. Just one thing? LOL. But seriously my concern is. If my train is seriously late and I end up at a station and have no transportation to get to a hotel what do I do? Are all Amtrak stations open 24/7 where I could just sit inside and be safe until morning or when I could obtain a taxi / Uber / bus to my final destination?
NO....Chicago will kick you out at mid-night till 5 am....It happened to me and 2 Amish families. My heart pounded outside setting on the steps till 5 am. 👀👀👻👻
On the Carolinian I have found that the business class car is much quieter than coach. Such Greyhound has downsized there is more rift raft on the train.
Thank you the recommendations in this piece. We have used Amtrak Vacations in the past and it was enjoyable. However, I like the idea of using your website for recommendations on our next trip. We also want to e able to use our reward points. Concerning travel insurance, does amtrak work with us if we have to cancel a trip last minute.?
For one person, I have to disagree about the roomette. I was absolutely delighted with it, was able to upgrade for a good price it has an absolutely colossal window of your own and also windows to the hallway, I'm not sure how someone could be claustrophobic.
It is a small room, but for one person it is extremely comfortable.
For me to be able to control your own temperature volume light sound outlets etc made my 35 hour trip much more enjoyable.
Also along with roommate came three full meals a day, more than I could eat and seating in the dining car, which the first meal I took advantage of but was seated with strangers so for the next number of meals the porter was happy to bring it to my room and I was extremely happy with the quality of the food.
I only had them make the chairs into a bed one night, the other nights I was happy enough to rest in it as a large lounge chair, I liked having the fold-out table and just the general privacy for me was much better than sitting in a coach for 35 hours with complete strangers and a lot of noise etc.
So the little room even for a big guy was great, I also had access to a bathroom that was only for the roommate car, and to a shower on the bottom floor of the car which I used, just so I could say that I showered on a train LOL and the porter could not have been greater, would bring me anything I wanted from the restaurant at meal times or from the cafe in between times all included with the roomette.
Yes it is a small room because it is on a train.
But for one person I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It really made it like a first-class experience for me, they waited on you hand and foot and would help you with anything you asked for and it really made it a special experience.
And it's definitely bigger than any first class seat you would ever get on any airplane LOL
We recently took the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville in a Roomette. The roomette is cramped for two people. The first night the tracks were ROUGH… impossible to get any sleep. The seats in the roomette were much worse than coach. Our room attendant was very good. The dining car staff was quite rude. All of the carriage equipment was quite old. The menu initially appeared appealing but same selections every day? We arrived 6 hours late. Called to complain a few days after our trip and was informed we had already $300.00 credit toward any trip for up to one year. We were initially excited but not now. It pales in comparison to the EuroStar and Shinkansen.
Nothing compares to the Shinkansen.
Hotel recommendations is good. Ty
I rode "business class" on the East coast..= coach seats with dirty windows.. I had few problems with the roomettes... the door rattled when to train was at cruising speed...(I stuffed a pack of matches into to gap)....worked fine. The sleeper in the Zepher going East to West had a swamp gas smell when someone use the toilet.. GOOD TIMES!
I'm from Australia, we only have The Ghan (Great Southern during the Ghan off season) , The Indian Pacific, that have Twin bed rooms at floor level, though even the smallest of those suites have a private bathroom, though we don't have a straight corridor on those, the XPT which take two nights to get from Melbourne to Brisbane, the only one that used to have fold down it came straight out of the wall on the Overland between Adelaide before it became a daylight train. The only advantage that I see, and it is only for the Family cabin is the windows on both sides of the train, but still not that good because all you see for filming is ground level stuff which often includes other trains. That said I probably wouldn't do Roomettes for much longer than one night.
I rode the Ghan and the Indian Pacific quite a few years ago and they were far more comfortable than Amtrak. On the Ghan there was even a barber shop.
My only gripe with Amtrak is that the sleepers are out of my budget. Other than prices, I've had pretty good experience on Amtrak.
I suffer from claustrophobia and I could NEVER share a Roomette with someone however by myself it is OK -- except for the lack of a toilet and sink. Prior to Amtrak, Roomettes were for ONE only. I am speaking of Roomettes built by Budd and Pullman Standard, not Amtrak's Superliner or Viewliner fleet. It was a shame when Amtrak downgraded the Roomette. The other issue with Roomettes - and the other accommodations in the Superliners is the poor air conditioning. I need the temp to be around 68F at night, maximum 70F during the day. It often gets 75F or over which is torture for me. In winter they overheat.
I can't speak for the Superliners, but the Roomette on the Viewliners was perfectly roomy for the two of us, and my fiance isn't a tiny girl. HVAC was good on both the Viewliner I and II. 70F and 38%-44‰ humidity in our room from Florida all the way up north; yes I actually measured it. It was in the high 80s in Florida, near freezing up north, so we had the heat on at times, aircon at others.
@@grayrabbit2211 Viewliners are much newer than the Superliners. Agreed that the HVAC system works far better. Personally I would never share a Viewliner or Superliner Roomette however that's me - some people can cope better with the small space. As I said, however, making the Roomette for TWO was a downgrade from what we had as far back as the 1950s or even earlier.
I rode Business Class on the Coast Starlight in 2022, and aside from the free drinks, they had leather-covered seats (not worth the price), access to the Metropolitan Lounge at LAUPT (nice) and the ability to eat in the dining car at a price ($45 at dinner), which at that time was not an available option in Coach. (But I believe that it is now.) I think Coach was a better option.
As far as on-time status is concerned, my Sunset Limited train arrived 7 hours late but that was not a problem. Later I had to transfer from the Empire Builder to the Capitol Limited in CHI and then to the Pennsylvanian in PIT. Although both arriving trains were a little late, I still made both connections with no problem.
I was able to use the Metropolitan Lounges in Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia and they were all quite nice. Of course, I didn't have to pay for the privilege. In PHL, they have separate elevators leading to each platform, which is quite handy.
And now Business Class isn't offered on the Starlate. 😞 Definitely worth it to me for its other benefits (granted, my typical trip is between Tacoma and Portland). Gets you lounge access in Portland, which is nice -- the seats in the main concourse are like medieval torture racks!
Last week we booked coach round trip from Roanoke, VA to NYC for $100 each for flex tickets. Today a Facebook Ad promised 30% off so I clicked on the link to see how much I overpaid. The same dates were offered at $300! After verifying I was on the actual Amtrak site I closed the window, then after repeating the test by clicking the sale banner on their own site and getting the same results I closed the window again and entered the same dates as before at their home page and the price of flex tickets went back down to $100. I've got screen shots of both.
I've had the same "better seats in coach" experience in business class as well. For me, business class mainly makes sense for the north east corridor (or other routes where coach is unassigned seating) - in the NE corridor business class is assigned seating so you can get seats together.
Rode from Denver to San Francisco. Absolutely breathtaking scenery. Unfortunately, the train was filthy. The bathrooms deplorable. And some of the staff beyond rude. Coach seats were comfortable, but the smell from some of the passengers was terrible. They had to make a passenger use the shower onboard to get rid of the stink. Passenger trains have to yield to freight trains. Train departure was delayed by at least an hour and a half. Train hit something on the track later in the day. Another delay because they had to walk the length of the train and check the tracks. Next was a delay waiting for a freight train to pass. We arrived in Emeryville, California hours late. This is the end stop for San Francisco. From there they take you by bus to San Francisco. Because of the late arrival the busses were not waiting for us. It took almost two hours for Amtrack to get the buses to the station. Even that was coordinated poorly. It seemed that nobody, including the Amtrak staff, knew what bus was going where. After a grueling ride through the heavy traffic, they dropped us off on Market Street.
Business class LAX/SAN is worth it...usually not crowded, usually no children and pretty quiet.....