glomor
Train Attendant
I took the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Fullerton this past weekend. I was the first non-handicapped/non-senior person to board the train. In the past I would simply present my ticket, be directed to the proper coach, and find a seat. I prefer a window seat near the stairwell. In this case I was told to proceed to seat #68. When I got there it was already occupied by a woman in the window seat. When the train began to move, the seat in front was empty so I moved up. The car attendant had a fit when he saw that I was not in my assigned seat, but finally agreed to let me stay there. I asked when Amtrak had gone to assigned seating and was told that everyone was supposed to do it that way, but some didn't. I wondered what the experience has been of others recently. Has there been a change? Admittedly it's been awhile since I rode coach.
I am also wondering if it is possible for a single person to purchase two tickets in order to avoid having a seat partner?
Another woman in coach inquired about upgrading to a sleeper and was told that she would either have to pay double fare or share a roomette with someone else. I had never heard of that and when I mentioned to some others on board they too could not believe it. Again, I'm wondering what others here have heard. Is this something new?
I was not able to eat in the dining room either night. The first night, by the time they got to my coach, no dinner reservations were available--only snack bar. The second night I was offered only a 5 o'clock seating--this was offered at 3:30 as I was returning from a very late lunch. Needless to say I had to pass on that. I have never had that happen before in all my years of riding Amtrak. Very poor service, IMO.
The entire trip was rather unsatisfying--and I had really been looking forward to this vacation. I am dreading the return voyage now because I don't know what to expect. Can anyone address these issues here? I am curious to know what your experiences have been riding coach.
Thanks in advance!
I am also wondering if it is possible for a single person to purchase two tickets in order to avoid having a seat partner?
Another woman in coach inquired about upgrading to a sleeper and was told that she would either have to pay double fare or share a roomette with someone else. I had never heard of that and when I mentioned to some others on board they too could not believe it. Again, I'm wondering what others here have heard. Is this something new?
I was not able to eat in the dining room either night. The first night, by the time they got to my coach, no dinner reservations were available--only snack bar. The second night I was offered only a 5 o'clock seating--this was offered at 3:30 as I was returning from a very late lunch. Needless to say I had to pass on that. I have never had that happen before in all my years of riding Amtrak. Very poor service, IMO.
The entire trip was rather unsatisfying--and I had really been looking forward to this vacation. I am dreading the return voyage now because I don't know what to expect. Can anyone address these issues here? I am curious to know what your experiences have been riding coach.
Thanks in advance!