What have I signed myself up for?

Hello! I am new here, so please forgive me if I ask questions that have been asked before. I have been surfing around the website for a couple of days, but I can't find a way to search it. Please forgive me if I'm repetitive.

I used to fly for my job before I had kids and since I've had kids, I've developed a ridiculous fear of flying. In fact, I think it's more social anxiety and claustrophobia than anything, because I know it's safe and faster to fly. I'm just having a very hard time talking myself into doing it. Every time I even think about flying, I get all nauseated and weak in the knees, so I've decided to do some research on train traveling.

I have a conference in the first week of March that I want to attend. It's in Los Angeles, and I live in Michigan - way too long of a drive to take by myself. I also have an autoimmune disease that requires rest, so I thought that rather than put myself through the severe stress that flying takes on my mental state (LOL), I thought I'd give Amtrak a try.

I would be taking the SWC from Chicago to Los Angeles, go to my conference, head to Disneyland via car rental, then come back to LAX to come home.

Here are my questions so far:

1. I know I'm probably too late for any deals, but is it possible to find any this late in the game? I would get a roomette. As much as I'd love one with its own toilet, that's out of my budget.

2. I'm not concerned about claustrophobia in the roomette due to there being a large window in there, but does one have to take meals in the dining car? I'm a little concerned about my social anxiety and would like the option of having an "escape" if that makes any sense.

3. TMI here, (sorry for this being in my first post), part of my autoimmune disease is stomach related. If I end up getting an upset stomach, how embarrassed will I be if I have to run to the bathroom frequently?

4. Does anyone ever get motion sickness in a train? I can't handle roller coasters and have to sit in the front seat of a car or bus. The last time I was on a train I was in 6th grade and I was having too much fun to notice. I'm assuming I'll be fine, but I wanted to ask this just in case. (For what it's worth, I've been on a cruise and did okay, so I'm assuming that will probably be the same on a train?)

5. Any tips for a first timer? I have read the thread posted below, but would love more tips if possible. I'm getting pretty excited.

This trip is going to cost me about $1000 more to take a train than to fly. My husband is an angel for not being upset about my stupid phobia. I'm trying not to feel guilty about it, and more trying to see it as a special pampering time for me. I was diagnosed with my disease about 4 years ago, went through a little bit of hell at first, but now doing quite well. The conference I will be attending is for other patients like me.

Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate any feedback!

1. Not really. Generally speaking, there aren't a lot of deals. Booking earlier usually nets better prices.

2. Nope. Talk to your sleeping car attendant when you board, and they should be able to bring you meals. That said, give the diner a shot. It's nice.

3. Not too much - restrooms are on the lower level (there is one upstairs too), if you get a roomette on the lower level you'll be right there. Because the passages between the cars is on the upper level, the lower level of each car is really quiet.

4. You should be OK - again the lower level will help you here, and sitting facing forward.

5. Nothing in particular comes to mine - relax and enjoy the trip!

Saber Mom said:

1. I know I'm probably too late for any deals, but is it possible to find any this late in the game? I would get a roomette. As much as I'd love one with its own toilet, that's out of my budget.

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The best way to get a deal is to be flexible and compare different dates. Blanket discounts on long-distance trains are somewhat rare.

Saber Mom said:

2. I'm not concerned about claustrophobia in the roomette due to there being a large window in there, but does one have to take meals in the dining car? I'm a little concerned about my social anxiety and would like the option of having an "escape" if that makes any sense.

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Not required to take your meal in the dining car. Your sleeping car attendant can deliver some or all of your meals. That being said, if you're feeling up to it, I'd suggest taking at least one meal in the diner to see if you like it.

Saber Mom said:

3. TMI here, (sorry for this being in my first post), part of my autoimmune disease is stomach related. If I end up getting an upset stomach, how embarrassed will I be if I have to run to the bathroom frequently?

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Book a lower level roomette, that way you'll never be more than a few steps from 3 restrooms. The lower level restrooms tend to be less widely used and they're further away from other rooms than the single upper level restroom.

Saber Mom said:

4. Does anyone ever get motion sickness in a train? I can't handle roller coasters and have to sit in the front seat of a car or bus. The last time I was on a train I was in 6th grade and I was having too much fun to notice. I'm assuming I'll be fine, but I wanted to ask this just in case. (For what it's worth, I've been on a cruise and did okay, so I'm assuming that will probably be the same on a train?)

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I've never had any issues with motion sickness so I can't offer any great inside knowledge, but if you did fine on a cruise, you should be fine on a train. There is a bit of a side-to-side motion but it's less pronounced if you're booked in a lower level roomette.

Saber Mom said:

5. Any tips for a first timer? I have read the thread posted below, but would love more tips if possible. I'm getting pretty excited.

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Relax, have fun and enjoy the journey. Amtrak may not always be on time but they have an excellent track record of getting people to their destination.
Also if you're renting a car in LA, they have rental counters and cars for Hertz at Union Station.

Oh and outside of this board, nobody calls the train station LAX. That's the airport.

Thank you!!!

I'll be in room 004 on the way there and room 012 on the way back. Does this mean I'll be on the same side of scenery both ways? I want to see everything!

rickycourtney said:

Oh and outside of this board, nobody calls the train station LAX. That's the airport.

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Hahahahaha!! I've got a lot to learn! And thanks for the tip about car rental. Much appreciated!

Saber Mom said:

Thank you!!!

I'll be in room 004 on the way there and room 012 on the way back. Does this mean I'll be on the same side of scenery both ways? I want to see everything!

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Had to tell because the cars could be facing either way. 004 is upstairs and 012 is downstairs.

Here is a diagram: You'll be riding superliners.

Thank you!

First of all, there are many reasons for not wanting to fly commercially, so you really don't need to apologize for that here. We are railfans (some of us more so than others and some less so than others) and so not wanting to fly makes perfect sense to most of us!

I'll let others continue to take a stab at your questions, but allow me to answer the one that I have recent experience with:

1. I know I'm probably too late for any deals, but is it possible to find any this late in the game? I would get a roomette. As much as I'd love one with its own toilet, that's out of my budget.

It is often possible to find deals, even late in the game (unlike the airlines, where everything only seems to go up the closer one gets to departure.) I'm travelling this week and just booked my outbound trip [long-distance train] and saved $60 by booking it three days ago instead of a week or more ago. (Not the same savings as booking it six months earlier, but still not bad.) Amtrak, like the airlines and many hotels today, uses demand-based pricing. But unlike the airlines, who hope that some poor sucker business traveler will pay a premium in order to book a ticket close to departure because their schedule won't allow otherwise, Amtrak will adjust the pricing based on fluctuating demand. This is particularly true when booking sleeper accomodations.

The good thing is that you are travelling in March, and not June or July. So demand will likely be in your purchasing favor. Remember that purchasing sleeping car accomodations will give you the lowest base railfare, so the number to pay attention to is what the difference in accomodations is, not the coach fare displayed on amtrak.com (or quoted via Julie or a phone agent).

Since you are going east to west, consider several differing routing options other than the one or two the system provides you. Each train attracts a differing number and type of travelers, so your best option may not be the one initially presented. As an example, I am planning a trip to California in late June (also for a conference) from the Rockies. The closest and most logical option would be taking the California Zephyr directly. But the CZ is one of the most popular trains, particularly in summer, and particularly with foreign travelers (who typically book months in advance). That makes it more expensive than to take the Southwest Chief to southern California and then north to the Bay Area (conference is in SFO). It's a longer trip and requires a bit more planning, but will be worth it. Travelling on less-crowded trains also allows more flexibility should your plans suddenly change for whatever reason. (It doesn't matter what the difference in rebooking travel might be if all coaches and sleepers are at capacity when you want to change your plans.)

Also consider leaving at a station which might not be the closest to your home in order to catch a train with more affordable options. This isn't possbile for every one, but can pay off in ancillary ways (such as leaving from a station near, but outside a metropolitan area, where parking may be free or at lower cost than parking in the central core of a city). I would also price your trip in outbound and inbound segments to compare options. Unlike the airlines, there is usually no advantage to booking round-trip travel over two one-way trips. On occasion, I have managed to even save money by purchasing my return trip after I have departed simply because demand fluctuates and more accomodations opened up after I departed (and closer to the return date).

As always with anything travel related, YMMV, but these tips have been based on my real world experience. Good luck on booking and do enjoy your trip!

Fantastic, RSG. Thank you!

Unfortunately, I've already booked my trip (got really excited, so I went ahead and did it). So, aside from possibly asking for an upgrade (does Amtrak do that?), I'm probably out of luck in getting things cheaper.

However, I'm still excited as can be. I can't wait. This board is so resourceful. I've been reading it for HOURS!

Amtrak is running a "Mid-Winter Special" right now, with 20% off fares on the Michigan trains. You might want to call and see if they applied that discount to your train to Chicago. I think they might be running a special on the SWC right now too, but I can't remember the dates.

I'm claustrophobic as well, but the roomette doesn't bother me. Having the HUGE window helps a lot. I sleep on the bottom bunk and ask them to leave the top bunk in the daytime position. That will ensure you still have a lot of room and helps the air circulate as well. (I find it's a bit stuffy when the top bunk is down, as it sort of blocks the air flow from the ceiling vent.)

You can ask your attendant to bring your meals to your room. No social interaction required.

As Ricky said, a lower-level roomette might be better for you since they're close to a few bathrooms (and the shower!) and don't sway as much. If you want to go upstairs to the lounge car and enjoy the views, do what I do and bring some earbuds or headphones with you. It will prevent people from starting up a conversation.

We live in Michigan and take the SWC to Albuquerque every year. I think you'll really enjoy it.

Since it sounds like you might make train travel a regular thing, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Master Card. You earn points for every purchase on top of the points you get for train travel. Between the credit card use, traveling, and buying points when they go on sale, we earn around 50,000 points per year.

Bring a book or two. Games on the iPad also videos too for night time relaxing in the room.

Bring cash for tips for your meals and sleeper attendant.

Just enjoy the journey and time to time if you can. Visit the people in the lounge car.

And most of all, Throw away the watch. You'll get there. Just don't expect to be on time.

Oh gosh, you are all making me so excited!

SarahZ. Thanks for the tip on keeping the upper bunk up. I'll do that. I'll check out that credit card right now. Thank you!

TraneMan - I'll bring cash for tips, but do they accept credit cards if I decide to purchase from the snack shop (can't remember what it's called). If not, how much cash should I have on me for a two day trip? Also, when we stop to pick up other passengers throughout the trip, will I be able to get off the train at all to breathe fresh air or get cash from an ATM?

So sorry to sound so ignorant. Thank you all so much!

So much good advice.

I personally love the diner, but can understand how others wouldn't. Your meals are included in your sleeper ticket so that's always a plus. My biggest complaint is too many calories, especially with dessert. But it's good!

Yes, the cafe car/lounge should take credit cards.

Most stops are too brief to get off for more than a second seconds. There's a few that are "smoke breaks" that are longer stops.

And don't worry about being ignorant. Everyone had their first time.

And I do HIGHLY recommend signing up at least for the guest rewards and if you want the credit card. Get a LOT of points that way and that can cover a lot of travel in the future.

And if you do sign up for the guest rewards, you can provide the email of a referral they earn 500 points for recommending you (and I think you also get an additional 500 points).

Your guaranteed "fresh air" stops are Fort Madison, Kansas City, La Junta, Raton, and Albuquerque. (Past Albuquerque, I have no idea where the fresh air stops are. Others will chime in, I'm sure.)

There are times the train is on-time or ahead of schedule, and they'll let you off for fresh air at other stops. They'll always announce how long you have. Make sure you stay near the train. Don't go in the station or off to a nearby store. When they call, "All aboard!" you need to get back on the train immediately. They do not wait for people.

If you decide to eat dinner in the dining car, you can ask for your dessert to go. I'm usually too full after dinner, and the cheesecake is a nice, late-night snack.

Cheesecake? Oh my word. I love cheesecake.

I'll have to do a lot of running in place on the train to make up for it, but I'm definitely having the cheesecake.

I've only been on Amtrak a couple times in the past 5 years (more in the 80s and 90s) but I'd suggest bringing a few snacks and a good book or two.

Saber Mom said:

Cheesecake? Oh my word. I love cheesecake.

I'll have to do a lot of running in place on the train to make up for it, but I'm definitely having the cheesecake.

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It comes with (optional) strawberry topping. It's really good.

Saber Mom said:

Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate any feedback!

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I'm taking the Southwest Chief to CA in mid-May. I've had similar questions and concerns to yours, and the members of this forum have been very friendly and helpful to me.

I'm thinking, since you and I seem to be of like mind in our questions/concerns, that the Amtrak staff is probably very familiar with "our type" and we will fair quite well on our respective trips.

I know the folks here have been very patient with me, and they have gone a long way in alleviate my uncertainties.

Saber Mom: do check out the travel tips forum, there's a lot of good stuff there (if you haven't already)!

Also, while it's good to see that you are excited (and you should be!), don't let a possible sub-par experience ruin your trip. It probably won't happen, but there is the possibility you could have the neighbors from hell in your car, or have the occasional sleeping car attendant who is way past jaded and treats everyone slightly better than cattle. There are many dedicated and enthusiastic Amtrak employees, but the nature of the beast is that they are not all charm school and hospitality program graduates. As with most things in life, being flexible in schedule and attitude will make for the most enjoyable trip. Whatever happens, it's not the end of the world, and unlike some people I've known who've gone on cruises (as an example), it's unlikely you will spend your time on the train vomiting in the bathroom or flat on your back with nausea. And in my book, anything above that counts for a good time!

Lastly, a book that was helpful to me as a AMTK newbie is

All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide, by Jim Loomis

Even if you can't (or don't want to) buy it, it can be obtained at your local library, via inter-library loan if need be. It's particularly written for those who have done little or no modern train travel and explains some of the finer details and idiosyncracies of the system. Sometimes it's just a little more calming, emotionally speaking, to have a book to refer to and have everything organized in one place.

Saber Mom said:

Cheesecake? Oh my word. I love cheesecake.

I'll have to do a lot of running in place on the train to make up for it, but I'm definitely having the cheesecake.

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You can walk the whole train. I suggest at least once walking to the last coach and looking out the railfan window - that's the door at the end of the last car.

Saber Mom,if at all possible, change from Room 4 to a lower level room. My granddaughter has an autoimmune disease which sounds similar to yours. As stated before, there is only one restroom on the upper level and it is often in use. The 3 restrooms on the lower level are not used as much.

Agreed. Upstairs is 10 roomettes sharing one bathroom. Downstairs is 4 roomettes and the Family bedroom sharing 3 bathrooms.

Wow. A lot of perfect information thrown out here. All awesome advise.

The one wrench that I want to throw in this well oiled collection of advise is the following: On your way to Anaheim, you can exit the SWC in Fullerton, transfer to Metrolink and take the train just a couple of stops to Anaheim. You really are a lot closer. I don't know about getting car rentals and lodging, but I know there is a shuttle between Anaheim station and Disney.

Returning home, though, going to LAX is extremely important. If you are ticketed FROM LAX and you don't get on their, they could cancel your whole reservation.

Finally, I don't think anyone mentioned this, but your sleeper ticket is your first class ticket to the lounge area in Chicago. You'll get to sit in a bit more comfortable area, with access to coffee, tea, soda, and chips. You will also be called first for boarding and will get to endure less of a "kindergarten walk" - which is when they line everyone up and play follow the leader to the train. LAX is working on a lounge for sleeper passengers - I don't know if it's done yet or what the status is. If the lounge isn't up and running yet, I think they allow sleeper pax to hang out in a cordoned off area of the Traxx bar. There's a Kindergarten walk there, too.

By the way, I hate to be the one that says this, but here goes. Amtrak is not always a well oiled travelling machine. They do pretty good with what they've got. But they operate on a shoestring budget and their schedule is at the mercy of the private railroad companies who's tracks they ply. Things can happen on Amtrak just like any other transit mode. Be prepared for service disruptions, delays, and just shabby service. I typically try to temper my expectations by planning for the worst, hoping for the best and just loving every minute I'm on board and won't let anyone else change that for me.

Good luck, and please be sure to share with us how your journey goes!

VF, the LAUS lounge is open. Not sure if it opened in 2013 or 2014.

RSG said:

Lastly, a book that was helpful to me as a AMTK newbie is

All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide, by Jim Loomis

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I just now looked that book up on Amazon, and they have the 2nd edition which gets great reviews. Then I went to Abe Books and ordered a copy for $3.95 with free shipping. Thanks for the tip.