Replying to Will SCA make dinner reservations or do we?

Margo,

Since you are boarding the train after the time that the Lead Service Attendant in the dining car would normally walk the train to take reservations, your SCA is supposed to obtain a reservation for you. If the SCA doesn't inform you during the boarding process either outside or during the introductory tour of your room, ask them if they made a reservation for you.

If the answer is no, then head immediately for the dining car and talk with the LSA to see what can be done to get you in for dinner. But in my experience, even the worst SCA's generally do get this done as the LSA usually forces them to make the reservations that are needed.

If you're in a sleeping car, ask the SCA when you board the train. Because of the departure time of the eastbound Capitol Limited, they make dinner reservations at the check-in desk in the Metropolitan Lounge at CHI.

However, there is nothing to stop you from asking the SCA to make your reservation for you for other meals. Just keep in mind that they may not get the time you want if it's already been taken.

I ask the SCA to make a reservation for me when I know I'll be in the observation car when they come around to set reservations. Never been a problem, even with getting the approximate time I want.

I rode the CZ(5) in Nov and lunch was first-come, first-serve. We were put on a wait list by the time we went to the diner (well, passing through it from the SSL to our sleeper.

Really? Is this normal now for the CZ? I have only been on it once and that was not the case. All of my rides on the the CL, SWC, CS and CZ, lunch has always been by reservation.

Well, we were in the SSL from the time we left Denver, so maybe they did do reservations and we didn't know it.

There is no set system. It can vary as to train origination station, where you board the train, if you are in coach vs. sleeper, etc. I wouldn't worry about it at this point.

If you are in a sleeper, I'd recommend asking your SCA about it when they give you the orientation if you don't have your reservation or have not been instructed as to the dinner reservation protocol by then.

If in coach, if the train starts rolling and you don't know the answer yet, ask your coach attendant.

Breakfast is almost always first come, first served. Dinner is usually by reservation only. Lunch is the real wild card and can be dependent on the train, staff, boarding time, and/or ETA. In general the only time the SCA will make reservations for you is when you're boarding early enough to make the last seating but late enough to miss making your own reservation. However, there is nothing to stop you from asking the SCA to make your reservation for you for other meals. Just keep in mind that they may not get the time you want if it's already been taken. Or you can having them bring you the meal to your room.

I rode the CZ(5) in Nov and lunch was first-come, first-serve. We were put on a wait list by the time we went to the diner (well, passing through it from the SSL to our sleeper.

Really? Is this normal now for the CZ? I have only been on it once and that was not the case. All of my rides on the the CL, SWC, CS and CZ, lunch has always been by reservation.

I rode the CZ(5) in Nov and lunch was first-come, first-serve. We were put on a wait list by the time we went to the diner (well, passing through it from the SSL to our sleeper.

Thanks for the info. WE'll be on SL,CS,EB,CZ and TE. (all on AGR!!!!)

Also, on the TE, lunch is first-come, first-served (At least every time I've been on). Same with breakfast. If the car fills up, they make a waiting list and then call people.

Yeah, I think it depends on the train. The only lunch I have been to unreserved was on the LSL when it had a diner-lite. I guess since the TE is still considered diner-lite (and maybe the CONO), they do it that way as well. I am pretty sure most LD trains do reservations for lunch.

OP, which train(s) will you be on?