Pondering a once-in-a-lifetime father/sons trip for the spring (April/May) and am looking into the Zephyr. The kids are 10 & 7 (two boys). I have some questions that I know folks here can answer....
1) Are the detours for the Zephyr still in place from September flooding, or is the original route in place with all the scenery?
2) I am in NC and would have to first fly to a city on the Zephyr route. At first I thought I should just start in Chicago and do both nights and have the full ride experience. But we've never done an Amtrak ride, not even a small one. Should I instead fly to Denver and start the trip there? This would be one night instead of two, have all the awesome scenery & views. I have to fly to start the trip no matter what, so what would you suggest - Chicago or Denver? The price & hassle to fly to Chicago & Denver is roughly the same for us.
3) I am going to try & book with points, but I first have to get the points on Chase Sapphire Preferred (about 8 weeks), wait for them to post, transfer to AGR, then book. What is the cancellation/rebooking policy? Could I book with credit card now to hold the room, get the points in ~8 weeks, cancel my credit card reservation, then immediately rebook with points? (I may also post this question in the AGR forum).
4) It looks like people either love or hate the Zephyr and a lot depends on cabin functionality & service. If I avoid coach (i.e. book a sleeper) and luck out with service, what's your best guess - will we love our first Amtrak experience?
1) Are the detours for the Zephyr still in place from September flooding, or is the original route in place with all the scenery?
2) I am in NC and would have to first fly to a city on the Zephyr route. At first I thought I should just start in Chicago and do both nights and have the full ride experience. But we've never done an Amtrak ride, not even a small one. Should I instead fly to Denver and start the trip there? This would be one night instead of two, have all the awesome scenery & views. I have to fly to start the trip no matter what, so what would you suggest - Chicago or Denver? The price & hassle to fly to Chicago & Denver is roughly the same for us.
3) I am going to try & book with points, but I first have to get the points on Chase Sapphire Preferred (about 8 weeks), wait for them to post, transfer to AGR, then book. What is the cancellation/rebooking policy? Could I book with credit card now to hold the room, get the points in ~8 weeks, cancel my credit card reservation, then immediately rebook with points? (I may also post this question in the AGR forum).
4) It looks like people either love or hate the Zephyr and a lot depends on cabin functionality & service. If I avoid coach (i.e. book a sleeper) and luck out with service, what's your best guess - will we love our first Amtrak experience?