C
Cathy
Guest
Hello experienced train travelers!
I'm going to be going from Milwaukee to Memphis (Hiawatha then City of New Orleans) in less than 2 weeks, my first Amtrak ride since I did Florida-->So. Carolina in '78 when I was a young teen. I'm sure a lot has changed since then!
I have a question about electrical outlets in the upper level, where I've heard there are fewer than in the lower level. I'm traveling on a disabled persons ticket (though I do have enough mobility to navigate stairs). I was not able to get LL tickets on the Chicago-->Memphis portion of the trip (either going there or on return). I've requested help in advance for getting my carry-on up and down the stairs but I also need to plug in a CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) for the overnight ride. Amtrak has also made a note of this in my reservation (that I need an outlet for medical equipment).
So, my question is, since there are fewer outlets in the UL, if I have this special early boarding, do I have a good chance of getting the outlet needed? And is the outlet just one or is it a double outlet like you'd see in many homes, where you can plug two items in at once? I'm also traveling with two children, ages 8 and 12, and though we probably on this short trip won't have much need for device charging, etc., for them, I'm looking at making some other trips this summer and wondering the same thing, i.e. whether we'll be able to get outlets if we're stuck on the UL if no LL tickets are left. I only need the CPAP plugged in for sleeping, obviously, but we are going to have more than one device to use on longer trips. (Maybe bring a power strip? is that okay?)
Also, what is the deal with not bringing "batteries that might leak" on board that I see on Amtrak's website? Does that mean you can't have a device with AA or AAA batteries in it, or bring extras in your bag in case those run out? What about rechargeable types? What about portable chargers that contain their own kind of batteries (non-alkaline)?
Thanks for any help.
I'm going to be going from Milwaukee to Memphis (Hiawatha then City of New Orleans) in less than 2 weeks, my first Amtrak ride since I did Florida-->So. Carolina in '78 when I was a young teen. I'm sure a lot has changed since then!
I have a question about electrical outlets in the upper level, where I've heard there are fewer than in the lower level. I'm traveling on a disabled persons ticket (though I do have enough mobility to navigate stairs). I was not able to get LL tickets on the Chicago-->Memphis portion of the trip (either going there or on return). I've requested help in advance for getting my carry-on up and down the stairs but I also need to plug in a CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) for the overnight ride. Amtrak has also made a note of this in my reservation (that I need an outlet for medical equipment).
So, my question is, since there are fewer outlets in the UL, if I have this special early boarding, do I have a good chance of getting the outlet needed? And is the outlet just one or is it a double outlet like you'd see in many homes, where you can plug two items in at once? I'm also traveling with two children, ages 8 and 12, and though we probably on this short trip won't have much need for device charging, etc., for them, I'm looking at making some other trips this summer and wondering the same thing, i.e. whether we'll be able to get outlets if we're stuck on the UL if no LL tickets are left. I only need the CPAP plugged in for sleeping, obviously, but we are going to have more than one device to use on longer trips. (Maybe bring a power strip? is that okay?)
Also, what is the deal with not bringing "batteries that might leak" on board that I see on Amtrak's website? Does that mean you can't have a device with AA or AAA batteries in it, or bring extras in your bag in case those run out? What about rechargeable types? What about portable chargers that contain their own kind of batteries (non-alkaline)?
Thanks for any help.