Hi everyone, and many thanks for accepting my application.
I’m a writer, British but mostly based in Asia. My previous work as a businessman brought me to the US several times a year, and, as I love trains and my main customer was in Chicago, I was in Amtrak heaven.
In 2016 I planned a couple of trips, New York – Orlando – Washington – Atlanta – San Francisco, and back to New York on the Southwest Chief via Las Vegas and Chicago.
I should have joined this forum and checked my route. I realised I had to fly to SF - Las Vegas, ok, but I had an Amtrak ticket on to Chicago, right? I got a taxi to the station, but the driver (Abraham – we became well-acquainted) didn’t know the Amtrak station, and stopped several times to ask before his dispatcher came up with Amtrak Ave, a waay out of town. $100 on the clock later, turned out to be a subdivision. Back in town ($200), the lady at Greyhound spotted the problem. I was a state out.
The Amtrak guy on the phone was really helpful (after he’d stopped laughing), and I caught the train in Chicago, much chastened.
I’m planning a more audacious route for February-March with a couple of tight transfers – we shall see. I’m looking forward to passing through Las Vegas NM! And using the new lounge in Chicago. If I can post my eccentric route, I’d be very happy for advice. Thanks again, Mike.
Moderator note: removed picture as it included a ticket number in it.
I’m a writer, British but mostly based in Asia. My previous work as a businessman brought me to the US several times a year, and, as I love trains and my main customer was in Chicago, I was in Amtrak heaven.
In 2016 I planned a couple of trips, New York – Orlando – Washington – Atlanta – San Francisco, and back to New York on the Southwest Chief via Las Vegas and Chicago.
I should have joined this forum and checked my route. I realised I had to fly to SF - Las Vegas, ok, but I had an Amtrak ticket on to Chicago, right? I got a taxi to the station, but the driver (Abraham – we became well-acquainted) didn’t know the Amtrak station, and stopped several times to ask before his dispatcher came up with Amtrak Ave, a waay out of town. $100 on the clock later, turned out to be a subdivision. Back in town ($200), the lady at Greyhound spotted the problem. I was a state out.
The Amtrak guy on the phone was really helpful (after he’d stopped laughing), and I caught the train in Chicago, much chastened.
I’m planning a more audacious route for February-March with a couple of tight transfers – we shall see. I’m looking forward to passing through Las Vegas NM! And using the new lounge in Chicago. If I can post my eccentric route, I’d be very happy for advice. Thanks again, Mike.
Moderator note: removed picture as it included a ticket number in it.
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