AcrossTheOcean
Train Attendant
I posted a while ago with a list of questions. Now that our trip is less than a month out, I have some more.
We are a family of four traveling in two roomettes across the hall from each other. In addition to our carry-ons (backpacks to hold what we need for a night on the train), I plan to check at least one piece of luggage.
1. My son is considered disabled in the country where we live. He has an ID saying so, but the ID itself looks rather fake (no seal, no holograms, etc.). Do you think the ID will suffice for his “passenger with disability” fare, or should I bring a copy of his diagnosis (in a foreign langauge)? The ID looks like the top one (solid green) on this page.
2. I worry about my son waking up at 5 am and either doing vocal stims or talking to himself. If he wakes me up from across the hall, where on the train can I take him so he doesn't bother other passengers (as much)?
3. Will the typical bumps and rattles of the train be loud enough that I will want earplugs and can expect that other passengers will wear them, too?
4. Is there a way to secure the door of a roomette open? If it isn't latched closed, how much will it slide open and closed as the train speeds up or slows down?
5. How is the direction of the head and foot of the bed decided in a roomette? Is the pillow always to the left when looking at the window? Head pointing in same direction the train moves? For some reason, traveling “feet first” seems odd to me.
6. Can luggage be stowed under the seats in a roomette? I have not seem someone suggest this, but there appears to be open space down there in the youtube “tours” I have watched. I am reluctant to put a backpack on the step because there will be kids climbing up to the top bunks.
7. "Household items” like appliances are on Amtrak's list of prohibited items. I understand them not wanting a passenger to check a washing machine as a piece of luggage, but does that rule apply to small appliances as well? I was planning to have a toaster in my checked luggage.
8. When we get to WAS, I want to start sight-seeing as soon as possible, then come back for our luggage before checking into the hotel. What is the best strategy for that? I heard it can take a while before checked luggage is ready. Do we get something to eat, collect our checked luggage, then drop everything in the lounge? Drop our carry-ons in the lounge right away and then come back for checked luggage when we are good and ready?
9. And on our last day, I want to check-out of the hotel and do some last-chance sight-seeing before we have to board the CL. What is the best way to handle check-in and baggage drop? I don't want to carry my pajamas and toothbrush with me all day, but if we check luggage first thing in the morning, we won't get it back to trade out the contents of my backpack before boarding the train.
We are a family of four traveling in two roomettes across the hall from each other. In addition to our carry-ons (backpacks to hold what we need for a night on the train), I plan to check at least one piece of luggage.
1. My son is considered disabled in the country where we live. He has an ID saying so, but the ID itself looks rather fake (no seal, no holograms, etc.). Do you think the ID will suffice for his “passenger with disability” fare, or should I bring a copy of his diagnosis (in a foreign langauge)? The ID looks like the top one (solid green) on this page.
2. I worry about my son waking up at 5 am and either doing vocal stims or talking to himself. If he wakes me up from across the hall, where on the train can I take him so he doesn't bother other passengers (as much)?
3. Will the typical bumps and rattles of the train be loud enough that I will want earplugs and can expect that other passengers will wear them, too?
4. Is there a way to secure the door of a roomette open? If it isn't latched closed, how much will it slide open and closed as the train speeds up or slows down?
5. How is the direction of the head and foot of the bed decided in a roomette? Is the pillow always to the left when looking at the window? Head pointing in same direction the train moves? For some reason, traveling “feet first” seems odd to me.
6. Can luggage be stowed under the seats in a roomette? I have not seem someone suggest this, but there appears to be open space down there in the youtube “tours” I have watched. I am reluctant to put a backpack on the step because there will be kids climbing up to the top bunks.
7. "Household items” like appliances are on Amtrak's list of prohibited items. I understand them not wanting a passenger to check a washing machine as a piece of luggage, but does that rule apply to small appliances as well? I was planning to have a toaster in my checked luggage.
8. When we get to WAS, I want to start sight-seeing as soon as possible, then come back for our luggage before checking into the hotel. What is the best strategy for that? I heard it can take a while before checked luggage is ready. Do we get something to eat, collect our checked luggage, then drop everything in the lounge? Drop our carry-ons in the lounge right away and then come back for checked luggage when we are good and ready?
9. And on our last day, I want to check-out of the hotel and do some last-chance sight-seeing before we have to board the CL. What is the best way to handle check-in and baggage drop? I don't want to carry my pajamas and toothbrush with me all day, but if we check luggage first thing in the morning, we won't get it back to trade out the contents of my backpack before boarding the train.
