Keep in mind that seats are generally assigned on the Crescent out of DC, and they'll assign that seat just as you step into the car.
I have been reading the "reserved seating" debate, and got to wondering about the statement above. Does the statement mean that as I get on the train in DC, the attendant will tell me to sit in seat #xx? What if I want a window? Does "greasing the palm" work like getting a good table in a restaurant?
Also, what happens when I get up to go to the lounge, cafe, etc? Do I put a sign on the seat saying it is taken?
Sorry for the newbie questions.
Lee,
Here's a little more detail:
When you start boarding in DC, you'll head down an escalator to Union Station's lower platforms. You'll then start walking forward past the baggage car of the train, past the sleepers, past the Diner and Lounge cars, and to the coaches which are on the back of the train. There are usually four or five coaches on the Crescent these days, and you'll see at least two amtrak personnel stationed at coach boarding points along the train. The Crescent groups its coach passengers in certain cars by station region, so walk to the first Amtrak crew member you see standing outside of a coach car and tell them where you're going. They'll either board you at that location, or they'll direct you further down to another coach boarding point (again, depends on your destination).
When you board, the crew member will hand you a boarding card with a seat number written on it and will ask you to board the train and go either left or right, depending on which car you're in. The crew member will almost always give you an aisle seat next to someone who boarded the train in a window seat between New York and Baltimore. Now is the time to ask for a window seat if you want one, but keep in mind that if there's a window seat open, it's probably next to an open aisle seat as well, and they like to reserve those seat pairs for families and groups. So, if the train is expected to be sold out, they may not be able to accommodate you. It really just depends on how easily the crew member can juggle the seating arrangements on the fly.
When you find the seat, either place the boarding card in the slot above the seat or just hang onto it. The conductor or coach attendant will make a visit after everyone has boarded to make sure you're in the correct seat and to collect your ticket. When your ticket is collected, a destination card will be placed above your seat informing the coach attendant and conductors of your destination, how many people are in your party, and, obviously, that the seat is occupied. That card should be left there as long as you're on board, so if you go to the lounge or the dining car, no one will sit down in your seat.
-Rafi
