6 Things Seasoned Amtrak Riders Always Do
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- Today we share the 6 things seasoned Amtrak riders do. As people who ride Amtrak often, we like to share the things that we do that make our trips more comfortable whether we are in coach or in sleeper cars.
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I was on Amtrak Chicago to Washington DC and there were no towels for the shower. I pressed the call button. 45 minutes later an attendant came through and I asked her. She said she was sure there were towels. I checked again. Nope. Called again with no attendant coming after an hour, I took the little hand towel from my roomette and went down and took a shower. The look on her face later told me that she and I both knew she didn’t want me using the shower and that’s why she didn’t give me a towel. I’ve been camping and I know how to make do with less. No way I was going to meet my daughter in DC smelling….That has been the only “bad experience” I’ve had on Amtrak. I’ve done Empire Builder quite a few times. I love Amtrak.
Another thing is to bring cash. I tip my room attendant, and You mentioned in your videos a time when the club car could not accept credit cards.
What is an appropriate amount to tip the room attendant? Also, do you give it to them personally or leave it in the room. TIA!
@@Lynn-kh5rswe give it to them personally along with a thank you card. It’s really appreciated.
@@Lynn-kh5rs I give $10 per night, and hand it to the attendant.
I always tip the dining car and snack car attendants as well
Amtrak Emergency! They are doing the 40k free points again. Get the word out ASAP deal ends 4/3/3024 Happy Easter, rail fans!
Bring cash in case the credit/debit card machine in the café car breaks. Bring something to do that doesn’t require technology in case there is no Internet Wi-Fi whatever. Bring food and drink in case you hit a truck and are not evacuated and sit on the train for hours with no cafe car or electricity waiting to be towed into the next station- you also won’t be able to use the bathroom facilities so you might want to handle that however you need to. Pack your patience and/or headphones in case you’re late or sit by someone describing in vivid detail what’s wrong with their grandpa or how much they hate a bridesmaid in their wedding These are just a handful of things I encountered on Amtrak that you need to be prepared for.
I totally agree! I joined. Amtrak's Rewards program approx. 10 yrs. ago & had accumulated a substantial amount of points. I didn't know that points would be lost if I didn't book trips or was dormant for a few years. I learned that as long as I have an active Amtrak MC, points would not be lost. Keeping a hanging toiletry bag works for me wherever counter space is limited. It keeps things organized.
Learn to open the doors between cars with your feet, so you can use your hands to carry snacks and hold on to the safety handles.
Meal service in your room is a real luxury (don’t forget a tip to your attendant) HOWEVER most times as a solo traveler eating in the Dining Car with three other passengers at the table is very entertaining.
I found it completely depends on what you get. Most dinner companions were great, but one group kept "joking" that they didn't want me there. Was not great.
@@scottshaw8864 Oh no ... I wouldn't have found that group's jokes funny at all, either. Definitely wasn't an SNL skit, right? Any of them alone likely wouldn't behave that way. Now I'll have a head's up in case that ever happens to me.
Arrive early! We watched a group of skiers arrive at the Vergennes, VT station AFTER the train stopped! Trains wait for no man. A second group drove in as we pulled out. One of the skiers told the Conductor that they all stopped for breakfast, and the train needed to wait. Nope.
In January me and my mom rode the California Zephyr from Denver, and it was delayed but it was beautiful ride through Colorado. the snow was beautiful but we were so delayed that I called Amtrak and got a voucher of 100 dollars for my next ride, but the ride was awesome despite all the delays.
For me - no desire as a solo traveler to eat in my room. Part of what I enjoy about this method of traveling is meeting new people. Also, having the little roomette smell like food when I finish eating doesn't work for me either.
I have completely crossed the USA on Amtrak twice, with a twist both times. In 2018 i hopped on board westbound at Waterloo IN and road to Chicago then on LA with 2 intermediate steos then worked my way around the world in 9 steps before returning to the USA in NYC and home on the Lakeshore Limited 66 days later. In 2019 i did a similar trip but headed eastbound wmd took 78 days. Amtrak added to my fun
Are there certain routes where you select a roomette specifically on the left versus right side for the view?
I agree that customer relations are excellent in listening to your complaints and making the situation right...we, we were delayed 13 hrs on the California Zephyr due to a freight train derailment. We where in the sleeper car so you know that's very costly for two of us., they completely return our entire fare in a voucher to use for a year! Several other times they made the situation right also...excellent customer service😃
Have now gone on 2 amtrak rides, California zephyr and silver star. Have not had any problems and no delays. Thanks for all the tips, it really helped us through our trips.
I used the shower in my bedroom and because it’s in with toilet I sat on top of the closed lid and slipped and slid all over the wet bathroom as the train bumped around. Yes use the car shower.
I'm so excited for my first Amtrak trip! I need a few months to save up the money so I don't have a travel date yet, but I'm soaking up all the information I can, in the meantime, so I'll have a better trip!
These videos definitely helped my initial Amtrack trip (4 trains) 4:15 to be very enjoyable.
Amtrak's Superliner equipment is old. With that said, it takes a while before the water gets warm enough to shower comfortably. I've had to leave the hot water running for a few minutes which doesn't seem to be conserving water. Seniors have reservations when it comes to taking showers in moving trains. Falls happen.
We had an awful experience with customer service. Our trip schedule involved Chicago to SF on the EB and Coast Starlight, spending 5 days in San Francisco, then on to LA and the Texas eagle. The station agent in Emeryville did not scan our tickets when we were put on the Amtrak bus for the trip to SF. As a result, the system did not show that we arrived in Emeryville, and Amtraks system cancelled the remainder of our trip from SF to Chicago as “no shows”. We went through hours of hell getting our trip rebooked. Despite paying for the entire trip and having our tickets, we were treated by the conductor on the trip from SF to LA horribly and felt like we were close to being thrown off the train, once again, despite showing her our reservation tickets. It took literally hours on the phone with customer service to rectify the issue, once again, despite having reservation tickets. An absolutely horrible experience caused entirely by Amtrak.
My daughter went from Sacramento to Fort Morgan, CO. Her train was just under 12 hours late. Dealing with Customer Service was a NIGHTMARE!! She encountered several others on this trip with horrid experiences. In 1995, I took Amtrak from Sacramento to Southern CA, and booked a small room. I loved it so much that I have always planned on taking a long trip on Amtrak. After my daughter's experience(and hearing about others' experiences), I can't imagine using Amtrak! Other people we know have also halted their plans to vacation on Amtrak, due to her experience. Of course, the company can't guarantee that there won't be problems -- sometimes even HUGE problems like my daughter and her fellow passengers experienced -- but customer service just didn't care, and did NOT make things right!! I'm hoping that someday they get their acts together, and I feel assured that they care about their customers again, like they did back in 1995, because I'd love to take that Amtrak trip that I had wanted to take for more than 25 years!
I wonder how much Rob and Allie's stellar experiences with customer support result from being higher tier guest rewards members using the dedicated phone number and being sleeper passengers. I got stranded in Minot due to the 2021 derailment and got nothing, had to figure out and pay for my own continuing trip, despite calling several times. I think i got the portion of my ticket that i didn't travel refunded. But at the time I was lowest level guest rewards and most importantly was just a lowly coach passenger.
Sorry to hear about your trip gone sour. Whenever there have been notable issues, I've gone through the trouble of writing Amtrak letters accompanied with copies of tickets & photos supporting my complaints. It takes more effort, but they have always responded with a letter apologizing for my circumstances & a voucher for future travel which is good for 6 months. I'm old school & hate being placed on hold after telephoning businesses.
For people you like to write,
what is there mailing address?
1 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001-Amtrak's Headquarters@@chrisdobrowolski2783
I love taking Amtrak!
Bring your own shampoo. When I’ve used the showers, they provide soap and towels, but not shampoo.
Because of you -I’m really looking forward to my trip on the Empire Builder (MKE to Vancouver,BC) in June! You both have been so helpful!!!
Very helpful tips! I totally agree with the shower point. I was worried that I was going to have to wait on the shower, thinking it would be a long line. It was available every time I wanted to shower. It does require balance when the train is moving at a high speed. I managed to take one every morning. If the movement is a concern, I recommend asking the room attendant the times of the longer stops.
About to go on my 40ish train ride down to New Orleans for my cruise in May and going to use some of my rewards for a day pass in the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge as I am riding coach on both the Capitol Limited as well as The City of New Orleans(I don't do rooms if my train ride is not at least 24 hours on a particular train). I agree that some lounges are not worth it. I had better expectations for Los Angeles. Have done DC, and I am looking forward to doing Chicago and eventually New York.
I enjoy your videos. I appreciate how clear and candid they are. You are so respectful of each other too. I’d love to have a few vlog style videos where we get to see you out and about having adventures in Asia.
You do a great service.
Allie and Rob, you are the best! I have learned so much from your videos and had a ball on my Rochester, NY to Savannah trip[! Loved the Lounge in NYC! Upgraded one leg of my trip and had trouble doing that on the app - the gentleman in rewards customer service could not have nicer! Thank you!
Can’t wait to try these! We’re going on our first Amtrak trek next week!
I love your videos and have learned so much. I was so excited to plan a trip from Chicago to Seattle then go to Victoria BC for a few days. Then I would fly home. But the prices! I will have to decide if I want to Amtrak or explore Victoria BC.
I want to go in a trip where yiu guys in on. That would be good
If you are thinking about getting the credit card and think you should wait for a higher joining point offer... don't wait... you can earn 10000 points in credit card purchases easily in a few months. By the time the higher offer rolls around you'll probably have that many points anyway.
Well....guys......you're audience is international. No credit card without an US address. That's definetely worth mentioning.
You will only keep your points when you have the Amtrak Credit Card. If you don't have their credit card you will loose your points after a certain time period.
This happened to me, so I know it's true.
Packed with insight.
I take this trip twice a year. Travel from tampa to Philly. Ate in my room. Service ad food good . One week later Travel from Philly to Tampa , the attendant was reluctant to serve me in my room, but he did and I had to take my trash to the big brown bag at the end of the car.
Really just depends I reckon.
Thank You ❤
I definitely had an issue on the Zephyr last November and have a $300 credit waiting for me this year 🎉
Not exactly a 'seasoned riders' thing, but when using the sleeper car's "public shower" (and BTW I disagree that nobody uses the shower...I think it is more like people spread out their showering schedule and do things like use the shower in the middle of the day when the train is stopped at a station, less chance of falling in the shower that way) I recommend:
1) For your own safety, bring a pair of flip-flops (which AMTRAK does NOT consider to be shoes, at least for moving between cars and such, but I think they won't object to you wearing them while in the shower) to improve traction on the wet floor and to minimize contracting athlete's foot, etc. I used to wear the flip-flops all the way from my room to the shower and back, but changed to just putting them on when actually in the wet part of the shower.
2) For consideration of other passengers, use the towel to stand on in the changing room, before getting back into your shoes after the shower. This absorbs the water that dripped off of you onto the floor. And I do most of my drying off in the shower room, except for lower legs and feet, before I step out into the changing room. After I am back in my shoes, I use one foot to mop the changing room floor with my used towel before throwing it into the big canvas sack (it is usually red). The next person in will get a clean, dry shower floor, and it is just a good thing to do.
Also, as nice as the shower are, sometimes there will be a problem getting HOT water. I don't know the system that is used to heat the water, but I usually take my showers first thing in the morning before going to the first breakfast call (I arise at 5:30AM when on the train, because I go to bed so early and I don't want to miss the scenery) and almost always the water will run for at least a minute before it gets even a little bit warm. It usually gets nicely 'hot' soon after that, but I have been on some trains where even after a few minutes the water is still 'cold'. In those situations, I do a quick Navy shower..... quick pits and wet the hair but no shampoo.
I go to NYC from Albany about 20 times a year. The Amtrak Credit Card gave me enough points for about 10 trips. I also use the card for all of my yearly expenses that gives me about four more trips. Along with 4 to 5 lounge passes. The lounge saves me money because I can get coffee. snacks and food . Also with the coach here's where I sit . Starting from the restrooms area I go back and sit in the middle to about 3/4 to the rear because the best ride is in the middle. If you more forward in the coach towards the the bathrooms a lot of folks will be passing by going to the bathroom. If you get very close to the restroom you will hear the doors slamming back and forth and perhaps some unpleasant smells. Also if you are sitting toward the either of the coach the ride is more harsh and noisy from the trolley wheels.
Thank you for another great video. ❤😊
Love your channel . I have taken coast starlight a couple of times and really enjoyed it. You made it sound like you often had to call customer service frequently. Can you make a video about what happened those times
You've convinced me to never take that dream trip on the California Zephyr.
FYI: When you use your Amtrak rewards points on a ride-it does not offer an option to BID up if you decide you want a room.
Ur not eligible to bid with points
How much money do you tip the attendants? Example-if they bring your food to your room?
Hugs
So what about "buying" points. I just saw recently three times the points For the price... And I topped off my points enough
in order to save on a room. I didn't think it was too bad to do it that way? Wish it wasn't like 2x or more than flight travel
Thank you for all of your videos! I am now planning a trip with my family from Seattle to LA on the Coast Starlight. Could you do a video on recommended clothes for travel that don't wrinkle, can be layered, look nice for different occasions, etc.? Thank you!
Hi. I took the same trip a few years ago and it was excellent. The one thing I would consider changing is the direction. Travelling south, we were in dense forest during daylight hours and along the ocean at night. If I read the schedule correctly, going north would be the opposite experience. I don't know about the more recent schedules, but it's something you might want to check.
I hope you’ll be buying a bedroom or roomette. Going coach is not very comfortable overnight.
I did that trip last July with my daughter and grandson for a Disneyland trip.
Forgot to mention...all legs are in Roomette (except for Acela leg)
We are going on the California Zepher in July. We are taking the Lake Shore Limited from Buffalo NY to Chicago and then to Salt Lake City. What is a good hotel near the train station in Salt Lake City?
I enjoyed this run down and appreciate your expertise. I have encountered excellent service from Amtrak agents as well. Question for you: do you tip your car steward? And is the same steward assigned to your sleeper cabin say Chicago to Seattle? It's my dream to do that route one day and I like to feel prepared ie tips etc.
I've always tipped my sleeping car attendant $5.00/day. You will typically have the same attendant for the entire trip. I did see different car attendant on the Texas Eagle at San Antonio. The Texas Eagle has the longest route between L.A. & Chicago.
Can you show us how to put the chairs down and back up or do you wait for the attendant?
Everytime I do the trip from Philly to Tampa the attendant is well I don't want to say. I had to go to where he sleeps, which he was sleeping, and ask for almost everything. I gave a request to put the bed together and when to put up and I had to go find him. Both times he was knock out sleep. My my
My wife and I would like to enter the Rob/Allie 2024 Traveled on a Discount Contest. We are traveling the following routes ex WIL. Cardinal to CHI, Southwest Chief to LAX, Coast Starlight to EMY, California Zephyr to CHI, Lake Shore Limited to NYP, Acela to WIL. Our total out of pocket cost for 2 was $81.
Thanks for the tips! One question from an infrequent rider...are there showers available (even at cost) for coach riders on long-distance trips?
No, they are not, but sometimes you can Yogi a shower from a first class passenger. Especially if they are a solo... 😊
@@anitasimmons3599 Thanks for the info! 👍🏼
Hello, do they offer round trip tickets?
You give great Amtrak tips. I just booked a roomette on the California Zephyr. I got room 3. Can the Superliner sleeper be pulled from either end? Just curious.
👍
I really want to go on a trip but it's holding me back is the fact that I don't know what would happen as a Solo Traveler when I get to a station late at night. If my train is delayed and the station is closed what would I do? What if there's no Transportation available to get at that time of night? Any suggestions would be appreciated
That is definitely a hard one, and a concern if it's real late at night. I check for A nearest hotel of the stations before traveling
I have been in this situation. I had a reservation at a nearby hotel in LA. I could have gotten an Uber or Lift, but chose to walk. No one bothered be, but I did pull the safety off my pepper gel and had it at ready. I am an older verticality challenged woman...
I'm a solo female traveler, too, and in the autumn of my life. I recommend always booking the nearest hotel for that first night of your stay. Before you book the hotel based on, say, Google Maps and Google Street View, call the hotel and seriously ask questions about safety in general and after dark in the area of the hotel. Ask if Uber is available and, no matter the answer, ask for the phone numbers of local taxi services *that the hotel calls for its guests*.
That last point was crucial for my first and subsequent stays in Niagara Falls, NY. Prior to booking my hotel (it was and still is located close to the U.S-Canada border, but the huge park across from the hotel looks really dark at night), I asked for local taxis' phone numbers. So happy that I did!
The third time that I traveled by Amtrak to the Niagara Falls, NY, station, the train arrived at 4:45 p.m. It was late December. Christmas Eve, to be exact. Already it was pitch-black in the near distance. (We're talking here about the Niagara escarpment.) The exterior of the station and its parking lot were well-lighted, though. No matter what your adult age, you should not walk from that rail station to whatever hotel you booked. Why? While the tourist areas of Niagara Falls (NY) are reasonably safe when there aren't sketch folks hanging around at night, the residential City of Niagara Falls (NY) has a high crime rate -- as in, a crime is almost certainly going to happen to you.
So, after I stepped off the elevator inside the Niagara Falls, NY, rail station, I waited a brief time. I gazed out the huge window until I saw the taxi that the dispatcher had described to me. I then snapped a pic of the taxi with my phone and proceeded next to exit the station. There were two much younger women still waiting outside of the rail station -- for their Uber, they replied in unison -- but they declined when I asked if they wanted to share my taxi. We all had exited the northbound Empire Service train, and Niagara Falls (NY) was its terminus. I even offered to pay their share of the taxi fare, too, because they also were booked at Comfort Inn The Pointe. No problem ... and the air was frigid ...
I saw the ladies in the breakfast room the next morning, and they thanked me for my offer. They admitted regretting not sharing the taxi. They didn't realize that hardly anywhere was open for dinner. I told them Papa John's delivers, and delivered a small pie to me the previous evening. I also told them about a nearby takeout-only Chinese restaurant, where the food is to die for and the price points quite reasonable. The ladies hadn't eaten dinner. (Prior to my first trip to the NY side of Niagara Falls, I'd done plenty of research, so I had taxi numbers on my phone, phone chargers, and packed in my luggage: a few "Hormel's Compleats" meals. lol) As regards the two women, thank goodness for that complimentary deluxe hot-breakfast buffet at our hotel.😆
Again, super video, Allie and Rob!👌🏼 Wishing you a Happy Easter,
Gabby
If it’s a station with a building someone will be there since they have to get the baggage to the people. You can call Uber or Lyft, take a taxi, or have family or friends pick you up if you arrive after all public transportation shuts down for the night.
We are thinking of doing the Denver to Seattle train. We are flying into Denver a couple of days ahead of catching the train, so what is the best room to book on the train, we are seniors but I can climb to a upper bunk. Any suggestions would be great
How to determine tips
Am I right in thinking you can only be part of Guest Rewards if you live in America or Canada, but not if you live in the UK?
Can you get the rewards program benefits even if you forgot to use the rewards number when you booked?
I'm a healthy 78-year-old woman who would like to take a train trip on Amtrak I would be on my own any challenges I need to know about for someone my age
Well I am 64 and healthy and I have never ridden the train yet but thinking about it and one of the first things I thought of was to make sure I dress in a way that makes it look like I don't have a lot of money because if I dress up nice and solo I might look like a target and stay aware of your surroundings do not say personal information anyway that is the kind of things I am getting ready for is safety
What times are meals available?
Do they have showers that everyone can use?
I'm considering a trip, starting with Coast Starlight, then California Zephyer and finally Southwest Chief. My question is about Emeryville. IF the train's on time, there are 12 hours between one arriving and the other departing. That doesn't seem like a great window to go to an expensive hotel for the night. Are there any alternatives? I don't want to stay there a 2nd night.
Thanks @@davidwilliam9451 but my lifestyle is such that my credit cards yield cash rewards, not points.
Some hotels will allow visitors to rent rooms by the hour. It beats sitting in a station waiting room or platform.
Some hotels will allow visitors to rent rooms by the hour. It beats sitting in a station waiting room or platform.
It is best to give yourself a day in town between trains. I have stayed at some great Hostels, but some people need more privacy. There is so much to see and do near the Amtrak stations in San Francisco, LA, Kansas City, and Chicago I would not miss the chance to spend at least one night between trains and explore. Hotels and Hostels will likely hold your luggage before your room check in an after check out if you just ask. Best wishes on your upcoming adventure.
Thanks for this tip! I'll call nearby hotels far ahead of time to find out if they do this so that I'm prepared.@@georgemcdowell8302
Who handles your website?
My trip is almost over. One hour to my stop. I did not put my reservation into the rewards. Can I do it post trip?
I see you two on a other Amtrak UA-camr y'all two where on the same train going on south west chief and zephyr.
Would you bring flip flops to wear in the shower or what?
Yes
Definitely, yes. Also nice to have them on walking back to your room
I have a bunch of points from my Amtrak credit card but I don't know what they're worth. Is a point worth a penny (hope not) or a dollar (can't see that happening)?
I am happy at 2.7 cents per point.
Sitting besides someone who hasn't showered in the dining car isn't pleasant.
All hands on deck Amtrak is doing 40k point again. EMERGENCY---
OMG use the rewards program. So ride, ride, ride to get more rides. I can hardly think of a worse torture. Just a lousy way to travel. Uncomfortable and noisy and always late no matter how much you spend. I'll take the plane even on a Boeing.
Amtrak sucks!! It costs too much, cheaper to fly, always late, my train 20 hrs late!! Quiet lying.
How do you "quiet" lying? Is it, perhaps, the opposite of "yelling" lying?
Sorry to other readers. I couldn't resist.