Amtrak Southwest Chief: 24 Hours in a Superliner Bedroom
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- Опубліковано 11 гру 2024
- Howdy folks,
Welcome to this trip report bound to Flagstaff, a beautiful 24h journey across the wild wild west. Enjoy and don't hesitate to comment :)
First video with a GO PRO
Don't hesitate to leave a comment
TRIP INFORMATION -
RECORDED IN OCTOBER 2020
Railway company: Amtrak
Train type : P42 #156 and #77 and Superliner coaches
From : Kansas City to Flagstaff
Time : 24h +4h delay
Price : $917 for 2 people
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English correction made by Michel Seignette de Kerobert
I was your Engineer from Dodge City to La Junta that morning, it was my last trip before being furloughed. Glad you enjoyed it and was able to sleep! 156 was a good motor, heater was a bit on the weak side but that was it.
Awesome. :) I love that type of comment
You took him on the La Junta Sub to Las Animas CO then the Boise City from Las Animas CO to La Junta CO. When you were out there, did BNSF convert it from jointed rail to continuous? Just curious, a couple of years ago, that sub as well as the Boise City and the Raton were slated for a TIGER Grant to upgrade those subdivisions.
@@SimplyRailway have more long distance trains been cancelled??
That sucks man, from a fellow railroader I hate to see that happen. Keep paying your dues and hopefully you'll be back soon. I'm praying my seniority keeps me on the road.
I understand your pain. I've worked for UP for coming right up on two decades now (kind of scary to think about) and while I love this job, the forever changing self sabotaging bureaucracy of this industry has undoubtedly taken years off my life trying to adapt to it and make sense of it all. Add to it the incredibly tight connection the freight side of this industry has with a forever unstable economy and it's no surprise that even when the industry seemed "stable" it was hard to get guys to last longer then 6-12 months before they just couldn't take it anymore and would drop. I feel lucky to still be working but I know I'm in one of the shrinking pools of guys who still are. As for people on the passenger side of things all I can say is hang in there. The passenger side of things in general has historically been more predictable, excluding major events like the pandemic, and likely will bounce back once the pandemic craziness settles down. Hopefully it'll boost the freight side of things too when it happens. I'll say this though; you have no idea how many of us on the freight side of things envy most of you passenger carriers simply for the reasonably consistent work hours alone lol
Amtrak Protip: Always bring a short power strip for 2 reason.
1: Only 1 plug
2: Many amtrak plugs are worn out and won't hold a wall-wort style AC adaptor but will support a standard plug.
And bring Clorox wipes and a fan (if you sleep hot). I brought Clorox wipes and wiped all surfaces (including shower floor) and it was FILTHY!! Amtak claims to have special COVID cleaning protocols, but they don't clean. Other than that, I recommend everyone try a long distance trip in a sleeper car. Totally awesome and worth it
Getting the video from your buddy standing in the desert while you went by on the train was a cool touch great video
A little fun fact, the benches in the Amtrak waiting room at KC Union Station are the original 1914 benches that were in the grand hall
I’m old enough to remember/have the privilege of riding the original Super Chief in a drawing room from Chicago to Los Angeles. Now THAT was an experience and the excellence of train travel!
As did I once. I was on a national television program and since I don't fly, they paid train fare. First class. That ride was one of the happiest times in my life.
Thank you for the 'table cloth' moment, it brought back special memories of a French friend who is no longer with us😉
Sorry to hear that.
For a limey planning his first trips in your country this was a mine of information, no rubbish "musik" and just the right balance of commentary and silence, brilliant thanks
Thank you sir. :)
I’ve never traveled by rail. Your wonderful presentation is giving me ideas! Thanks much!
You have the BEST train trips on youtube.
Been riding trains since a toddler. LOVE trains!!!
I took the Southwest Chief two weeks ago, bedroom from LaJunta to Chicago .. I loved it. No more flying.
You missed the scenic parts of the route. The great scenery is between La Junta and LA.
Thanks for this video, Amtrak southwest chief is always special for me, I watch often the railcam in La plata MO. I do this from the Netherlands one train is really in the night for me. So this is why I know the Chief!!! Great video and review of the train. Thank you very much!
I took Southwest Chief in the other direction from Los Angeles to Chicago.Wonderful two days. Great dining service by friendly wait-staff, meeting new people at each meal and amazing scenery all the way. All Americans should try to do it at least once in their lifetime. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Same here , treat like a cruise on tracks .
Hopefully Amtrak will become profitable so that all the tradition meal dining, everyday long distant services, etc will make a comeback. Amtrak has been low on money for a long time which is why everything isn’t up to date. I hope to see a change in the future. Awesome trip report and I look forward to seeing more!
Yeah, the collapse of tourism isn't helping, though. With airlines cutting service to smaller cities, Amtrak service is needed more than ever in much of the country. They should do a special COVID recovery bill for Amtrak.
Couldn’t agree more. Even if amtrak ever decides to step up to Europe’s level of train travel, still wouldn’t happen for a super long time
Joe Biden loves Amtrak , he has used it to commute from Delaware where he lives to Washington DC every day for several decades. Maybe if he wins the presidency he'll help them out? (I am not for or against him simply stating a possibility)
Amtrak long distance trains will never be profitable.
@@theq4602 He's won and Trump's airline appointee to Amtrack could/hopefully be given the boot ?
Thanks for the video! My father (lineman, switchman and yardmaster) and grandfather (lineman, switchman) had careers at Santa Fe so trains are special to me. When I was a kid we'd get to go in the engine cars and cabooses. A few years ago I rode Amtrak from San Antonio to El Paso with a couple of friends. We took our bicycles on the train and rode them back to San Antonio. Really cool trip. Now I need to watch more of your videos.
You and your friends are really ambitious. I hope it was interesting. Especially in the Big Bend area.🙂
I've really enjoyed watching your videos, Simply Railway. I especially like how you have planned ahead to include footage of and from other 'railfans'! I also appreciate your reminders to tip and the overall positive vibe yet still acknowledge the downfalls and failures. It's heartwarming to this old woman (who enjoyed numerous rail excursions in the past) to see the younger generation embrace rail travel and sharing your adventures. It's almost like being there again- without being subjected to eating that pre-prepped food. It looked pretty bad, and for the price it is inexcusable.
My husband and I took the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles in mid September this year. We had a bedroom and loved the trip. The only disappointing thing was the food
Regarding the power outlet at the sink. These trains were built end of 70s and the only electric appliance was a shaver !!!;-)
Are you really expected to use a shaver supplied by the train company? How sterilised can that be?
@@corrigenda70 WTF I was talking of your personal electric shaver which had no batteries like today and needed 110V power
Also, that outlet is GFCI to protect you. If it tripped, then it means there was some water or something that tripped it. That’s not on the train. That’s a result of unintended water getting into the outlet.
Once it’s dry, it should reset.
@@wkaemena Yep, these Superliners are showing their age reaching the end of their life. Many are over 40 years in age. Many have had their smoked fillet carpeted walls removed and replace with a smooth plastic walls, some of which have been contact papered, and their fabrics reupholstered. Frankly, considering their age, Amtrak has done a great job keeping them operational over the decades...
We brought an extension cord to prove power and multiple outlets where we wanted.
To my knowledge, AMTRAK (R) had to change the meal and dining offerings due to the pandemic. They are currently not allowed to offer traditional dishes, such as plates, glasses, cutlery and so on. Those items come in direct contact with the customers mouth and possibly nose, or in other words,
where the virus might sit. Thus they need to use disposable plastic dishes and paper cups and they get burned (not recycled). It's a sad measure, but better than no food/drink at all.
As per flexible dining - the much beloved - traditional dinner sittings are not "en vogue" as the current situation. They would only be allowed to sit people travelling in the same room at a table and then would need to keep minimum distance on top of that. So they would need many more sittings. Not to mention, they actually encourage people to eat in the roomette or room rather than come to the dining car to mingle with people.
I totally agree with you: The meals in the dining car are an absolute highlight of any AMTRAK (R) overnight journey. And the are are for most of the (loyal) customers. I made many friends at this occasions. I am very sure they will bring it back, once it is possible.
Until then, I think they do a great job in subsidising to get as close to the high standard as possible.
It's not health related, it's about revenue and crew. That's why the Auto Train still has Traditional Dining and Daily Service. It's the same thing as ordering food at a restaurant and having food delivered, they could just do that onboard.
I love watching your vids during covid so it’s like I’m on Amtrak myself good job :)
I prefer the bedroom option over the roomette when traveling alone (despite the excessive price difference) so I don't have to leave the room unattended and unlocked to go to the bathroom or take a shower . I can also eat in my room, and enjoy whatever view there is , with the door closed and curtain open.
Same here. We're Boomers who grew up often riding luxurious Pullman trains, so the constant vagaries of Amtrak require a lot of adjustments on our part.
Thank you for your video. I have seen many other Amtrak videos of the various routes and the equipment used. My wife and I have traveled the Empire builder from Portland, Oregon to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and back on two occasions. We love the adventure! Thus far we have had a roomette, but we have an upcoming trip on the same route and will try a bedroom. We love having our meals in the dining car. The food has been near excellent each time. We particularly enjoy meeting others and getting acquainted over the meal. The price of a trip is what it is. I am sure that Amtrak must do its best to cover all costs, including equipment, purchase, maintenance, fuel and the engineers, plus all attending staff. When we book a trip, we know what we will be required to pay. If we choose to go, we pay the price and enjoy the trip. Again, your review was quite good. Please know that it is much appreciated!
32:28 Washing the sleeper's windows. The last time I took the Southwest Chief, from San Bernardino to Chicago in 1979, they washed the exterior of the entire train at Albuquerque during the 40-minute (I think) stop. How times have changed!
During the 50's & 60's, (dinosaur age) for Super Chief & El Capitan trains- a machine would wash all windows during the Albuquerque stop which was a highlight. Jewelry' still being sold. I've seen a few changes too!
These vids are a great idea to boost train travel, which we need desperately. If the number of passengers goes up, presumably the profit will help to fund greater amenities such as improved, modernized cars and traditional dining service!! That is one of the coolest things about traveling by train. We have met some very interesting people that way. Please keep up the great work here. I love your honesty and the final recap of likes and dislikes!
I watched your trip through the Appalachian mountains last night. In fact I forgot about the time change so it was early this morning. 🙃. It was beautiful. I really want to take another train trip before I can't.
This is an amazing video! I have family on my Dad's side who reside out in Arizona and I have been contemplating on visiting them for Thanksgiving. Your Amtrak video has given me the most accurate information on what to expect riding from Chicago to Arizona.
I did this trip! I took a different train to Chicago and got on the SW Chief there. I only took it to Albuquerque New Mexico but it was the most wonderful trip of my life. The dining car was up and running then. I cannot think of a more relaxing way to travel. I had a private bedroom and oh that observation car! I would smell the fresh coffee being brew at dawn and this was a few years ago and they would give us the morning paper from each city we passed through. Thanks for sharing this....the BEST memories for me.
Many thanks for amazing video 🙏 I enjoy watching all your trips by Amtrak through US 😉👍💯
Good journey! 🚅
Many years ago I traveled from Montreal to NY, but the overnigth train leaving around 18hs and arriving nex day around 8am. I remember waking up in New Heaven.The people in the train was absolutelly amazing too! Great experience.
My family took a big trip in 1965, which included a ride on the Super Chief from Chicago to L.A. We had two rooms, one for my parents and one for me and my sister and brother. I wish I could remember more of the trip. We spent a great amount of time searching for tumble weeds, which seemed exotic to us New Englanders! I hope to experience train travel in Europe someday soon. Thanks for the great video. New subscriber.
Nice to see an Amtrak video made during the pandemic, so we can see what's changed. Good job on that. I have been in roomettes on the Coast Starlight and California Zephyr many times, but not this year so far.
Tip: If your room table isn't level (most aren't due to their age and design), you can wedge something into the slot underneath it to bring it up to level.
One tiny correction: The sleeper cars are always at one end of the train or the other, but they can be either at the front or at the back. It just depends on how the train was put together.
20 years ago the dining car was the starlight of my trip going from florida to los angeles the food was absolutely spectacular it sad they modified alot of those options anyways good video sir
Well, I recall the days when the airlines offered good food too. The days of the Burlington T-bone steak is over...
This is a beautiful station. I was there twice in 2006. We brought our Steam Engine, SPX-745, with her 4 car consist, there on Mardi Gras day for the grand opening of the Railroad Museum. The two center cars had three compartments each filled with Mardi Gras exhibits as a rolling museum. Then 6 months later in August of 2006 we went back to KC MO to bring her back to New Orleans. We were there for a couple weeks as we had to do an annual inspection and some repairs before we left.
They did an awesome job of restoring the station. Besides the Amtrak station and the RR Museum there are a lot of retail stores restaurants and offices. They took a rundown huge eye sore and turned it into a restored work of art, that any town would be proud of.
This is the most comprehensive video on this train I've seen. Awesome! The one thing kinda made me sad is to see everything almost empty. The experience would be different in normal times I think. I really want people to come out go places like before.
I rode Amtrack from Livingston, Montana to Seattle , Washington in about '78. I had a sleeper that had a bigger bed. It was fantastic. I had a little boy who was rather rambunctious so it was perfect. We spent a lot of time watching the beautiful scenery. Our bed was perpendicular to the window and my room was huge.
If you could afford this trip, you are very fortunate. Count your $$$ blessings. I used to take the train frequently. Cannot afford to anymore. I always found the staff to be remarkably warm and cordial. Thanks, Amtrak, I miss you.
Thank you for your wonderful trip across America. I am Japanese. For the first time this year, I got on the sleeper express Sunrise IZUMO. Sunrise Izumo is the only sleeper express in Japan today that you can ride for a small fee.
In addition, there is only a cruise train that pays hundreds of thousands of yen. The Shinkansen killed all the many sleeper express trains that operated until the end of the 20th century. I hope Sunrise Izumo is driving forever.
I was surprised to find out that you have the N gauge of KAKO. I live near the KATO's factory. I've been on the Metroliner 20 years ago. The locomotive was HHP-8, but unfortunately it has not been commercialized from KATO. I want to travel on Amtrack's Super Liner someday.
I hope you get a chance.
A tip regarding luggage: You can find posts online of the dimensions of areas in the bedrooms or roomettes where you can store luggage. I usually travel in a roomette. The smaller roll-a-long luggage nicely fits standing vertically on the wide step used to climb up to the upper berth. There is a lot of space under the seats, but the space is not very tall so I take sports type duffel bag. I take some things out and hang them up. Put some items loose under one seat (like shoes), and squash the duffel bag to fit under the other seat. I'm usually the only one with a pristine looking and comfortable compartment while others look like they are living in a garbage dump. It pays to plan. And I took a large amount of items. Two people packing a little more lightly could do the same. One caveat is that when the lower bunk is made up it is pretty difficult, or impossible, to get to things under the seats. But if you first pull some things out to the floor area between the seats, you will be able to reach them.
We found the roomette didn’t have room for TWO roller carry on suitcases (sketch stack of two bags in their sides on the armrest/step) or room to set the out and fold over the top of the roller bag to retrieve items.
We each packed most everything for our one second overnight In smaller bag and kept the roller bag in the luggage compartment.
Love the video! One quick note, traditional dining is currently “suspended” due to COVID. Supposedly it will come back as Amtrak gets more passengers. We’ll have to see.
They were already in the process of phasing out traditional dining east of Chicago before COVID. So don't hold your breath.
@RoadhogTime13 Unfortunately the last previous Amtrak CEO was a former airline CEO, who has introduced Amtrak to airline preprepared meals killing the American railroad diner. We wonder whether Amtrak Joe will reinstitute the great American railroad diner after this pandemic. Truth be told, Amtrak can't afford $30 an hour diner UNION help. Well, not Amtrak riders who balk at paying so much for Waffle House food. Amtrak diner was not Gordon Ramsay's fine dining. The sleepers prices are also so much more due to the high costs of diner food, but here is the rub, we didn't see the sleepers prices fall when they shut down the diner... Simply put, this preprepared airline food is a cost saving matter, better to pay a dozen cooks in a warehouse kitchen and distribute box meals than it is to pay hundreds of diner employees on the trains...
If Amtrak brought back the old time train cross country on just one route I bet people would flock to it. Those waitersin the dining cars were consummate professionals! The food was excellent and also the service.Also, working on The train brought jobs to so many African American men, who could provide a steady income for their families and a retirement pension in old age.
@@minniemouska4320 I would love to see a significant increase in service too. But one has to remember that Amtrak was formed due to the vast majority of independent railroad passenger service with amazing service levels, losing copious amounts of money. There were many reasons for this but lack of service wasn’t one of them.
I think the better option would be for an independent operator such as The Rocky Mountaineer to start a high dollar, long distance service. The other issue with Amtrak trying this is being it’s the quasi-government service that it is. Although the idea has merit if the idea can be related to Via as they haves something similar going with their Prestige class. I don’t know how or if that would work with Amtrak, but it might be worth a try.
@RoadhogTime13 Agree - eating in a proper dining car on a train is a real highlight!
What an extraordinary adventure! Last year my wife and I took our first Amtrak surfliner from San Diego to Santa Barbara for an overnight and then back to San Diego,. We really enjoyed the experience though I have to agree with you on the ambience of modern train travel versus what once was. Salutations for venturing in another country, I am scared to travel to Europe but would love to see many countries there. Thanks for your in depth review of tour travel. Hope you and your companion had a great time touring America.
I love the bit when you lean out of the window. Reminds me of doing that on the HST.
Great video and I agree with your 3 thoughts on Amtrak, particularly national treasure. Your videos show me it’s time for a long trip by Amtrak. Thank you Jeb!
My wife and I took the SW Chief from Santa Fe to Chicago a couple years ago, followed by the Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh. We did a roomette for the first half and a room for the second. (We were getting in on a Monday morning and wanted the space and personal shower so that we could get ready and roll right into work. Amtrak, being Amtrak, we were two hours late anyways.)
Overall, I preferred the roomette. It was nice to have your own bathroom and a little space to move around in the room (There is no floor space in a roomette with 2 people), but I just could not get comfortable either on that couch or the little chair. Meanwhile, I found the roomette seats very comfortable. Plus, there's the price difference.
If we did a similar trip today with our daughter, we'd have to get a room, but if you only have two people (who are OK playing footsie for the whole trip), get a roomette.
Sean. Have to agree. We did SW Chief from Kansas City to Chicago in 2017 and the roomette was more than adequate. For a longer trip, (under non-Covid conditions!), I would consider a bedroom but cost/quality does become a factor. Enjoyed the video but you get on an Amtrak long distance service at your peril re timekeeping. The freight companies have always had control of scheduling as they own the infrastructure. The best bit of our trip, though the boss doesn't agree with me, was watching all the freight traffic from the observation car. The hilarious dining room steward was another highlight.
I have touching it from Lawrence to Chicago
You're lucky you were only 2 hours late.
Quel beau voyage et la gare de Kansas City est un vrai bijou. Merci pour la video
Thank you. We're very proud of Union Station in Kansas City. It's still one of the largest working train stations in the US. It was built by the same architect who designed Union Station in Chicago.
What an incredible insight to Amtrack and your trips! Extremely great info! Can't wait to see all your trips after just stumbling onto your channel! I've always wondered about a REAL assessment from a real passenger. Thankyou. This really helps.
Great Video! Yes, the station is beautiful, and reminiscent of the days when the passengers (customers) were treated as the reason for the station being, and made travel feel like an event! And yes, I'm a KC native.
The dining cars were awesome! Hopefully Amtrak will bring them back after Covid.
I usually bring a power strip in the sleeper car.
Great video!
Love your videos. Your passion for trains really shows.
I hope when the world returns to normal Amtrak brings back the dining car experience. As mentioned, its part of the experience that makes traveling on a train a step above flying on a plane.
Awesome trip report bro you always do great with them!
When we were there in 2006 with our steam engine they were installing the overhead walk way. It lead to a shopping area and a really great BBQ and Steak restaurant. Our whole group celebrated with me and my wife for our 48th wedding anniversary.
wow, how did I not know that Kansas City Union Station was so grand, what a beautiful building. That neon Amtrak sign was so cool, I would love to see Amtrak adopt a Neo-Deco stylization in the future for their aesthetic
I did this Amtrak trip twice from Chicago. And just slept on the regular seat overnight. I loved my trip.
getting a feeling that i am also on train thanks for entertaining us
I have had power outlet issues everywhere with Amtrak, especially Chicago station (that was in 2008-2012 when I had to make some long journeys). Formed the habit of carrying a three -outlet extension cord in my laptop bag. At stations, people would walk up and ask if they could use the spare outlet on my cord. Made lots of friends!
Great video. Best train one I've seen so far. Thank you.
Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. Thanks for posting this.
Can you (or someone in the comments) tell me how you were able to stick your phone/camera outside the train at 24:47? I'm going on another ride soon and would love to get a good shot (or is this a no-no and just got lucky a door was unlocked)? Thanks!
The real fun of being on a train is to stand at the doorway for a while. Brings back memories of when I used to do that (ie when I used to travel by train a lot)
some of these US train stations are truly amazing to look at
Great video! I rode Amtrak for the first time back in September, taking the Capitol Limited and Empire Builder from Pittsburgh to East Glacier and back (coach both ways). I enjoyed it so much that I ordered Kato's N scale Superliner starter set while I was out in Montana so it would be waiting for me when I got back. They're fantastic models! Wish I could be out riding the rails again, but I think I'll wait for COVID to ease up a bit before then.
Wonderful review as always and the Southwest Chief is a special train for me.
My earliest memory was when I was 4 years old and I saw the combined Super Chief/El Capitan at a grade crossing in my hometown of Pasadena, California. Until I moved out of California I would go down to the Pasadena station and see the train stop at the station on its way to Chicago.
The Coach Baggage cars were not converted they were built that way because Amtrak planned to eliminate the baggage cars when the Superliners came online. An interesting note is that they originally had 78 seats on the upper level of the Coach-Baggage cars instead of 62 but after many complaints from people stuck in them for multiple days they converted them so they had the same seats are the regular coaches.
Your observations about Amtrak employees are spot on. I have either had fantastic employees or poor employees that would be terminated if Amtrak was a normal company.
Also, Amtrak's maintenance generally sucks. They do not take care of the equipment unless a state is paying to maintain the equipment.
When I was an elementary school kid in Arcadia, CA in the 1950s most classrooms had a view of the elevated right of way of the Santa Fe main line east. What a joy to see the Chief, Super Chief, and El Capitan steam back or forth during the day. In those days they did use steam engines. It didn't matter what teacher was doing, passenger trains were more exciting. I wanted to ride on one so bad and still do.
I took train number 3 and 4 the southwest chief. It was a great experience. When Covid-19 restrictions are lifted...... I’ll be catching train number 3 back home to Southern California.
I was once an interpretive guide for the US Park Service "Rails and Trails" program on the Capitol Limited. The Amtrak crew told us if Amtrak is less than one hour behind schedule it has priority over all other trains on the frieght railroads. If the delay exceeds one hour the frieght railroad dispatchers are under no obligation to give Amtrak any priority over their own frieght trains, meaning you could sit in a siding for hours.
A wonderful Railway experience garnished by the very finest of stouthearted Amtrak personnel.
i used to take this train a few times a year when i briefl worked in Flagstaff. Almost always arrived in Albuquerque on time. On the way back, never arrived in Flagstaff on time. Always 1-2 hours late, if not longer.
Your review is spot on! I rode The Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff in the summer of 2017 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the scenery was beautiful, especially in Colorado and New Mexico. My only gripe was that we were two hours late arriving in Albuquerque and about four hours late arriving in Flagstaff. The friendliest staff member I've ever met on an Amtrak train was our recently hired Dining Car waiter. The Roomette was comfortable but I had a hard time staying asleep.
Amtrak is at the mercy of the freight railroad's dispatchers. All it takes to delay Amtrak is a freight train running ahead of the Amtrak train with a overheated wheel bearing. When you consider how many freight cars there are in the USA, and the number of freight trains, you are lucky to reach your destination on time after 2000 miles in the same manner as if you drove that same distance on any highway without seeing any road construction... Good luck...
Awesome stuff! I'm hoping to take the California zephyr once covid has calmed down. But who knows when that will be lol.
Do it. I took it from Emeryville to Denver in 2019 and it was amazing. Going through the Sierras, Utah dessert, and the Rockies is beautiful.
I rode it 2 years ago on a 25 day trip in roommet. Was just before end of dining cars, food was good, over priced if not in sleeper. AAA and AMTRAK made the arrangements, tours, hotels and most transfers included. A GREAT TRIP 👍 🙀🚂🚉
Glad to see Amtrak getting back in business
I'm an avid rail runner. Hate flying and don't care to drive much anymore. Here's some tips: if you have a couple hour layover, like San Antonio, Tx in the middle of the night, that's a really good time to take a shower. Train is stopped and on auxiliary power. If travelling by yourself and you booked a roomette, the top bunk is great if you are able to get into it. You can leave the seats as they are.I'm 6'-4" and have no trouble in the top bunk. Next is tipping. If you tip your porter at the absolute beginning of your trip, you'll be surprised what they can ' do for you.' Many, many people just don't tip, so it is greatly appreciated. Porters and wait staff in the dining car. Tipping wait staff at the first encounter will net you coffee before they are 'officially' open for breakfast and lots of extras, including seating you on the best side of the train for what's coming up. Once, on a trip from AZ to New Orleans (2 nights each way) we were able to 'upgrade' from a roomette to a regular bedroom by simply tipping the porter (it's the way things are, not ashamed in the least!). We estimated the trip by vehicle, inclusive of motels, toll roads, and food stops, and found that the cost of a roomette vs. the cost of Amtrak, was almost the same--and don't forget to figure in the oil change and tire wear and being worn out by driving when you get to your destination. In other words, train travel is a vacation inside of a vacation. Trains go where some roads don't, so the scenery is a bit different. I've NEVER had a bad meal or a disappointment in over a decade and a half of train travel. Just figure it all out and give it a go! Thank you for this video, it was a good one.
Very well done on this video I like your positive feedback and you're very truthful feedback thank you for the great compliments of my beautiful state of New Mexico happy future trips my friend 🤟🤟🤙🤙👍👍👊👏
I've ridden the Chief many times. Never in a sleeper, since my stop was at Hutchinson, Kansas and we arrived around 4am. Still a good ride though. You're definitely right about the crew. Some love their job and are super nice and others are clearly in the wrong line of work.
I prefer your subtitles to commentary Thibault. When you wander into franglais though, it can sometimes be amusing and charming 😀😀😀
I love the ‘franglais’!!!
Also, a pro tip from someone who has rode in those bedrooms before: pack a smaller carry-on suitcase and check your bigger bags. Makes getting around the room easier at night and going up the stairs. Also, bring a small surge protector to compensate for the one plug.
Completely agree!!!
Small overnight bag and some additional electrical capability...our first two recommendations.
Well this helps. Seriously, when your expectation of train travel is set by Bing Crosby and company singing "Snow, snow, snow" or Cary Grant nailing Eva Marie Saint in the club car, it's good to have a hard-reset like this.
These long distance trains, must be like land bound cruise ships. Can't wait to try it some day.
I have done this journey twice Syracuse to Flagstaff and Buffalo to Flagstaff and then flagstaff to Syracuse. It was awesome every time, in coach class.
Ahhhhhhh, Que Belleza, no se si algún día podré ir a los EEUU, el día que pueda ir me recorrere el país por AMTRAK, Un abrazo grande para todos ustedes en familia, Dios bendiga a AMTRAK, saludos cordiales desde la Bella Ciudad de Medellín, Colombia.
You're very lucky. 156 recently hit something and repair costs are high, so Amtrak is going to scrap it. It was one of my favorite locomotives. It is currently in chicago if anyone wants to find it.
The dining is as such due to covid. It will be back but the don't have dining staff during these times. Your attendant serves. And regular coach passengers don't dine at all... its all lounge car for them.
No. It looks like this dining situation is a cause of modernization. Amtrak is ditching “traditional” for “logical.” Amtrak is starting to become more like an airline. I personally don’t like it. But these trains don’t make any money or have the budget to be losing the company money like this, so I can’t argue with it. It’s truly sad.
We took the Southwest Chief in May of 2021. I absolutely love train travel, and was not bothered by the delays. In fact we were on time when we left Albuquerque. Once we crossed the Arizona boarder is when the trouble began. On our engine, one of the wheels overheated and basically melted. So we had to wait for a new locomotive. What we got was a freight locomotive to pull us to Needles, CA. Unfortunately with freight locomotives, top speed is 75 while for regular Amtrak locomotives the limit is 90. So originally we were supposed to be in Needles around 11 - 12 pm. We arrived at 6 am the next morning. Frustrating, yes. But I would take SW Chief anytime.
This makes me want to train travel. I've never done it. Great video.
When I went on the Coast Starlight in March 2020, P42 130 Phase II was not leading, but trailing and it awesome
I have never had the opportunity to ride Amtrak. I rode Southern Pacific and Santa Fe Rail before the change over. I can comment on the scenery in the southwest though. I went to forestry school in Flagstaff in the late 60s. The area was simply beautiful. Ponderosa Pine, red rocks, Grand Canyon, skiing, Flagstaff itself, the history of the area, indian culture. I could go on and on. It's absolutely worth taking 2 weeks and travel around Northern Arizona. You'll be glad you did.
Unfortunately riders of Amtrak westbound usually see northern Arizona after the sun sets...
I am viewing this trip while you are still traveling in New Mexico so you probably don't have much snow yet. I graduated from NAU in Flagstaff the first part of May and the following morning I woke up to three inches of snow. Usually, the first fall snow is about early to mid-October. Flagstaff Is about the same elevation as Denver, 1 mile (5280 ft). Actually, I would be surprised if you didn't have snow in early November. I would encourage you to take a day to visit the Grand Canyon NP, 80 miles north of Flagstaff. It is beautiful draped in snow.
The Southwest Chief is a beautiful route (one I'd like to ride sometime). Amtrak does have it's limitations, but I can't think of any other better way to travel.
I can
Me too. And US trains much more fun.
4:03 - Sleepers on Superliner trains are at the front. Sleepers on single-level equipped trains are on the rear (except Lake Shore Limited, which has them front and rear)
I love your videos so much, you’ve inspired me to buy a ticket on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Sacramento next month 🤩
Your AMTRAK map shows service from Jacksonville, FL to New Orleans, LA which has not existed since 2005....
Unfortunately the Sunset Limited and AutoTrain train derailment and a bridge collapse killed that route east of New Orleans when Amtrak needed three Sunset Limited trains sets out of six elsewhere to keep other services going. Yep, until the recent service cuts, some of the routes required six train sets to keep trains on these routes running daily...
As always lovely video. I didn't really notice anything bad with the GoPro😄 stay safe 👍
Christmas trees already ?
It's a lovely station. The that room you had was extremely small though. And the shower/ toilet was miniscule.
Scenery is absolutely stunning !
When I saw the Christmas trees - though beautiful and so festive - I was momentarily taken aback. I was like Oh! This trip was Christmastime 2019. But then I double-checked the dates. Guess I wasn’t yet prepared for holiday decorations 2020 lol
I doubt whether you will find a larger ensuite bathroom on any other passenger train worldwide... The Superliners do have a larger family bedroom downstairs you should book instead... Me, I prefer the Roomette...
@@ronclark9724
Thanks.
I live in Australia anyway. I tend to look at bathroom/ toilet areas in terms of easy access for people with disabilities.
No doubt many trains would have suitable facilities for those in wheelchairs , or have other mobility issues.
The luggage storage on the lower floor of the coach was likely converted from what used to be a smoking lounge. Until the late '90s each train had a smoking lounge on the lower floor of one of the coaches.
I will make the argument that sleeping car prices are NOT overpriced. Amtrak routinely sells out. In the world of supply and demand, that is what sets the price. You can save money by booking far ahead and looking for deals (one of the ways Amtrak makes sure they are fully booked.) A bedroom is a pretty deluxe way to travel. You can save with a roomette. Fine for one. A bit tight for two but not so bad if you PLAN how much luggage you bring and how you will stow it. (You don't want to pay the ticket price for your luggage to occupy YOUR living space on the seats.) The roomette seats are very wide. It's not that bad to use one of the many general bathrooms. And they have a nice shower room on the lower level with a nice sink (much nicer and larger than the onea in a bedroom) and provide towels and washcloths.
It may have been worth it to wait until after the pandemic to take the Chief; the good food from the traditional dining was one of the highlights for me when I took it around 2017-2018. If you ever have an opportunity in the future, I'd recommend taking it again in the other direction; I hear you see different scenery due to it being day at different times!
Yes, he should stop wasting his money on Flex Dining, and wait so he can show us what a normal experience would look like. He would like Amtrak much more if he had the chance to try regular Traditional Dining.
Hi Thibault, enjoyed the Amtrak Southwest with you...Wonderful views...I generally prefer coaches where one can open the windows: of course depending on the weather conditions...Cheers from Bangalore mate...🚂🚂🚂
Really an excellent video. I took the SW Chief from Kingman AZ to CHI and back about a year and a half ago, riding coach. Plenty of room to stretch out, more like your La-Z-Boy than on a plane, and not too bad if you don't mind being in the same clothes and without a shower for 36 hours. Still had full dining car then with delicious hot meals like steak and salmon. I read in comments where that was removed out of caution for Covid, (reusing the plates and utensils), which makes sense, but makes me wonder if it will ever return now they get the public used to food bowls.
Sounds about right. Thank you for sharing.
I really enjoyed your video as I was able to re-live when I rode the rails to see all the western AMTRAK long distance routes west of St. Lois including The Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper. They were done as parts of 5 trips on my own each from one weekend to the following weekend between 2001 and 2013. My favorite rail trips were The Zephyr, Pacific Coast Starlgiht, Surfliner, and The Canadian. I think I actually rode this route the most of all as parts of my trips. I recommend though if you were to do only one long distence train originating from St. Louis it would be the Zephy making connection first in Chicago, but if you want a longer trip include the Coast Starlight to L.A. and then come back on this Southwest Chief. You get more scenery variety of the West this way. Thanks for placing this journey on UA-cam.
Sad seeing no more dining car. I did not know this route is now tri-weekly. All my trips were coach except for one in sleeper. I agree the Lounge car is awesome for viewing.
Oh boy, a prison breakfast. It's really bad when the food in the cafe car is better than the food you paid for with your sleeper. I've traveled on the Chief, City of New Orleans, Texas Eagle, and the Empire Builder. All had great food and food choices. I'll be back when they get real food again.
Yep, the microwaved cheeseburger and ham sandwich is better than that frozen entree shit...
" I'll be back when they get real food again" So you are saying you won't travel Amtrak again? ;)
@Juan Sanchez WOOOOO YEAH BABBYYY THAT'S WHAT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FORR WOOOOO
Last time I took the train from LA to Chicago, the bedroom was big enough for 4 people.. That was Dec 1970.. Just getting out of Navy headed home..
@Simply Railway @4:01-4:11, That's Not True Because Some Of The East Coast Long-Distance AMTRAK Trains Like The Cardinal, Crescent And Silver Service Have The Sleeping Cars Closer To The Rear.
Yes, and the Empire Builder.
@@johnstewart491 Yeah, Because It Converges/Splits In Spokane.
I'm hoping they bring back the dining car as it was traditionally. My parents took me on a train trip in the '70's & eating in the dining car like a grown-up was one of my favorite things about the trip. I'll be on the Texas Eagle & Empire Builder in December. I can't wait!
Amtrak is planning on returning its traditional dining on western LD routes on December 15. Covid conditions permitting.