Das Blog

Okay, I have had some rest, and can now feel the cramps in my body from strange positions in a state they might try to call sleep!
I may not have kept myself hydrated enough on the train, I have a lower back twinge that might be trying to tell me something other than a muscle cramp, we will see.

So, I thought I might summarize some of the general bits about traveling Amtrak, and going coach class. This is not intended to scare anyone, just to make you aware.

Specific to the Coast Starlight, and the California Zephyr...

Coach is a reserved seat on the train. If you want the lower level, where they tend to NOT put the kids, you might have to pay a little extra.
The seats are two across with no middle arm. They recline about half way, and have both a foot rest and a leg rest, that if it works, can get to almost the level of the seat. There is a seat back tray, and most now have 120 vt electrical outlets for use along the wall under the windows, so you can bring small appliances like portable DVD, or laptops, etc.
Seat width holds my fat butt, so you do have a fair amount of room. Leg room is unheard of if you are used to air travel, this is spacious, though a few very tall folks might have a bit of trouble.
The restrooms are downstairs, and have a single large "handicapped" stall, and about 5 smaller stalls, that I can back into, but not much else. There is a small dressing room at the end of the bathroom group, with a single stall to the right inside the door, a double sink, stool and short bench, no lock on the change door though, so be aware, or bring a post it that says occupied for when you use it.
As the rest rooms are shared in coach, and there are more than a few slobs i the general population, i highly suggest carrying a container of clorox or lysol wipes for that pre-use freshening up of the facilities. I have even been known to drop a wipe or two on the floor and do a bit of tidying there as well.

There is a dining car on most of the trains with overnight routes, and snack cars as well, though you are allowed to bring your own food aboard. You will want to keep things either cool or hot on your own, as they will be able to give you hot water, or maybe some ice, but no use of the microwave or frdge.
There are water dispensers and tiny cups upstairs at the stair well, and downstairs, as well as in the restrooms.
Staff on the train are people. Some are friendlier than others, and some seem to be there because they want their check. Customer service runs the spectrum. I have had (NOT this last trip) car attendants who locked the restroom because people were being pigs , and would not open it, even when I said I would clean it up)
The car attendant is different from the conductor.

If you are traveling overnight,be aware that the air handling on the train can be cool or warm, or whatever. Bring your carry-on with a change of pants/shirt for long or short, and a light blanket, a fleece throw should be enough. Some folks bring a pillow, and the horseshoe neck pillow is a good idea, but not the only one.

If you are going some distance, be sure to look closely at the station list to see if they handle checked baggage. Not all stations offer this service, and your big bags will count towards your carry on. There are "baggage limits", though I have never seen them enforce it really. Some folks get on and bring more bags than I can count. You don't want your bags in luggage to keep traveling while you take a whistle stop!

Dining is family style, so you will have to think of it like a mixer, you get to meet new people, and it is expected that you will make conversation and talk about who you are, where you are headed and be friendly. Think of it as train etiquette.
While carry on baggage is accessible during the ride, it is also considered bad manners to mess in anyone elses' bags. Some of the larger bags are stowed downstairs in racks, and might be out of your sight. Of course one should never place anything dear or valuable in these bags, it is still very rare to have anyone mucking about in them. If concerned, get the little luggage locks and use them.
hmm, maybe still not rested enough, more later! nap now.