| I've travelled over 87,000 miles on Amtrak since my first trip in 1996 and have learned a lot about trip planning and what you should do to make sure your trip goes well. Some of my best advice would have to include some simple common sense things that will help ensure your trip goes smoothly. Amtrak maintains an official list of tips on its web site and in the timetable so see their web site for their official travel tips. What you see below is what I've learned in 23 years of Amtrak travel:
1. MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE: Booking your trip on the day you plan to leave is usually much more expensive than planning ahead! Amtrak tends to have lower fares if you book online and they also maintain a great frequent traveler program called "Amtrak Guest Rewards" which allows you to earn points that can be used towards free Amtrak travel and other rewards.
2.
ARRIVE EARLY: At least a 1/2 hour unless you're checking baggage, then I would arrive at least 1 hour before. Also, if you're boarding at a very busy station (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York Penn Station, etc.) then arriving early is essential so you can get your baggage checked in time and take care of any other business you need to take care of and find out which track your train will be departing from so you are waiting at the right place for your boarding call.
3. LABEL YOUR LUGGAGE: Make sure you have luggage tags on both the outside and inside of all of your luggage. Amtrak has tags available at the station for free. If they're not at the ticket counter, just ask.
4. BRING PHOTO ID: Amtrak requires valid government-issued photo ID when purchasing tickets and checking baggage and you may also be asked to show it while onboard the train when your ticket is lifted. You'll also need ID if you plan to buy an alcoholic beverage on the train as you have to be 21 years old to purchase alcohol onboard and may be asked to show ID to prove your age.
5. PUT AWAY YOUR LUGGAGE QUICKLY: When you board, it is best to put your baggage in the overhead rack (or in the luggage rack at the end of the car or on the lower level of a Superliner) in your coach as soon as you find your seat. The walkway (and stairway in a Superliner) is narrow and if you're boarding with a lot of people, it will slow down the line if your bags are in the way!
6. USE HEADPHONES FOR PERSONAL ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT: Today, people bring laptop computers as well as smartphones and other gadgets onboard. Railfans tend to sometimes bring scanners as well. Whatever you do, bring headphones! The rest of the coach doesn't need to hear the movie you're watching or the radio frequency you're listening to. It's common courtesy to do this.
7. BRING A SURGE PROTECTOR: Amtrak's electric power is supplied by the locomotive and though it's very reliable, its good practice to bring a surge protector with you if you plan on plugging in your laptop, cell phone, digital camera, etc to charge the batteries (you should also do this at home as well). Most coaches have AC outlets at each seat and sleeping cars have outlets in every room.
8. KEEP YOUR PHONE CALLS SHORT AND SWEET!: Nobody really wants to hear your personal phone conversations when they're trying to enjoy the trip, read a book, take pictures, etc. Keep your calls short and don't talk too loud, again, common courtesy! Some trains have a "Quiet Car" which you won't be able to use your phone in at all.
9. JUST HAVE FUN!: Train travel is a great way to see this country! You'll meet people you otherwise would never meet from all over the country (and sometimes all over the world!)!
Take pictures! Enjoy a snack in the lounge car, or a hot meal in the diner if your train has one. There's no better way to see America than from the view through the window of an Amtrak train! |
