Chicago Metropolitan Lounge - Baggage & Boarding

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BethChicago

Train Attendant
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Jan 16, 2011
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OK, so last question (probably) before our big trip on the CZ next week. You guys have been SO helpful in answering questions!! Bless you!

So we have a sleeper cabin (family bedroom) and thus, I believe we are able to go into the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge prior to boarding. So do we literally check bags in within the Metropolitan Lounge and "check in" there?

And then when do they allow sleeper car passengers to board? I'm aiming to be at the station with bags and kids by 1pm, prior to a 2pm boarding - I'm guessing this is enough time?

Thanks!

Beth
 
Yes, you can enjoy the Metropolitan Lounge. They usually board sleepers about 1/2 hour before departure.

You can only "day check" bags in the lounge. This is just if you want to go sightseeing before boarding the train. You pick them up before boarding.

If you want them checked into the baggage car, you have to do that at the Amtrak ticket desk, not the lounge.
 
Also, I would definitely get there by 1:00. Whenever I've "checked in" early for the CZ, they have told be to be back by 1:00. This is also important if you day check your bags to allow time for you and the many others (boarding the CZ and other trains) to retrieve their bags.
 
I'd suggest arriving before 1pm for your 2 pm boarding especially if you are checking luggage! The Lounge gets very crowded and busy in the afternoons with all the LD Trains.

Eating lunch upstairs in the food court or even taking it to the lounge ( drinks are free in the lounge) to eat is not a bad plan. You can day check your luggage @ the baggage room by the desk ( pick up 30 mins before boarding/tip customary) and then relax. The Conductor will scan your tickets by the desk before boarding, listen for announcements.

Also consider using a Red Cap to board the train, just tell the desk clerk when you check in, they will pick you up by the counter and take you to the Train on their cart outside the front door to the lounge.Otherwise you'll do the kindergarten walk with a staffer, out the back door, to rhe gate and down the platform and its a long way to your sleeper!
 
I've often seen the westbound trains board 45 minutes early. Considering the number of people who are trying to check in at the Metropolitan Lounge, it can often take 10 minutes just to do that. I'd definitely arrive at least an hour early.
 
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If you have bags to check for the baggage car, as said this MUST be done 45 minutes prior to departure. And that does not mean just being in line - the bags must be in the agent's hand at the 45 minute mark! So if you arrive at 1:00 this leaves only 15 minutes to get to the ticket agent, check your baggage then go to the Metropolitian Lounge!

I personally would rather get there earlier and not be rushed. It also gives you more time to relax in the Metropolitian Lounge and think of the great time on the train you're going to have. :)
 
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Great info!

We will be changing from the TE to the LSL tomorrow @ CUS. Our bags that we checked at the start of the trip in DAL will be moved from the Eagle to the LSL by Amtrak folks, correct? Our carry ons we will need to move ourselves from the Eagle to the lounge, and with us on to the LSL.

With E ticketing, we printed out our ticket, we will get it scanned at DAL, and we keep it for the CUS lounge and to board the LSL, right?

Also.......where is the lounge at CUS from wherever we arrive on the Eagle? How do we find it? We plan to be asking our SCA to get us a red cap when we get off at CUS, because the fiance just had knee surgery and is a bit gimpy. Isn't that the way to do it, ask the SCA to set it up for us? And we just tell the attendant at CUS lounge that we need a red cap from there?
 
tonys96 said:
Great info!

We will be changing from the TE to the LSL tomorrow @ CUS. Our bags that we checked at the start of the trip in DAL will be moved from the Eagle to the LSL by Amtrak folks, correct? Our carry ons we will need to move ourselves from the Eagle to the lounge, and with us on to the LSL.

With E ticketing, we printed out our ticket, we will get it scanned at DAL, and we keep it for the CUS lounge and to board the LSL, right?

Also.......where is the lounge at CUS from wherever we arrive on the Eagle? How do we find it? We plan to be asking our SCA to get us a red cap when we get off at CUS, because the fiance just had knee surgery and is a bit gimpy. Isn't that the way to do it, ask the SCA to set it up for us? And we just tell the attendant at CUS lounge that we need a red cap from there?
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If you checked your bags from start to finish, Amtrak will move them from one train to the next.

You will need to take your carry ons to the lounge (or get a Red Cap). A Red Cap can also take you & your bags to the LSL. Let the SCA know you will need a Red Cap.

Yes, you'll need your ticket to get into the lounge and you will need it on the LSL.
 
You will have several hours in the Metropolitan Lounge between trains. When you disembark from the TE you'll walk inside the station. Follow the signs to the gates and the lounge will be right there. Your checked luggage will be transferred to the LSL. Of course, bring your carry ons with you. They have free soda and juice and chips and Doritos. You'll have plenty of time to kill. If the weather is bearable, put your carry ons in the storage area and take a walk. Probably a little chilly for the Water Taxi to Navy Pier,but you an always go to the Willis(Sears)Tower. At $19 for an adult ticket, it's overpriced,but if you haven't done it before it's probably worth it. It is also only two blocks from Union Station. Also, you might want to check out the Deep dish Pizza and other delights at nearby restaurants.

A layover in Chicago at the Metropolitan lounge is a pleasant way to spend some time. There is one computer there and USA Today and a TV and nice comfortable chairs. When you arrive it will be quite crowded with westbound travelers waiting for their trains. By 3:00 things will quiet down until people start waiting for the Eastbound Capitol Limited and the City of New Orleans. the Lake Shore Limited is the last long distance train to depart.

The attendant at the door to the lounge will give you a pass, so you can come and go as you like. Be sure to check out The great hall. CUS is an impressive station. It's quite busy because besides Amtrak, it is used for Metra commuter trains and it can get a bit claustrophobic during evening rush hour.
 
Another reason to get to the lounge early is there are only two or three wall outlets to charge phones and other devices.
 
I saw a brochure for Chicago Union Station that listed a number of places to eat right there in the station. Last time I was there a guy told me he got a good burrito someplace there, but I don't remember where. Can anyone recommend any of the station restaurants?
 
Gold Coast Dogs is great as is the fast food Chinese Joint ( cant think of the name)that kept some AUers well fed during the Chicago Gathering in 2013!!

I found the Mexican food Taco Bell quality but I live where there is plenty of great Mexican food!
 
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Oh, Taco Bell... yeah, I know what you mean, lots of Tex-Mex where I live (and even a Sonoran joint). I was just looking at the brochure for the station and noticed a place called Burrito Beach - I wonder if he meant that place - they don't list a Chinese food place. Of course the brochure could be out of date. I guess I'll have to see when I get there...thanks for your reply!
 
No the brochure is correct, sadly the chinese food stand has closed their doors. If you have time there is a great pizza place on Clinton just south of Jackson. Beggar's Pizza is just out the southwest corner of the station's Great Hall and diagonally across the street.
 
oldtimer said:
No the brochure is correct, sadly the chinese food stand has closed their doors. If you have time there is a great pizza place on Clinton just south of Jackson. Beggar's Pizza is just out the southwest corner of the station's Great Hall and diagonally across the street.
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Thanks for the tip - I'm always hearing about Chicago pizza, so if the Eagle gets there in time (and except for yesterday the recent OTP hasn't been too bad) I'll give it a try.
 
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If you use Google Maps and crank in on Chicago Union, it will flag several nearby eating havens, including Al's Beef, Giordano's and Lou Mitchell's in addition to places inside the station. Now you have to make the difficult choice :)
 
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the_traveler said:
Giordano's is the very unofficial pizza of AU and is only 2 1/2 blocks east on Jackson! :)
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Harrumph.

No doubt Giordano's is fine pizza. But, it is a "chain" pizza. There are probably 12 locations throughout Chicago. They're all good, and they all have that "Chicago Pizza" feel.

The location on Jackson is certainly convenient to Union Station, and if you eat there you won't be disappointed.

But...

Even though it's not as convenient to get to from Union Station, there is better: http://www.unos.com
 
So funny, my thread has been "hijacked" to discuss food in and nearby to Union Station. I don't mind, I always enjoy a good discussion on food!

We're originating from Chicago so may or may not grab lunch at home before heading to Union Station. But our young boys always want a "snack" so we may grab something if time.

But concerning the pizza discussion, I'm local and George, I beg to differ, I think Giordano's is the best "chain" pizza in Chicago. Of course, I like my local "Pete's Pizza" the best, which is in our neighborhood. But I think Giordano's sauce is really good - just a touch sweet.

But one tip - if you want deep dish, call ahead and order - it can take an hour to cook! (Something about the 3-4 inches of sauce, toppings, cheese & crust...and cheese.)

Best!
 
Thanks for being a good sport about the hijacking! And for your input as a local. A new neighbor who moved from the Chicago burbs mentioned a place called Aurelio's and another called Gino's but says Giordano's is also wonderful.
 
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