Recent content by Brian Battuello

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  1. Brian Battuello

    Downeaster discussion

    It didn't, but it seemed surprisingly optimistic about the Rockland extension.
  2. Brian Battuello

    Fares that don't make sense

    Is there any evidence that sleepers are going unused? Airlines have gotten really good at filling seats. The classic marketing line is that the perfect flight leaves with one empty seat.
  3. Brian Battuello

    Amtrak arrival and departure times

    It really depends on your level of risk for the airport side. You never know if TSA will take 5 minutes or 45 minutes. My philosophy is to allow at least two hours, and if I fly through TSA, I find a table at a nice bar in the concourse and play on my computer. Amtrak is *generally* pretty...
  4. Brian Battuello

    Fares that don't make sense

    I agree completely. I thought my Amtrak room days were over, but as related elsewhere I was spiritually directed to a steal on a Denver/Boston CZ/LSL run a month or so ago. I don't think it will happen again. It's been a fun 50 years!
  5. Brian Battuello

    Downeaster discussion

    The Boston Globe's email list for transit stories this week was all about the Downeaster's history and future. It doesn't seem to be in the main paper, so I'm not sure how to share it here. I'll copy a few paragraph belows, and if anyone wants a copy of the whole email, PM me. There's also...
  6. Brian Battuello

    Continuing saga of Alaska Air 737 Max plug door blowout incedent

    Major shakeup at Boeing. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/25/business/boeing-ceo-steps-down.html?ugrp=c&unlocked_article_code=1.fU0.UjEh.s85Z-Lt0LZXu&smid=url-share
  7. Brian Battuello

    Planes overhead

    When I was about 12 years old, I would sit in my grandparents house bedroom in Boulder with a telescope waiting for the CZ to emerge from the first visible front range tunnel. Then I would track it through tunnels 6/5/4/3/2/1 to the CO72 crossover and the Big Ten curve.
  8. Brian Battuello

    Planes overhead

    Very interesting. That's a pretty fuel-thirsty plane for survey work, must have cost somebody. And brings back memories of the LAX shoreline transition in my flying days. Quite a treat for the passengers checking out the beach and LAX from 3,500'.
  9. Brian Battuello

    California Zephyr discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

    IIRC, the train would stop for just a few minutes outside one of the major casinos. I'm not sure there was even a station. The conductor would make a very severe announcement that the train would only be there for a brief moment and that there were no slot machines within the short walking...
  10. Brian Battuello

    Chicago Union Station discussion

    I know you can easily get redcap cart service from the lounge to the train. I wonder if you could arrange someone to meet you at an entrance and drive you to the lounge. Does anyone know if there is a way to call the lounge directly?
  11. Brian Battuello

    California Zephyr discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

    I never rode the original CZ in California/Nevada, but the early Amtrak CZ rumbled through the streets of Reno before they built the underpass. Fun to watch people carrying huge buckets of coins.
  12. Brian Battuello

    Passenger jet pilots fell asleep on flight carrying 159 passengers

    Depends on the flight attendant. :cool:
  13. Brian Battuello

    Amtrak Dining and Cafe service discussion 2024 Q1

    Personally, I'll take the box of Kentucky Fried Chicken and can of Coke I once got on the Southwest Chief in Flagstaff, AZ.
  14. Brian Battuello

    Long Distance (LD) fleet replacement RFP discussion

    I'm trying to imagine what a coach car without overhead racks would be like. The picture immediately above is beautiful but I don't see a scrap of luggage. I wonder (genuinely) if people could adapt to putting their larger objects and/or coats in a shelf at the end. I still want one in my...
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