Recent content by gregg_vw

As I recall, he NYT article pointed out that per mile cost comparing planes and trains varies. Passenger jets use most of their fuel while taking off and landing. Thus, trains emit less CO2 on short haul trips, but are dirtier per passenger mile than planes on long haul trips. Most non-electric...

I hadn't rhought of using Venmo for Amtrak tips. How did you do it? Did you ask the server if they use Venmo, and what method were they comfortable with (username, their Venmo QR code, their email or phone number)?

I am genuinely curious when and how the tradition of tipping SCAs was established. I always do tip them, and it's news to me that many people do not. Growing up I learned to tip wait staff because they depended on tips for a living, given their low hourly compensation. However, SCAs earn good...

Being a urban person, there are many lots here where people park outside all the time. Some are monitored, some not. Some gated, many not. I have rarely seen vandalism on cars that obviously haven't been moved in a long time. The risk often depends on where in the city you park. Investigate the...

I found the new seats to be quite firm comparatively, which was a surprise to my hindquarters. However, the ride overall turned out to be no less comfortable than before, and I arrived feeling fine. I don't know, but the firmness may help the seats hold up longer. And they in fact recline if you...

I'm jumping in here in the middle. Perhaps I'm not understanding the point of lending any support to calling Amtrak akin to land cruising. There are plenty of luxury trains around the world and the fares tend to be very high in order for them to be profitable. One takes such a train for a luxury...

The situation is tragic. By recent accounts, the guy is an ordinary person with a spotless flying record, good dad, etc., who has struggled at times with depression. Psychedelics have become an effective intervention In some cases for mental illnesses that have not responded well to other...

Same when driving a car v. being a passenger. That lack of control when conditions get foggy/slippery/etc. can really set in when not behind the wheel.

What helped me with my nerves about turbulence was when a flight attendant explained it was analogous to driving a car over a rough road or a series of sharp bumps. Going fast enough while not being belted you could even hit the headliner in a car. However, as uncomfortable as that ride could...

And less likely to harbor bed bugs.

To each his or her own. It just goes to show that no matter what Amtrak serves, there are going to be people who do not care for it. I am an adventurous eater and I will try anything at least once, if it is something that is eaten and enjoyed somewhere on the planet. I don't like the flex meals...

That's great news!

I understand. I'm in Wisconsin. Also, all of the providers I have used here have turned out to be in network. My plan is not an HMO, but rather a preferred provider network where coverage is provided everywhere, with the most coverage at preferred providers. If that doesn't hold true in your...

That is true for some plans. But ER and urgent care are covered anywhere with mine, and I also have the option to temporarily switch my coverage to another state if I'm going to be there awhile. That combined with coverage in other countries was one of the many perks that I could not get with...

One of the many "advantages" of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan over traditional Medicare is that many offer reimbursement if a medical emergency occurs when you are traveling in another country.