Bumping this thread just to say that I got a non-berth ticket today for a few friends to ride in my deluxe bedroom from Seattle to Portland (while I continue on to Emeryville). If it weren't for this discussion, I wouldn't have known such a thing was possible - and if it weren't for the veteran...
Just got off of train 30 this afternoon. Very professional service. Our attendant gave us tour-guide-level commentary as we went through Maryland and WV.
The attendant I started this thread about is named Cynthia. She had a special springtime display with handmade decorations next to the coffee...
A friend who works for Amtrak has agreed to help me do just that. Check should be in the mail next week :)
Might be time for me to get in that habit. Up until now, I'll leave a tip as I'm detraining, but this time I was in the dorm car (she was working both cars) and didn't get to see her when...
Because you were in a rush to get off the train (which is silly, it was early), and in your tunnel vision completely forgot to reward her for what may possibly have been the most exemplary service you've experienced in nearly 15 years. Something you've never forgotten to do until today...
Most of my memorable Amtrak moments occurred as a teenager, riding in the Superliner smoking cars (RIP).
Best was when a 50-year-old (est.) woman who had had entirely too much to drink decided to hit on the conductor.
Being rejected, she slugged him in the face and was put off at the next...