Guaranteed cononections/separate reservations

Hey y'all,

Next year, I MIGHT be taking a trip from Norfolk to Orlando in July. I would take a Northeast Regional from NFK to RVR and then take the Silver Star to Orlando (specifically WPK). On the return trip, I would take the Star back to Richmond and then take a Regional back to Norfolk.

Here's my question:

Should I book separate one-way reservations on the Regionals and a round trip on the Star, or should I just book a round trip for the whole thing? On the outgoing trip, I'd want to reduce the layover time in Richmond and on the incoming trip, I'd want to make sure I can catch a Regional back to Norfolk in the event that the Star is late arriving in Richmond. If I book a round trip all the way, the layover in Richmond outgoing would be pretty long. However, if I book the Regional from NFK to RVR separately, I can arrive in Richmond closer to when the Star is scheduled to arrive. And I do understand that if the Star arrives in Richmond on time (on the return trip), my layover in Richmond would be long, but I can deal with that.

What do you guys think?

Is there any benefit to making this one reservation, such as guaranteed connections, or more AGR points? If not I would book to best suit your needs and that sounds like booking segments separately.

I personally would book NFK - WPK as one reservation and WPK - NFK as a separate reservation. Those will give you guaranteed connections in RVR.
I never book round trips, either on trains or planes.

Guaranteed connections are great so they know that you have a connection to make.

Years ago, I was aboard the #421 through sleeper CHI->LAX connecting to a sleeper on #14, the Coast Starlight.

As we were running 5 or 6 hours late, 'they woke me early and got me off to make a bus connection to the Starlight. That was no problem. And I was a happy camper because of it. That was the second or third time having made a guaranteed reservation saved the day for me.

At other times, the Amtrak computer would not permit me to make a tight connection less than 2 hours as I recall. This happens fairly often for me along the NEC when going from a regional to or from an LD train.

I can easily change the regjonal to an earlier or later train as I am comfortable with making 'blocked' connections. Going from LD to regional is even more comfortable from the comfort of a roomette,..even making a 30 minute connection or stretching a tight connection to grab something at the food court, WAS or PHL most often.

I would do as AmtrakBlue suggested. I recently had a trip from southern California to NYC and back. I was glad it was on two reservations as I had to change both legs of the trip due to family issues. I was able to do so but got charged a higher rate for the change. Breaking the trip in two, I only had the higher rate on each leg when I rebooked vs the whole trip. The great deal I originally got ended up to be a not so great deal with rebooking. But, I did see NYC and family so in that respect it was worth it.

Hi, I think I know the answer to this, but if booking multiple reservations (whether using AGR points or otherwise) for different trains, I assume that connections that otherwise would be guaranteed are not, correct? For example, I have a reservation booked on the CZ, and am considering adding the LSL to my travels, with a same day connection. It's a 4 hour connection, but you never know, and I don't want to have an unhappy surprise that Amtrak will not consider or accommodate me for a missed connection.

AmtrakBlue said:

I personally would book NFK - WPK as one reservation and WPK - NFK as a separate reservation. Those will give you guaranteed connections in RVR.
I never book round trips, either on trains or planes.

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Does booking round trip not make those guaranteed connections?

Cal said:

Does booking round trip not make those guaranteed connections?

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I don't' think it will affect the guaranteed connections. I just like to book each direction separately as it makes it easier to make changes, if necessary. Changing my outbound won't affect my return trip.

I just posted this in another topic, but would you consider a 24 hour layover in Chicago? Much more relaxing and well worth a hotel. I've missed the CZ/LSL connection more than once.

Another factor with "guaranteed" connections is if you are travelling in coach or a room. These days rooms are often sold out weeks in advance, and while they may put you up in a hotel, you may have to take a coach seat for the next night.