In Mid-july, me and my 13 year old son are doing our first long distance trip in coach. We were wondering how busy people think it will be, and if we should upgrade to business on the Coast Starlight
How busy will the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr be in Mid-July, and is it worth upgrading to business
- Thread starter roscoe978
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There are a number of variables there that can be addressed. First, how long are you on the CS? If you are nearly all day or overnight…then if the price isn’t much more, I’d say yes. The seats are leather and more plush. Then again, if it’s only an hour or two, then no.
But, if you’ll be on either train for a significant amount of time, the real question for me is looking at the price of a roomette, considering the meals, improved sleeping accommodations, and ability to not wear a mask in a room. In my opinion, there is a LOT more benefit of that upgrade than “business”.
But, if you’ll be on either train for a significant amount of time, the real question for me is looking at the price of a roomette, considering the meals, improved sleeping accommodations, and ability to not wear a mask in a room. In my opinion, there is a LOT more benefit of that upgrade than “business”.
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It's pretty busy in a normal summer day. If you are on the Los Angeles -- Oakland segment I'd recommend the upgrade. And it might interest your son to see different types of accommodations.
I would also recommend Roomette if you can afford it - especially if it is a special occasion or you are doing it primarily for the experience.
But I will tell you my first long distance trip as a boy was in Coach on a much less scenic train. It became a (positive) experience I’ll never forget. And on the Starlight, I don’t think you can go wrong with Coach, BC or Roomette.
But I will tell you my first long distance trip as a boy was in Coach on a much less scenic train. It became a (positive) experience I’ll never forget. And on the Starlight, I don’t think you can go wrong with Coach, BC or Roomette.
Im doing CHI-DEN, spending a night in Denver, than doing DEN-EMY, spending 2 nights in SF, than doing EMY-SEA.
Upgrading to a roomette would cost about 1k and that's just too much.
Upgrading to a roomette would cost about 1k and that's just too much.
Also, do you think we will have trouble finding a seat
SubwayNut
Conductor
You shouldn't have any trouble. Amtrak on long distance trains is pretty good about putting parties of 2 together in the same set of seats (at least pre-pandameic) the attendant will either assign you a pair of seats or should have some blocked off and reserved for parties of 2 or more. If they are doing open seating and not assigning seats and you don't see two seats together ask an attendant and they should be able to accomidate you.
Also, over half of the coach load turns over in Denver, so there are lots of opportunities to re-seat people. Same on the Coast Starlight in OKJ/EMY.
Sounds like a great trip!
I'm on the CS on Sunday. I got the $50 deal from Lax to Pdx in Coach. I got an EMail this morning inviting me to bid up. A $48 BC offer was deemed "good",so I went for it. Of course,it's almost double what I paid,but the chance to have both seats to myself and the less manic atmosphere are worth it.
Hope you get it! I too booked a Starlight trip in August on the Starlight. Full trip, both ways. Have a good trip
On the CS now. Didn't get the upgrade to BC,even though my $48 bid was deemed "good". Probably because I got that special $50 fare to Portland.
I was hoping for both seats to myself. Unfortunately, this is a full train and I already got a seatmate. I plan to spend almost all my trip in the SSL car. Kind of miss the 50% occupancy. $50 is a great deal. Next big trip is on the EB from Chi to Sea and the CS to Sacramento. Roomettes,both low buckets in September. I m starting from Harrisburg and riding the Pennsylvanian and CL in Coach. I would have loved to take the CZ back from Sac,but low bucket was gone. I am taking the CZ to Reno,overnighting,flying back to BWI,taking a NE Regional to Phl and a Keystone back to Har.
Cannot wait for traditional dining. I was talking to a couple who are in a sleeper today and they mentioned how happy they were traditional dining was back. I sadly told them it won't return for another two and a half weeks. They weren't happy.
I was hoping for both seats to myself. Unfortunately, this is a full train and I already got a seatmate. I plan to spend almost all my trip in the SSL car. Kind of miss the 50% occupancy. $50 is a great deal. Next big trip is on the EB from Chi to Sea and the CS to Sacramento. Roomettes,both low buckets in September. I m starting from Harrisburg and riding the Pennsylvanian and CL in Coach. I would have loved to take the CZ back from Sac,but low bucket was gone. I am taking the CZ to Reno,overnighting,flying back to BWI,taking a NE Regional to Phl and a Keystone back to Har.
Cannot wait for traditional dining. I was talking to a couple who are in a sleeper today and they mentioned how happy they were traditional dining was back. I sadly told them it won't return for another two and a half weeks. They weren't happy.
Tell them to call Customer Relations and ask for a partial refund!
