This is a guaranteed connection as long as you book it for direct CHI-LAX-SEA connection (if AGR no multi-city nor stopovers are allowed)from the SWC to the CS. Most of the time the Chief has an excellent OTP but there are various ways Amtrak can ensure the connection, if the train is running late they could bustitute pax to catch up with the Starlight, if extremeely late (very rare but stuff happens)they could even put you on a bus to Bakersfield and catch a San Joaquin train Northbound to catch up with the Starlight.Spending the night in LAX would be very rare, the train would have have been cancelled or the SWC running extremely late! This is a very popular train, booked most days so you might not get a room, have to ride coach if you miss your connection , Id think Amtrak would do the bustitution first, then the San Joaquin trip!
When you reach LAX the bar of the Traxx lounge by the first entrance serves as a lounge for first class pax, has coffee,softdrinks etc., you can get a redcap if needed, read the Starlight info book, they usually pass out papers and take you to your train when its time to board! (through the tunnels and up the ramp, coach pax line up in the waiting room or sneak to the platform!)If you are on time be sure and look around this beautiful station, last of the grand ones built! Breakfast will be served EARLY, like @ 5:00AM,one sitting only, so youd want to have an alarm or have a wake-up call if you want to eat on the train, not much in the station except a high priced bagel kiosk and a newsstand/coffee joint!
A great trip, there are lots of trip reports on this route, please read them and feel free to ask any questions, lots of good info here, some of it is even true! :lol:
