My family of 6 will be traveling by amtrak this summer from milwaukee to seattle. Youngest person is 17 - oldest 82. we all want to be seated together. Can seats be reserved? also - should i buy a room so that people can take turns sleeping? is that legal? I am assuming I buy 6 regular seats and then a bedroom on top of that?? I am confused! Please someone with experience - HELP!! comfort and cost are both an issue. thanks much!! suem
Welcome Sue! There's Good news and bad news about your plan!
The Good news, it's a wonderful trip and you have a group that wants to travel together!
The bad news: This is a very popular route in the summer, often sold out and the prices are high as they get due to the demand/time of the year!
(called "High Bucket") I did some test bookings during July and most days the bedrooms are "Sold Out", the roomettes (for 2 persons only)are $661 which include meals plus Rail fare of $263 per person. There are discounts for Seniors, disability discounts, AAA,military etc. (see the amtrak.com website for details). Also if you aregoing to make this trip you should join Amtrak Guest Rewards (see website for details, it's like a frequent flyer program but most of us think better! If you have/use the AGR Master Card from Chase you also get bonus points for free trips! (theres a referral program where yoiu get extra points and so do the person who refers you!)
The coach seats are very comfortable on the Superliner LD trains, sort of like a business class domestic seat, maybe even a little more comfortable! There is a section here for first time riders, please read it, also Amtak.com has lots of hints/tips info to help you. You wont have use of a shower, the food prices are a little high in the diner and cafe car (you can take food and snacks, recommended!) and the trip is over two nights so blankets, pillows, DVD players, music. etc. are helpful for sleeping relaxing, during the day the scenery will keep yall busy! You can get up and walk around (the bathrooms are downstairs), visit the sight seer lounge car. You can reserve a seat, but not particular seats in coach but they do have sections for couples and families and will try to seat yall together, there are certain cars for where you are going and lots of people ride this train for transportation, get on/off @ various stops. Once you get your seat assignment when boardin you will have them till you get to your destination.(try to avaoid the stairs and seats by the end doors, middle of the train is best!you can ask the attendant when you board, there is early boarding for those that need, it, ie Seniors etc.)
If you book roomettes (it woulkd take three for 6 people) or a deluxe bedroom (if available), you can ask for a particular room, upstairs or down, also in coach the lower level seating is reserved for people with disabilities but most people prefer to ride upstairs since the sights are better and all movement through the train is upstairs only! Perhaps you coul book two bedrooms (called a suite)together which would hold six people with meals and have two bathrooms/showers but it will be very expensive but a nice way to travel if you can handle the price!Rooms/seats in the middle of the train ride the best!
I dont want to seem negative and perhaps the price seems high, but it wont be much more than flying six people, plus you have the thrill of riding a train through some beautiful scenery, the best way to travel! There are lots of experts on this forum who will be glad to help, please feel free to ask, and try to book early as possible, after the middle of August it does slow up a little, I dont know your time frame for the trip but do test bookings on amtrak.com for different dates to get prices/availability etc. Good plan ,Good luck!
