Here are a few very elementary questions before I book my first excursion:
1. When riding coach how much carry on items are allowed?
2. Is it safe to leave items (backpack or suitcase) at my coach seat while going elsewhere during the ride?
3. Is drinking water available during the ride or should I bring along?
I'll have more but this is a start. To give perspective, I'm thinking of riding from Denver to the west coast and flying home from there. Thanks.
Hi there,
I hope I can answer some of your questions, as I nearly always travel coach, even over long distances like Texas to Seattle. I am a frugal traveler, with more time than money, as I am also retired. My philosophy is spend less per trip and enjoy more trips! Your mileage may vary, LOL. Also, I am comfortable camping out on my coach seat, especially if the train is not crowded and I can have the double seat to myself to stretch out and sleep at night. It is thus advantageous to travel during non-peak times (fall, winter and early spring).
1. Carry on items are described here:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1251621565003
I usually carry on 3 items on a long distance trip: 1 large handbag (purse) that holds small electronics, credit cards, tickets, money, etc. Being a man, you could substitute a medium sized backpack or computer case for the handbag, and still meet the limits. Also, I take 1 large duffel bag with food, mug with lid for my tea, and also a plug-in hot pot for tea and instant soups like this one:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Maxi-Matic-32-oz-Electric-Hot-Pot/21608860
The bag also contains toiletries, change of clothes, power strip, dvd player, dvds, small pillow and fleece blanket. These both go upstairs to my seat, with the duffel bag stowed away in the compartment above my seat. The purse stays with me at all times. The third item is a large rolling case that can be stowed downstairs by the entrance. This contains the clothes and other items I will need at my destination. I have never had anyone pilfer my belongings on any train I've taken.
2. I don't leave valuables at my seat when I go to the restroom or other car. No one has ever bothered the other stuff.
3. Drinking water is available on tap on all cars I've ever ridden. It's OK for tea, but has a funky taste for straight drinking. I bring about 2 liters of drinking water with me in the large duffel bag, as onboard bottled water costs $2.25 for a small bottle. That can add up in a hurry.
Traveling coach can have its own set of annoyances. You might get stuck next to a colicky baby who screams all night, or behind a guy who had Atomic Burritos for lunch. My experience has been that if the seat is intolerable for whatever reason, consulting with the car attendant can bring relief. Unless the train is very crowded, you can move to a better seat with his/her approval (and please remember to tip accordingly. Car Attendants do accept tips). Generally, if you go with a positive and easy-going attitude and are flexible in your expectations, you will enjoy your trips much more.
One more thing: the route you have chosen is my second favorite Amtrak route, right behind the Coast Starlight. I rode the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Galesburg several years ago, and I definitely want to experience it again. The scenery is outstanding, not only the Rocky Mountains portion of the trip, but also the High Sierras of Eastern California. Enjoy your trip!