Taking the California Zephyr with kids in a few weeks. I had a few questions....first time to Chicago & first time on Amtrak.
1 - I have the emailed boarding document from when I made my AGR reservation using points on my smart phone/email. Do I only need to show them my smartphone? Should I bring a printout as a backup?
2 - Getting to Union Station. The night before, we're staying north of the river near the intersection of Grand/State. What I would like to do is drop off our larger luggage in the morning by ~8am and then go see a few things in the city before leaving. We are in a family bedroom, so I can do this in the metropolitan lounge, correct? So I just find the lounge, drop off the luggage and then get a pickup tag? Is there someone to tip and if so how much?
3 - Getting to Union Station. I assume taxi will be best from Grand/State over to the station. Having never been to Union Station, can someone describe which entrance/street/side is best to enter the station from to get to Met. Lounge? Reminder - I will have 2 kids w me, so proximity is key.
4 - Boarding. What time is advisable/safe to be in the lounge ready to board?
5 - luggage. We will have backpacks & carry-on sized rolling bags. Do I need to worry about checking these or will they fit in the family bedroom?
6 - stuff to do before boarding. Is there time to do the Shedd Aquarium after dropping off luggage and before getting back to the station? Say, 9:30am-1pm? What about skydeck? Both? Which things would you all recommend?
I'm sure I'll come up with other questions but this is a good start. Thanks for any help.
1 - I have the emailed boarding document from when I made my AGR reservation using points on my smart phone/email. Do I only need to show them my smartphone? Should I bring a printout as a backup?
2 - Getting to Union Station. The night before, we're staying north of the river near the intersection of Grand/State. What I would like to do is drop off our larger luggage in the morning by ~8am and then go see a few things in the city before leaving. We are in a family bedroom, so I can do this in the metropolitan lounge, correct? So I just find the lounge, drop off the luggage and then get a pickup tag? Is there someone to tip and if so how much?
3 - Getting to Union Station. I assume taxi will be best from Grand/State over to the station. Having never been to Union Station, can someone describe which entrance/street/side is best to enter the station from to get to Met. Lounge? Reminder - I will have 2 kids w me, so proximity is key.
4 - Boarding. What time is advisable/safe to be in the lounge ready to board?
5 - luggage. We will have backpacks & carry-on sized rolling bags. Do I need to worry about checking these or will they fit in the family bedroom?
6 - stuff to do before boarding. Is there time to do the Shedd Aquarium after dropping off luggage and before getting back to the station? Say, 9:30am-1pm? What about skydeck? Both? Which things would you all recommend?
I'm sure I'll come up with other questions but this is a good start. Thanks for any help.