Is there a way to buy a one day pass to the metro lounge?

[AlanB]

All of this might be OK if we knew for sure that Redcaps are consistently serving those with true needs FIRST. What I saw last night failed this standard miserably.

In a post from last year, you wrote:

"And for the record, I've grabbed a Red Cap once even without luggage to get me out there early. Yes, I still slipped him a couple of bucks for the favor, even though he did nothing more than escort me out to the train."

What I am trying to figure out is how you're able to rule out that the "favor" you're asking of the Redcap isn't displacing somebody else with special needs? Sure, that person may get help eventually under your argument above, but shouldn't they be served before anyone else? Before you? How are you ensuring that this is faithfully happening each time?

I think that this past time was the very first time that I ever was escorted out solo by a Redcap. Most times there are at least 2 or 3 other people in tow. And again, there were two other Redcaps on duty yesterday, both of whom also took other passengers out to the train. One even brought someone into the FC car where I was. You seem to think that a Redcap can only handle one person at a time, which is so far from the truth. Between the 3 Redcap in Boston yesterday, had my Acela been full, it's quite conceivable that with each making two trips they could have easily brought 48 people or more out to the train before general boarding started.

And normally when I'm in the lounge longer, which is typical (I don't usually cut things so close like I did yesterday), the Redcap that I got usually has a couple of other people that he calls for at the same time. Heck, I've even seen my Redcap ask other as he walks by if they'd like his services as I'm following him out of the lounge. Additionally, there are often people waiting downstairs who don't have lounge access, that are also waiting for him to get us and take all of us out to the train.

And many's the time that I've sat in an FC car at the rear of the train watching not only my Redcap go by with other people, but him making additional trips. And the other Redcaps are doing the same. Sometimes they have only a couple of people on a trip, sometimes they have a luggage cart that is full and half a dozen or more people in tow.

That's how I know that my favor didn't cost someone in need a chance to use a Redcap.

So once again, if there is some person truly in need who did not get helped to the train, then its because they didn't ask for help!

By the way, there were only 2 people even in the lounge yesterday when I ran up to get my ticket and use the restroom, prior to walking back down to my Redcap and the train. He had no bags on his cart, didn't even take it with him. So I know that he had no other passengers at that time to help. Clearly someone did approach him later, as I did see him go by again as I mentioned earlier.

When I look at the description of Redcaps on amtrak.com, I see several references to their function of helping passengers with their luggage. What I don't see is any mention of their function as a shortcut-for-hire -- or as you put it, a favor -- to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs.
How isn't your use of the Redcaps in this way a contravention of the spirit of their purpose?

I think part of your problem here is that you see the Redcaps purpose as being to help those in need. That is incorrect! They are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage. To do anything else would be as bad as ignoring ADA rules. You're now singling out a special group. That would be illegal.

Redcaps are there for anyone's use, without regard to need.

 

[ColdRain&Snow]

Closing Thoughts:

For the record, Seattle uses one Redcap and takes one party out at a time. So your experiences on the East Coast don't necessarily represent those across the full national network.

You say that Redcaps are there to help you whether you need their help or not. I say let's make damn sure that everyone who genuinely needs one gets their help first. If there's time to assist the needless thereafter with their favors, then do it. But frivolity should be a distant second to necessity.

Lastly, Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates your assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

 

[benjibear]

I think if somebody has special needs, that person needs to plan on being at the station early to ensure that they are able to get on the train. You can always make up and find examples where a person did not get the assistance they need. Amtrak's redcap policy should be to help people in the order they arrive with person's with special needs going to be at the top of the line. "Special needs" will always be up to interrepation just like with handicap parking spaces. Some people think that only people with walkers, wheelchairs, or crutches should be allowed in those spaces, when in reality people that have heart conditions, asthma, and other unseen conditions are also allowed to park there. It is a fine line between who is entitled to special accomodations and who isn't.

As far as buying lounge passes, Amtrak could possibly look at selling one day passes. I have only ever been in one lounge but it was somewhat full when I was there. Not sure they have the space to handle more people which would take the luxary away.

 

[rrdude]

Closing Thoughts:

For the record, Seattle uses one Redcap and takes one party out at a time. So your experiences on the East Coast don't necessarily represent those across the full national network.

You say that Redcaps are there to help you whether you need their help or not. I say let's make damn sure that everyone who genuinely needs one gets their help first. If there's time to assist the needless thereafter with their favors, then do it. But frivolity should be a distant second to necessity.

Lastly, Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates your assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

"If there's time to assist the needless thereafter with their favors, then do it. But frivolity should be a distant second to necessity."

Sorry, but I have to side with Alan B. on this one. One could guess from your comments that you are suggesting passengers need to almost be the "Redcap Police", that is inquire as to the WHY a particular traveler has chosen to ask for Redcap assistance. "My need is greater than your need, because I have a cane, a walker, or wheelchair..." Hog wash.

Some folks in need of assistance may have medical conditions that allow them to walk just fine, but not stand for long periods of time, or some other unique combination. (unsteady in crowds, as an example)

I choose a Redcap whenever I feel the need not to slog my bags, (long day, heavy bags, whatever the reason), I want to avoid the crowds, and perhaps get a better chance at a window seat, or I want to make boarding with my family easier.

If I am willing to ask, and willing to tip (not mandatory, but certainly proper) then no one really has the right to question my use of the Redcap, after all, ANYONE can ask.

It is, and I have often seen this, the Redcap's job to determine WHO needs boarding priority or assistance, of those who have asked for their service. They aren't stoopid, they can see that someone who has a physical challenge should maybe go first, or last, depending upon the situation.

Redcaps are for ANYone who asks, PERIOD.

 

[ColdRain&Snow]

No need to apologize, we just see things quite differently. I know you (Jerry) have worked for Amtrak before, so I will redirect my question for Alan to you:

Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates Alan's assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

I've looked for but cannot find any mention by Amtrak about a Redcap's function as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs (i.e. I just want a window seat before anyone else!).

 

[amamba]

No need to apologize, we just see things quite differently. I know you (Jerry) have worked for Amtrak before, so I will redirect my question for Alan to you:

Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates Alan's assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

I've looked for but cannot find any mention by Amtrak about a Redcap's function as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs (i.e. I just want a window seat before anyone else!).

From amtrak.com:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267362176

Red Cap - Free Baggage Handling Service

In addition to self-service handcarts in a number of Amtrak stations, you can count on uniformed Red Caps to provide free baggage-handling assistance at many major stations. We recommend that you accept assistance from only uniformed Red Cap agents. All baggage handled by Red Cap is protected by a claim check.

Find your station to see if Red Cap service is available.

It doesn't say anything about a) redcaps only being for people that are elderly or need assistance, nor does it say anything about one needing luggage to use redcaps.

At the end of the day, redcaps make money through tips. I agree with Alan that the Boston redcaps generally take out groups of pax to the train. I normally head out with a group of 4-5 people. Same thing in NYP. I am not seeing how my using a redcap - for which I will gladly tip $5 to be sure I get the best seat - is an abuse of the system. That system is available to anyone else who wants to use the redcap, too. I don't see how me - with no luggage - joining a group of people already going to the train and giving the redcap a tip takes anything anyway from anyone else.

 

[PRR 60]

No need to apologize, we just see things quite differently. I know you (Jerry) have worked for Amtrak before, so I will redirect my question for Alan to you:

Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates Alan's assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

I've looked for but cannot find any mention by Amtrak about a Redcap's function as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs (i.e. I just want a window seat before anyone else!).

I have to say that the use and tipping of a Red Cap as a means of jumping the boarding line just infuriates me. That is NOT the service that a Red Cap is hired to perform. They are there to assist people who need help boarding, not simply to be someone to bribe to beat others to the best seats in the car. Maybe the Red Caps could set up an auction in the Club Acela? Everyone could bid. Highest bid get walked to the train first. This is yet one more reason to have pre-assigned seats on Acela.

At least Spirit is upfront with their ancillary charges. On Acela out of Boston, choice seats require payment of a service charge, in cash, at the gate. Otherwise, you take your chances.

 

[ColdRain&Snow]

No need to apologize, we just see things quite differently. I know you (Jerry) have worked for Amtrak before, so I will redirect my question for Alan to you:

Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates Alan's assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

I've looked for but cannot find any mention by Amtrak about a Redcap's function as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs (i.e. I just want a window seat before anyone else!).

From amtrak.com:

http://www.amtrak.co...d=1241267362176

Red Cap - Free Baggage Handling Service

In addition to self-service handcarts in a number of Amtrak stations, you can count on uniformed Red Caps to provide free baggage-handling assistance at many major stations. We recommend that you accept assistance from only uniformed Red Cap agents. All baggage handled by Red Cap is protected by a claim check.

Find your station to see if Red Cap service is available.

It doesn't say anything about a) redcaps only being for people that are elderly or need assistance, nor does it say anything about one needing luggage to use redcaps.

At the end of the day, redcaps make money through tips. I agree with Alan that the Boston redcaps generally take out groups of pax to the train. I normally head out with a group of 4-5 people. Same thing in NYP. I am not seeing how my using a redcap - for which I will gladly tip $5 to be sure I get the best seat - is an abuse of the system. That system is available to anyone else who wants to use the redcap, too. I don't see how me - with no luggage - joining a group of people already going to the train and giving the redcap a tip takes anything anyway from anyone else.

What you cite above certainly doesn't further your argument. The theme throughout the description is baggage handling assistance. The word baggage is used 3 times, one of which is in its title. Again, I fail to see how people read the description above and make the leap that Redcaps are in fact there to serve as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs.

 

[amamba]

No need to apologize, we just see things quite differently. I know you (Jerry) have worked for Amtrak before, so I will redirect my question for Alan to you:

Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates Alan's assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

I've looked for but cannot find any mention by Amtrak about a Redcap's function as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs (i.e. I just want a window seat before anyone else!).

From amtrak.com:

http://www.amtrak.co...d=1241267362176

Red Cap - Free Baggage Handling Service

In addition to self-service handcarts in a number of Amtrak stations, you can count on uniformed Red Caps to provide free baggage-handling assistance at many major stations. We recommend that you accept assistance from only uniformed Red Cap agents. All baggage handled by Red Cap is protected by a claim check.

Find your station to see if Red Cap service is available.

It doesn't say anything about a) redcaps only being for people that are elderly or need assistance, nor does it say anything about one needing luggage to use redcaps.

At the end of the day, redcaps make money through tips. I agree with Alan that the Boston redcaps generally take out groups of pax to the train. I normally head out with a group of 4-5 people. Same thing in NYP. I am not seeing how my using a redcap - for which I will gladly tip $5 to be sure I get the best seat - is an abuse of the system. That system is available to anyone else who wants to use the redcap, too. I don't see how me - with no luggage - joining a group of people already going to the train and giving the redcap a tip takes anything anyway from anyone else.

What you cite above certainly doesn't further your argument. The theme throughout the description is baggage handling assistance. The word baggage is used 3 times, one of which is in its title. Again, I fail to see how people read the description above and make the leap that Redcaps are in fact there to serve as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs.

I don't think it furthers your argument either. The description says nothing about special needs. It doesn't say that the job of the redcaps is to escort folks with special needs to the train.

The fact remains that redcaps are available to anyone who asks for them, and I have yet to hear of a passenger at BOS who was not able to use one because they were escorting folks from the Club Acela to the train that didn't have any luggage. Maybe this is an issue in Seattle, but don't they assign seats anyway on the Cascades?

IMO, the only time I even want redcap assistance is on a train where I don't have a reserved seat. This means acela or NE regional. The reason I want the pre-boarding is so I can select a prime seat. This scenario is not applicable to me when boarding a LD train (sleeper space is reserved already) or on a train where seats are assigned, like LD coach or the cascades.

 

[ColdRain&Snow]

Those who use Redcaps merely as a paid instrument to procure first dibs on boarding when they clearly don't have serious needs that warrant the use of one are violating the spirit of why Amtrak provides them. Just because a Redcap agrees to your request to take you out to a train despite the absence of any genuine need (i.e. those for which Amtrak hired them to address -- and I assure you that Amtrak doesn't pay them to ensure you get your window seat), that doesn't make it right. Since Redcaps work for tips on top of wages, their willingness to look the other way at this practice is wholly predictable. But some of us do notice it and find it to be a selfish act of self-entitlement, something the World could use a bit less of.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I too am a little uncomfortable with the idea of using Red Caps just to board early to get a good seat (though I have been thinking about it...if I take a LD coach trip later this year).

I feel a bit guilty getting a discount because I'm HoH/deaf. I can see having the disability discount for persons who would not get full-enjoyment of riding the train (mobility, sight, etc), but I don't think my trip will be any less enjoyable (maybe even be more enjoyable because I can mute my HAs :giggle: ) because I'm HoH/deaf.

I would guess the other reason for the discount is because people with disabilities may have limited income because of their disabilities.

But since they offer it, and I am HoH/deaf, and I can certainly use any savings I can get, I will use the discount whenever I can (when I can't get the 14-day advanced purchase discount which I couldn't get on my trip home from NTD for the timeframe I was looking at).

Now, back to the Red Caps situation. I try not to judge those I see using them as I have no clue if they have a valid reason (hidden disability/ailment/a ton of luggage/etc) for needing the service.

 

[amamba]

 Those who use Redcaps merely as a paid instrument to procure first dibs on boarding when they clearly don't have serious needs that warrant the use of one are violating the spirit of why Amtrak provides them.  

And this is where I disagree. Show me something where it says that amtrak provides redcaps for folks with special or serious needs. It doesn't.

Where do you see anything produced by amtrak that enumerates "the spirit of why amtrak provides them"?

Since we can't seem to agree on this fundamental issue - which is the crux of the issue - we will have to agree to disagree.

 

[Ozark Southern]

Don't go for the upgrade. The Wolverine does no have the best BC. You are better off staying in Coach. Boarding in CHI is not that hard, just do what you have to do and nothing more.

What is the best BC?

From what I understand, what is generally held to be the best BC is anywhere there is the 2x1 seating pattern, such as on the River Runner/Lincoln. I have not been on a train that has the 2x2 BC, but from how it's described, it sounds like it's basically just coach with one drink (which is not free, as you pay for it in the upgrade). Others will have to elucidate on the Wolverine BC configuration.

 

[thully]

Though coach is fine, the business class on the Wolverine is in fact the 2x1 seating with extra legroom and reclining chairs (normal coach on the Wolverine doesn't have reclining chairs). Whether its worth it depends on the cost difference - though the Amtrak site usually says "Add $13" or something like that next to the BC option, it is sometimes more than that (you will see the actual cost when you go to buy the tickets). If it costs less than $15/ticket extra I would recommend it - however, it it is going for double the cost (which it sometimes does if the coach is low bucket and the BC high bucket), I'd pass.

 

[Ozark Southern]

Though coach is fine, the business class on the Wolverine is in fact the 2x1 seating with extra legroom and reclining chairs (normal coach on the Wolverine doesn't have reclining chairs). Whether its worth it depends on the cost difference - though the Amtrak site usually says "Add $13" or something like that next to the BC option, it is sometimes more than that (you will see the actual cost when you go to buy the tickets). If it costs less than $15/ticket extra I would recommend it - however, it it is going for double the cost (which it sometimes does if the coach is low bucket and the BC high bucket), I'd pass.

I'd pay $13 for 2x1 BC, definitely. That's pretty much same as MO and IL. Don't know what Swadian's problem with it is, then.

 

[VentureForth]

Those who use Redcaps merely as a paid instrument to procure first dibs on boarding when they clearly don't have serious needs that warrant the use of one are violating the spirit of why Amtrak provides them.

And this is where I disagree. Show me something where it says that amtrak provides redcaps for folks with special or serious needs. It doesn't.

Where do you see anything produced by amtrak that enumerates "the spirit of why amtrak provides them"?

Since we can't seem to agree on this fundamental issue - which is the crux of the issue - we will have to agree to disagree.

By definition, violating the spirit of anything means that there is nothing produced that enumerates anything.

The enumerated (is that even the right word?) The stated purpose, as mentioned above, is for baggage assistance. The spirit of that service is to be of assistance. The practice of that service is to provide whatever anyone is willing to tip.

 

[rrdude]

No need to apologize, we just see things quite differently. I know you (Jerry) have worked for Amtrak before, so I will redirect my question for Alan to you:

Can you kindly point me to Amtrak collateral that corroborates Alan's assertion that "They [Redcaps] are there to assist anyone who asks for assistance, without regard to need or even luggage" as I cannot find it myself.

I've looked for but cannot find any mention by Amtrak about a Redcap's function as a shortcut-for-hire to confer preferential early boarding privileges upon pax with neither luggage nor special needs (i.e. I just want a window seat before anyone else!).

I have to say that the use and tipping of a Red Cap as a means of jumping the boarding line just infuriates me. That is NOT the service that a Red Cap is hired to perform. They are there to assist people who need help boarding, not simply to be someone to bribe to beat others to the best seats in the car. Maybe the Red Caps could set up an auction in the Club Acela? Everyone could bid. Highest bid get walked to the train first. This is yet one more reason to have pre-assigned seats on Acela.

At least Spirit is upfront with their ancillary charges. On Acela out of Boston, choice seats require payment of a service charge, in cash, at the gate. Otherwise, you take your chances.

Why? Because you don't want, or wish to pay (via tip) for this service? Sorry, it's available to EVERYone, so if it infuriates you, get out your wallet.

 

[rrdude]

Those who use Redcaps merely as a paid instrument to procure first dibs on boarding when they clearly don't have serious needs that warrant the use of one are violating the spirit of why Amtrak provides them. Just because a Redcap agrees to your request to take you out to a train despite the absence of any genuine need (i.e. those for which Amtrak hired them to address -- and I assure you that Amtrak doesn't pay them to ensure you get your window seat), that doesn't make it right. Since Redcaps work for tips on top of wages, their willingness to look the other way at this practice is wholly predictable. But some of us do notice it and find it to be a selfish act of self-entitlement, something the World could use a bit less of.

I don't wanna stand in line, I don't wanna walk (in LA, you ride the golf-cart) and all I may have is a laptop bag, but I don't wanna carry that down the platform either. I'm tired, and I'd like to get on the train early, this last part being a bonus.

The Redcap is for my use, and EVERYone else's.

 

[ColdRain&Snow]

The ONLY thing Amtrak publishes about its Red Caps is their association with a baggage handling service, hence the title they chose for the Red Cap service description:

Red Cap - Free Baggage Handling Service

A reasonable person would conclude that Red Cap = A service to assist me with my baggage. Not that Red Caps will juggle for me on command. Not that Red Caps will give me a free tour of Chicago in their cart. And not that their purpose is merely to appease me with my preferred seat selection and/or early boarding privileges if I slip them a 5 spot for the favor.

That some people have distorted the Red Cap's role and redefined it with their own self-serving narrative is hardly unique in today's world. And since the Red Cap is financially incented to ignore this manipulation, their complicity to it is unsurprising and predictable. That doesn't mean it passes the smell test, however.   

 

[amamba]

Those who use Redcaps merely as a paid instrument to procure first dibs on boarding when they clearly don't have serious needs that warrant the use of one are violating the spirit of why Amtrak provides them.

And this is where I disagree. Show me something where it says that amtrak provides redcaps for folks with special or serious needs. It doesn't.

Where do you see anything produced by amtrak that enumerates "the spirit of why amtrak provides them"?

Since we can't seem to agree on this fundamental issue - which is the crux of the issue - we will have to agree to disagree.

By definition, violating the spirit of anything means that there is nothing produced that enumerates anything.

The enumerated (is that even the right word?) The stated purpose, as mentioned above, is for baggage assistance. The spirit of that service is to be of assistance. The practice of that service is to provide whatever anyone is willing to tip.

The enumerated purpose = the stated purpose. Fine. From dictionary.com:

e·nu·mer·ate   [ih-noo-muh-reyt, ih-nyoo-] Show IPA

verb (used with object), e·nu·mer·at·ed, e·nu·mer·at·ing.

1.

to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list: Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis.

I disagree that the spirit of the service is to provide assistance to those with special needs. As mentioned previously, I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Back to my post (which probably started this debate ), I wonder if the gal in front of me in the line who was not happy with all the other people getting to the train before us will start using Red Caps on her future travels by train. Considering how she didn't like not being first in line (though she was first in line) and the fact that she was running to the train once on the platform, she might be the type to use Red Caps in the future (maybe I shouldn't have told her all that was needed was a tip :unsure: ).

 

[benjibear]

Reading the definition of what a red cap is suppose to do it is clear to me that he is there to help with baggage handling. It is clear that unless the red cap is not handling your bag, you probably shouldn't use him, but what is the harm in it?

As far as accessibility, from the Amtrak website:

Tips for getting assistance at a station

Make a specific request: The best way to make sure that you receive the assistance you require at a station is to specifically request assistance when you make your reservation. If you book your trip on Amtrak.com, you can request the use of a station-provided wheelchair to help you get around in the station and to your train, or if you simply require assistance from a uniformed Amtrak staff member.

Plan for extra time: To ensure adequate time for assistance, please arrive at the station at least one hour prior to the train departure time. There may be a short wait if there are a large number of passengers who need assistance, or if staff is limited.

At stations staffed by Amtrak employees, our personnel will be happy to provide assistance to and from the restrooms or help with stairs. Courtesy wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts are available at most of our staffed stations, and our larger stations have a customer service office to ensure that you receive the assistance you require.

 

Nowehere does it say that red caps are only there to provide assistance. It states "a uniformed Amtrak staff member". This could be a red cap, but also a ticket agent, conductor, or even the Amtrak police.

Bottom line, red caps are for baggage handling and if you need assistance you will get it from a uniformed Amtrak staff member. End discussion.

 

[Eric S]

Don't go for the upgrade. The Wolverine does no have the best BC. You are better off staying in Coach. Boarding in CHI is not that hard, just do what you have to do and nothing more.

What is the best BC?

From what I understand, what is generally held to be the best BC is anywhere there is the 2x1 seating pattern, such as on the River Runner/Lincoln. I have not been on a train that has the 2x2 BC, but from how it's described, it sounds like it's basically just coach with one drink (which is not free, as you pay for it in the upgrade). Others will have to elucidate on the Wolverine BC configuration.

That's what I'm trying to understand, as the Wolverine uses the same BC as the other Midwest corridor trains (except for if/when Superliners are substituted on any of them). If the club/dinette 2-1 BC seating is not the "best BC" then I am curious what he thinks the "best BC" is.

 

[PRR 60]

The ONLY thing Amtrak publishes about its Red Caps is their association with a baggage handling service, hence the title they chose for the Red Cap service description:

Red Cap - Free Baggage Handling Service

A reasonable person would conclude that Red Cap = A service to assist me with my baggage. Not that Red Caps will juggle for me on command. Not that Red Caps will give me a free tour of Chicago in their cart. And not that their purpose is merely to appease me with my preferred seat selection and/or early boarding privileges if I slip them a 5 spot for the favor.

That some people have distorted the Red Cap's role and redefined it with their own self-serving narrative is hardly unique in today's world. And since the Red Cap is financially incented to ignore this manipulation, their complicity to it is unsurprising and predictable. That doesn't mean it passes the smell test, however.   

It amazes me how some people are able to tolerate archaic practices like this, and even defend them as reasonable. Can you imagine something like this at United Airlines: if you tip the gate agent, you can pre-board? The MP 1K's standing at the gate for the first wave of preferred boarding while the tipping people were taken aboard would go ballistic. Except for Southwest, the boarding order on a plane is for overhead luggage space. On Acela, it it is for the seat itself.

Wouldn't priority boarding at stations like BOS be something that would of value to AGR elites? One reason I have never made any extra effort to make AGR status is that I don't see what it gets me. For my use, S and even S+ benefits are thin. This would at least be something of value. Right now, you could be an AGR S+ member with 20K EQP's a year, and if you want to board early at BOS, you better peal off a couple of bills as a bribe, er, tip. Ridiculous.

On a side note, it is kind of funny that Amtrak touts Red Caps as a "free" service. Yeah, right. Try that sometime. Somehow I think if you don't tip the Red Cap at BOS when you board Acela F, you will shortly have a drink in your lap.

 

[AlanB]

Not that Red Caps will juggle for me on command.

This continues to be the crux of your problem and failure to understand things. No Redcap juggled anything for me on Monday. He was standing around in the area that they normally stand in Boston, right by the doors to the Club Acela. Anyone can see them and ask for their help. Which is exactly what I did as I walked to the lounge to get my ticket. After getting my ticket, I returned down to the ground level and he walked me out to my train.

He had NO bags on his cart. There was NO one else for him to help. There was NO juggling involved. There were only two other people even in the lounge and I believe, although I will not swear to it, that they were brought out by the other Redcap who was busy talking to my Redcap when I first walked up. NO one who needed help of any sort was put on the back burner because of my request.

Let me also point out again that I'm in Boston enough, such that most of the Redcaps know me on sight. I have legitimately used their services many times; read I've actually handed them luggage for me and on many occasions my mom also. So it's more than just wanting another tip for them in the case of Monday, they know that I'm in Boston a lot. I'm a regular. And if he had needed to help someone that would have occupied his full attention, he would have simply asked me to wait in the lounge until he came back for me. But again, he had NO other customers at that point. Which is why he said to me, "come right back down once you have your ticket and I'll take you out."

We have no details regarding what you saw in Seattle that day. So we don't know if that Redcap was new, or lazy, or anything about the situation. All we know is that you saw him rushing someone out to the train at the last minute. We don't know if she showed up late. Or if she didn't ask for help earlier because she didn't realize it was even available. Or if she was standing in the ticket line waiting to get her tickets, whereupon she asked for help.

We have zero information as to what transpired to cause what you saw happening. Yet because of that one experience you have somehow concluded that dozens of people in Boston didn't get help simply because I asked a Redcap to take me out to the train early.

Up in Boston they don't start general boarding until about 10 minutes before departure. He took me out to my train 30 minutes early. That means that he had another nearly 20 minutes to help others if they came up and requested help. And again I remind you, when I asked him for help, he had NO one! There were NO bags on his cart!