I'd be very surprised if a conductor or coach attendant would make you climb the stairs if it's a hardship for you, even if you didn't specify lower level seating. Since lower level seating is mainly reserved for people who need more assistance, they should be able to find a place for you without making you climb up and down the staircase.boyce said:I walk with the aid of a cane and did not know what "lower level" meant when I booked on coach so I didnt request it. Will Amtrak penalize me and make me climb stairs or is the lower level reserved for passengers like myself?
Do you mean that even if they are sold out, an able-bodied person would still take priority?AlanB said:Boyce,
Assuming that Amtrak has not sold out the lower level in the car, then you should be able to get one of those seats just by asking the conductor or the attendant. However, if the they have sold out all of the seats, then you may be out of luck.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you call Amtrak and tell them that you have a slight handicap, that they would probably switch your regular coach seat tickets for lower level tickets without penalty. Amtrak does not charge extra for the lower level seats, so assuming that they are willing to waive the normal reticketing fee, I would highly recomend reticketing. If they won't waive the fee, then hope that they don't sell out and that you meet a sympathetic conductor. Odds are you will meet one.
One thing to keep in mind though, in order to move from one car to the next you must climb to the upper level. While Gswager is correct that most attendants will bring you meals, if you want to go to the dining car or the sightseer lounge car, then you will have to climb the steps.
More than likely a good conductor would ask an able bodied person to move to the upper level. However, he/she cannot force someone to do so. If they booked a lower-level seat and they want to keep it, you would be out of luck.boyce said:Do you mean that even if they are sold out, an able-bodied person would still take priority?AlanB said:Boyce,
Assuming that Amtrak has not sold out the lower level in the car, then you should be able to get one of those seats just by asking the conductor or the attendant. However, if the they have sold out all of the seats, then you may be out of luck.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you call Amtrak and tell them that you have a slight handicap, that they would probably switch your regular coach seat tickets for lower level tickets without penalty. Amtrak does not charge extra for the lower level seats, so assuming that they are willing to waive the normal reticketing fee, I would highly recomend reticketing. If they won't waive the fee, then hope that they don't sell out and that you meet a sympathetic conductor. Odds are you will meet one.
One thing to keep in mind though, in order to move from one car to the next you must climb to the upper level. While Gswager is correct that most attendants will bring you meals, if you want to go to the dining car or the sightseer lounge car, then you will have to climb the steps.
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