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Last active August 29, 2015 14:07
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Tips for riding Amtrak
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gistfile1.md
  1. At Penn Station in NY if you have luggage always ask for a "red cap." Unlike the murderous dwarves of lore, these guys just carry your luggage for you on a cart. The main benefit, however, is that you get to go down on the platform before everyone else, which means no waiting in line, and first pick of seats. Even if you just have a backpack.
  2. At 30th Street Station in Philly don't bother waiting in the line to go down onto the platform. They almost always open the platform well before the train arrives and you're just gonna be standing around down there anyway.
  3. Never pay extra for business class on any of the Northeast Regional trains. They basically just exist as extra-fare last minute tickets and the accommodations are identical.
  4. Conversely, there are certain long distance trains on the east coast (the named trains like the Vermontor or the Palmetto) that are so so so worth the extra charge for business class. Only for trains that have what is known as a "club car" though, which is a combined cafe car and business class section. The seats are huge, far apart, are only 3 across (5 of the 15 seats are singles), have leg risers, and recline really far. So worth it. Also, free soft drinks. The booking information will not tell you what kind of business class car the train has and the best way to find out is to google around for the usual train consist.
  5. Furthermore, overnight long distance trains are often seating assigned by a crew member as you board. Business class or a berthing are almost necessities in these cases.
  6. When you get on the platform, resist the urge to pop into a carriage too early. You can practically sprint down the platform to the further carriages, but anyone inside is gonna be crawling and climbing over each other. Beat them to the empty doubles.
  7. Quiet car. Enough said. Long distance trains in the south might not have one. Be warned though that some people take the quiet part seriously, and even overly enthusiastic typing might earn you reprobation.
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