Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing as a couple—take one look at a roomette on a Viewliner or
Superliner and are convinced they can't possibly spend two days
in a room that small. (You can, of course.) But sometimes real
mix-ups do indeed occur. Whatever the problem, if you want to
change your sleeping-car accommodations, start with the train
attendant. If he or she can't help, speak with the conductor. Bed-
room space is very tight, especially in the summer months, but
sometimes a last-minute cancellation or no-show will enable him
or her to put you into a different accommodation.
Plan for a Late Arrival
If your train runs late, that can cause a real inconvenience for
someone planning to meet you at your destination. When you
make those pickup arrangements, by all means instruct the per-
son to call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or go online to www
.amtrak.com to get the latest arrival time before leaving for the
station. It's a basic precaution that could keep your ride from hav-
ing to sit in a station parking lot—perhaps in the middle of the
night—waiting for a train that's running two or more hours late.
Poor Service
In any organization of 20,000 or more employees, there will be
some sour apples, even rotten ones. That certainly doesn't excuse
poor service, but it should serve to remind us all that maintain-
ing a high level of competent service is an ongoing effort for any
company, large or small.
It helps to be a little understanding yourself. For instance, if
you're traveling in a sleeper and ask for a meal to be served in
your room, remember that your attendant is looking after the
needs of 30 or 40 people. He has to go to the dining car to place
your order, go back when it's ready, and then bring it to your
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