Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On long-distance trains, conductors may assign you to a spe-
cific seat as you're boarding. Most are quite reasonable about
shifting people around, so if you have a problem with your seat
assignment, ask if you can be reassigned. Except in very unusual
circumstances, families wanting to sit together will always be
accommodated. Make sure you speak to the conductor about
that at the gate before heading for the platform.
Where to Sit?
For a smoother, quieter ride, you should try to pick seats near
the middle of the car and, in the case of the Superliners, on the
upper level. Some Superliner coaches do have lower-level seats,
but these are usually reserved for handicapped or elderly pas-
sengers. Unless you require such accommodations, head upstairs.
The view is better from up there anyway.
Be Careful About Changing Seats
When your ticket is taken by the conductor, he or she slips a
cardboard seat check into a slot on the front of the baggage rack
over your head. That tells both him or her and the train attendant
where you're getting off. Don't change seats without notifying
either the conductor or the train attendant or without taking the
seat check with you. This is especially important if you're on an
overnight trip and have to leave the train in the wee hours. Many
a passenger has changed seats during the night and slept through
his stop because the train attendant couldn't locate him. When
that happens, the train attendant and the conductor are the ones
who invariably get the blame—which explains why they can be
uptight if you change seats without telling them.
Changing Cars Can Cause Problems
For instance, when the westbound Empire Builder pulls into Spo-
kane, Washington, it's split into two trains. Most of the train
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