15 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

There are three Amtrak trip segments on this 3-day journey.   Discuss here the topic of on-board meals, class of service we are choosing, etc.

 

As of this time, Amtrak has not yet loaded into their reservation inventory the appropriate holiday weekend schedules, so the Monday train from Springfield cannot yet be booked.  Whoever discovers otherwise should post that fact in this thread.

[KevinKorell]

I am going to do an Amtrak accommodations chart for this journey, since we will be on the Lake Shore Limited (#448) for one segment. Some are taking sleepers (Business and Coach Classes are also available), so as we do in the summers it will be fun to know who is located where.  At the same time, we have two other segments that have the choice of Coach or Business Class (Empire #281 and Regional #157).  The latter still is not reservable because Amtrak hasn't yet awakened to the fact that time will continue beyond the end of the year.  So those going on the trip can state their preferences for each of those trains.  

 

You can e-mail me your information at any time (entitled NYMARF Amtrak) and I will put together the chart.   My intention is to take Business Class on the Empire Service and Northeast Regional trains, and a Roomette on the Lake Shore.

[KevinKorell]

Those of us who have already reserved space on the eastbound Lake Shore Limited, Train #448, today received a robo-call and e-mail from Amtrak informing that checked baggage service will not be available on this train.   For me not an issue since I usually put my luggage overhead in my Viewliner roomette.

[BillMagee]

Looks like the holiday schedules have been loaded for Monday, January 21, but at high bucket across the board.

[KevinKorell]

Thanks, Bill, I am all set.  I surmise that the lower buckets went to the people who probably were contacted in some manner by Amtrak having made reservations on one of the now replaced weekday scheduled trains to be re-accommodated.

 

Folks, jump on while you can! 

[jacorbett70]

I think the inventory for lower buckets was set at zero and maybe some will be released depending on sales.

example all Keystones NYP-PHL $117

 

For those who want to go to Grand Central, the fare SPG-NHV is an unbucketed $12.75, then $17.75 NHV-GCT.

The Metro-North MLK day special schedule, an enhanced Saturday schedule, is not up yet.

[KevinKorell]

Metro North is always an option, surely cheaper, but ( a ) the relatively small group will be even smaller, ( b ) Metro North is slower, and ( c ) Metro North doesn't give you Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

[jacorbett70]

They finally released the buckets for January 21 NEC trips including 157. Previously all trains were high bucket and now 157 is the lowest bucket. Also a lot of NEC trains now have low bucket fares.

[pennyk]

They finally released the buckets for January 21 NEC trips including 157. Previously all trains were high bucket and now 157 is the lowest bucket. Also a lot of NEC trains now have low bucket fares.

Thanks John.  Since I was in BC on 157, I canceled that reservation and rebooked at low bucket.  I saved a "few" dollars.

[KevinKorell]

Thanks.   Mine was a split trip SPG-NYP-MET on 157 and another Regional after lunch in NYC.  I saved $67.