Amtrak - train travel Review

Overall 3.93 of 5 view all 14 reviews

LoveisJoy
Chicagoland, IL

Disabilities Make Travel Challenging; Amtrak Makes it Easier

easily fatigued, determined not to let illness stop me, budget conscious

Pros

disability discount, convenient schedule, Red cap "people mover, Better legroom than planes, comfortable, great value

Cons

Can't book special srvcs online, Easier coming than going

DEC

2008

Amtrak - train travel —

For me, living with multiple sclerosis means that travel is challenging to the point that I try to avoid it at all costs. I cannot bear sitting for long periods in a car. I cannot stand the chaos and confined spaces associated with air travel. And the Greyhound bus that has leg room designed for someone the size of a 10 year old? Forget it. That leaves me with the one option that has turned out to be a better travel solution than most people would expect--Amtrak. Train travel via Amtrak has made it possible for me to comfortably visit a dear friend who lives two states away. Within 2½ hours I can travel to my destination in relative comfort--quite affordably.

I begin my trip by consulting the online train schedule at Amtrak.com so that I have an idea of when I would like to travel. Once I have that information, I call the customer service line (1-800-USA-RAIL) to book my tickets. (Note: customers can't book tickets online if they have special requests or want the 10% off disability discount). When I call Amtrak, I always simply say "Agent" when the recording begins, otherwise you spend 10 minutes talking to their robot. It's the fastest way to get to a live person.

In my experience, the Amtrak agents have always been helpful and responsive to my special travel needs. I leave from Chicago's Union Station, and they are well equipped to help me board the train. When I'm booking my tickets, I tell the agent that I need red cap service (which is a motorized "people mover" cart that drives you, your wheelchair and luggage down the corridors and through the gates; letting you off right in front of the train doors where you'll board). They will also allow passengers with special needs to board the train first so that you can get settled into your seat (near a restroom) before the masses begin boarding. How nice is that?

On the route I take from Chicago to Kalamazoo, I've never had any problems with anything but the most minor delays. The conductor always checks on me to see if I need anything, and I am always given assistance when I disembark at my destination.

The only complaint I have is that things are never so smooth on my return trip. Because it's a smaller station, I end up waiting in the midst of a throng of people rather than being boarded first. Also, the train is already loaded with people, so it's not as easy to find a seat near the door.

All in all, I appreciate that on the rare occasions that I do want to travel, Amtrak has made a great effort to allow me to do so in comfort, and without too many obstacles. Next stop: High-speed rail service!

Amtrak - train travel is recommended by LoveisJoy

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Comments about LoveisJoy’s Review

I travelled a lot via Amtrak as a child. My mother's family is in DC and my parents would put my older brothers and me on Amtrak and send us to relatives for the summer. The conductor would always make it a point to have attendants look out for us and to see that we made it to the dining car safely.

My father travelled out to California for a family reunion in Sept. 2001. When the WTC incident occured all trips were cancelled. Amtrak paid to put everyone in motel's for 2 days until the trains were able to run again. I would give them 5+ stars. ~Gigi

I like the train, as long as it's not overnight. Great review!

I have had really good luck with Amtrak. When my daughter lived in PA and NYC I used the train a lot:) Happy holidays and a wonderful 2009. Jo

This was such a great review! I've taken a few Amtrak rides myself and I agree about the return trip being harder. That red-cap thing is a great idea too. I was so tired on my last arrival back in Union Station and it was so great to board one of those people-movers. The guy not only drove me out to where the cabs were but even hailed one for me and helped me get my luggage into it. I've seen the little room for people with special physical problems and it is a great idea. Seniors can sit there too and someday I may be using it myself if I get too arthritic to get up and down those awful stairs easily. I'm so glad you're able to travel sometimes. God bless, and Happy New Year to you and The Bard!

Bryan's parents really want to travel here, but air travel frightens them, we have mentioned Amtrak but didn't know anyone who had used it. Great review and glad you had a wonderful trip.

Glad to hear about your experience with Amtrak. I love train travel because there's time to think and so much to see. Have all sorts of good memories about travels to New Mexico and back, my first meal of catfish, my first view of the Rocky Mountains coming from Chicago years ago, etc.