Baby Boomer Traveling: Da Train, da Train

As we first drove up to the station in the predawn hours, I had no idea what to expect. Once the journey began, it was great. I'd never been on a train before, had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by the experience.

A view of the double decker train

Accommodations - reserved coach or sleeping berth, I chose the coach. Seats were as wide as or wider than first/business class domestic airline seats, clean & comfortable with foot rests similar to a recliner so they went all the way up effectively turning your seat into a nice, comfortable easy chair. There are two seats on either side of the aisle in coach cars, both directions I sat without anyone next to me. Leaving plenty of room for "stuff." You can also choose to sit in the Lounge car. Seats there aren't as big and don't recline.

Levels - on most trains you have your choice of either the upper or lower level. Folks who can't climb the stairs are on the lower level. I chose upper, as it has better views. One warning the stairs are steep and narrow, steps are shallow and going up or down while the train is moving is a challenge. Also stowing carry-ons upstairs requires getting them up those stairs. Trains heading into the North East typically have one level only as the tunnels aren't high enough for the double deckers.

Cost - for a reserved coach, round trip from San Antonio to New Orleans was about half the price of flying. Like any other mode of travel, reserving early means a lower price. Cab fare from the station to the hotel in the French Quarter was $10. Shuttle from the airport to the hotel $20. However in many destinations the stations are closer to where you would want to be, so cab/shuttle cost isn't a factor. Time difference in arrivals was significant. So if you're in a hurry, then you might as well resign yourself to flying. Train time was 15 hours, flying time about 4 hours including any lay overs, driving time about 8-10 hours depending.

A table in the dining car

One of my table mates lunch

Amenities - there was a dining car with good service, a bar in the lounge car and drinks available in the dining car also, restrooms, and pillows & blankets were also available. One thing I found especially good. You can take lots of luggage. You may check 2 bags and have 2 carry-on bags for free. Need more than that and you can add up to 2 additional checked bags for $20 each. Pillows are free. Blankets are FOR SALE. $15 cost. Dining/Snacks on the train are expensive. However, you may bring your own food. My lunch totaled $16 including tip, my dinner totaled $20 including tip. Both the dining car and the snack bar (located in the Lounge area) have limited hours of operation.

Another table mate's lunch

My lunch

Bench outside the Houston station

Ambiance - for those who travel by air, the difference by rail is like night and day. The general atmosphere for airports: hurry up and get there. On the train it was completely different. First from here to NOLA the stations were small so no rushing. They were as clean as old places can be. Many however appeared run down, lacking maintenance and some were poorly lit also. But if you look beyond that and focus on the trains and the people you're traveling with, it's a whole different story. There is a general feeling of camaraderie on the train not found in airport travel.
This is also enhanced in the dining car which has limited seating. In order to accommodate everyone who wants to eat, they take reservations. Those with reservations are seated first and after if there is space available then others without reservations are seated. However, a table seats four and you might if you are traveling with less than 4 people actually be seated at a table with others also traveling whom you've never met. That's what happened to me both times I ate. It can make for wonderful conversation, an opportunity to learn from your table mates and certainly intensifies the "chumminess" factor.

The Beaumont station

Boarding etc. - Bags can be stowed on the upper level with you or in the bag storage down on the first level. Checked bags only take 15-30 minutes to get at your stop, and are picked up beside the train not in a separate baggage claim area. Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure, there is no security to go through, no metal detector and you don't have to take your shoes off. You print your own ticket, take it with you, it's scanned and your picture I.D. is checked. Then you proceed to the train. Seats can either be assigned or you can find where you'd like to sit. You may choose to stay in your seat or sit in the Lounge car. Lounge cars have very large windows so picture taking and scenic viewing from the upper level is easier, but bear in mind you are whizzing by. Lounge chairs aren't as wide as coach seats and do not recline.

Railroad luggage car

A policy I found unique, the trains have quiet time. After 10 p.m. no overhead announcements are made, lights are turned off, and all portable devices have to be either on silent or used with headphones. Cell phone calls must be made/taken in the Lounge area. If you don't like quiet time you can always go to the Lounge area, where everything remains on and devices can be used as you wish.