All about the Autotrain

[lindap1]

Not sure about coach rates but I got a family bedroom for 247! I checked back 5 minutes later and the bedroom rate jumped to 360. So as soon as you hit your 11 month time frame...book it!

 

[Marshay]

Not sure about coach rates but I got a family bedroom for 247! I checked back 5 minutes later and the bedroom rate jumped to 360. So as soon as you hit your 11 month time frame...book it!

Awesome rate!

 

[FigmentChick]

I bought my tickets two weeks ago and paid $1,050 for five round trip coach seats and my oversized minivan.

Hope this helps!!!

(I am so glad to have my tickets in hand!!!!)

 

[TreesyB]

Can anyone tell me: if I book 2 tickets + car now and then decide to add two more tickets (additional passengers), can I just add those tickets without a car?

TIA

 

[Marshay]

Can anyone tell me: if I book 2 tickets + car now and then decide to add two more tickets (additional passengers), can I just add those tickets without a car?

TIA

Not sure. Seems like if you are just modifying an existing ressie, you could...but may have to be done with an Amtrak agent. You could not do as a new reservation bc it would make you add a vehicle.

Please report back what you find.

 

[la79al]

Now that the holidays are over, winter weather is keeping us indoors and our trip is only 2 months away, I am starting to work on lists. What do I need to take on the AutoTrain with us? It will be DD4, DD2 and I. Technically my mom and sis will be with us but I'm not packing for them or relying on them to pack anything for us. I don't want to be bringing half of our luggage with us but don't want to spend 17 hours wishing I had something that I left in our van. Any tips, hints or tricks we should know as a party of 5 or a party traveling with 2 preschoolers?

 

[Marshay]

Now that the holidays are over, winter weather is keeping us indoors and our trip is only 2 months away, I am starting to work on lists. What do I need to take on the AutoTrain with us? It will be DD4, DD2 and I. Technically my mom and sis will be with us but I'm not packing for them or relying on them to pack anything for us. I don't want to be bringing half of our luggage with us but don't want to spend 17 hours wishing I had something that I left in our van. Any tips, hints or tricks we should know as a party of 5 or a party traveling with 2 preschoolers?

Coach or room?

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Can anyone tell me: if I book 2 tickets + car now and then decide to add two more tickets (additional passengers), can I just add those tickets without a car?

TIA

Call Amtrak directly. They can modify your reservation for you. We have done this in the past.

 

[la79al]

Coach or room?

Coach, we're feeling brave. I mean cheap.

 

[lindap1]

I saw a post somewhere that mentioned what to bring with you on the train, but don't remember where it is . When we went on last year with our 4 year old...we took too much for a room. The list I had found mentioned a change of clothing for each child (little ones), snacks and drinks, their favorite toy or blanket and something for them to do. Also if anyone is on medication make sure you have that. Remember, you can't get to your car once you turn it over to them.
Maybe also a light blanket or your own pillow. Hope that helps

 

[Marshay]

We stay in the rooms and bring:

Pillows and Blankets for kids
One stuffed animal plus one book, electronic game and small toy each kid (for me a book and magazines I need to get caught up on and iPad)
Change of clothes plus PJs (don't need if coach)
3 plug Electrical cord (don't need in coach but for some reason in the rooms, they have fewer plugs...)
Toothbrush, paste, lotion, deo, lipstick, brush, dental floss, medications, chap stick
Money for tips to steward (room) and dining staff
Camera, phone + charger
Paperwork for train
Small bag to carry any extras we might have (fruit or cookies from dining car) or to carry a game in lounge car for kids to play while we talk to others.

We put everything above in a child's suitcase and one of those collapsible hampers. That way they don't take up much room.

No food or drinks since we get enough in the dining cars or in our room.

Some people take a wash cloth to rinse off in the AM.

Hope that helps.

 

[Pooh2]

If I were too book coach now and then later accrue enough points to add a room, can I just call Amtrak when the points are enough and add the room?

 

[Shazaam624]

Booking my family's first trip on the Auto Train. Should I get the ticket insurance? Thanks! Getting really excited for our upcoming trip!!!!!

 

[Marshay]

Booking my family's first trip on the Auto Train. Should I get the ticket insurance? Thanks! Getting really excited for our upcoming trip!!!!!

Personal preference. We do not ever do trip insurance as I see it as a waste of money. However, others see it as a small price to pay for peace of mind. Up to you and whether you think the risk of needing it is high or not.

 

[Marshay]

If I were too book coach now and then later accrue enough points to add a room, can I just call Amtrak when the points are enough and add the room?

Sorry, I don't know. Under the old policy, you got 100% refunds. Now they charge a fee or you can get credit for up to one year, so not sure if they would consider this a cancellation of coach or not.

Call them up to ask, and please report back here so we can learn, too.

 

[famouschinesec]

Can anyone tell me: if I book 2 tickets + car now and then decide to add two more tickets (additional passengers), can I just add those tickets without a car?

TIA

I swear I replied to this yesterday, so here goes again. I would call Amtrak and ask. I would probably also book 4 tickets to protect against price increases. So long as you aren't "ticketed" you can always cancel 2 seats; but if you wait to book the additional 2 seats and the price goes up; that is the price you will pay.

 

[bdcp]

We just booked today for our Nov trip. Roomette on the way down and coach on the way back. We love the bedroom, but it was $444 south and $307 north. Roomette was only $136. I know if you've read my posts before that I said never again to a roomette, but we decided to just try it again. We know now what will fit and how we will fit. We're gonna think about booking a roomette on the return when we check in for return trip. They usually have some rooms especially heading north in the fall. This will be our 5th AT trip. I really enjoy it. DH is "okay" with it, but we love being able to bring so much. We're doing a couple of days in Fort Lauderdale/Miami, then a 7 night Royal Caribbean cruise, then another day in FFL/Miami, then 4 days in WDW and then returning home. We're staying at SOG again so that's already booked too.

 

[Cuddlemama]

Can you folks tell me if there will be anything safe to feed my gluten free child on the Autotrain? I plan to pack a bag of food since I never go anywhere without safe food, but it would be cool to know if Amtrak provides anything gf at meals.

 

[Selket]

Can you folks tell me if there will be anything safe to feed my gluten free child on the Autotrain? I plan to pack a bag of food since I never go anywhere without safe food, but it would be cool to know if Amtrak provides anything gf at meals.

I think on the Amtrak site I found a menu for the auto train and I noticed it had some items listed as gluten free - with some warning that they don't guarantee it. Perhaps try googling for the menu or look at the amtrak site?

*** updated to add - Here's the menu I saw: http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/891/337/Auto-Train-Coach-Dining-Car-Menu-201212.pdf

 

[Marshay]

We just booked today for our Nov trip. Roomette on the way down and coach on the way back. We love the bedroom, but it was $444 south and $307 north. Roomette was only $136. I know if you've read my posts before that I said never again to a roomette, but we decided to just try it again. We know now what will fit and how we will fit. We're gonna think about booking a roomette on the return when we check in for return trip. They usually have some rooms especially heading north in the fall. This will be our 5th AT trip. I really enjoy it. DH is "okay" with it, but we love being able to bring so much. We're doing a couple of days in Fort Lauderdale/Miami, then a 7 night Royal Caribbean cruise, then another day in FFL/Miami, then 4 days in WDW and then returning home. We're staying at SOG again so that's already booked too.

Just curious, what are your dates? I booked for Nov 28th southbound and got the family bedroom for $200-something. Thought that was a great price.