Amtrak Autotrain prohibiting smoking

[mrsklamc]

I had to add my car seperately (and you have to select what size vehicle you have too) I just priced it for my Nov. trip and it was $175 each way just for the car. For my family of 4, I got a total of $1121 in coach seats and over $1700 for a bedroom. Definately cheaper for us to fly. For a larger family, it may be more reasonable, as it did give me a discount on the kids.

I was misunderstanding their website. I googled autotrain, and it came up as the autotrain, but allowed me to input where my sister actually lives- I didn't realize that made it no longer the autotrain, but just regular amtrack. The next time we go though, they will definitely be weighing the pros and cons of driving vs taking the train.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I am sure people will be smoking in the bathroom. I was on regular amtrak from nj to fl 2 1/2 weeks ago. There were a few times I was in the restroom and smelled smoke. Those riders had a few stops with smoke breaks and they were still smoking in the restrooms.

I have done the auto train a few times and had no problems with the smoking car. Dh used it back when he was a smoker.

 

[disney1990]

At least with the train, if the smoking ban is a personal problem, you can cancel your reservations and find another way. We have been riding Autrotrain since 1990.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Personally, as a non-smoker that makes it look more appealing to me. We were in a restaurant Saturday where the smoking section was close enough that there may as well not have been two sections. We will not be back.

 

[mhsjax]

I was a smoker for years. It would not have been a problem for me to make it that long without a cig.

 

[Colleen27]

Does anyone know how they treat e-cigs?

 

[trip]

Personally, as a non-smoker that makes it look more appealing to me. We were in a restaurant Saturday where the smoking section was close enough that there may as well not have been two sections. We will not be back.

I'm glad my state doesn't allow smoking indoors. I remember when smoking was allowed on airplanes. Not fun to sit next to someone who smoked. They then improved it by designating part of the plane was the smoking area.

 

[trip]

Does anyone know how they treat e-cigs?

All Amtrak trains, Thruway buses and stations are entirely non-smoking. Electronic smoking devices, such as electronic cigarettes, are not allowed in any area on trains, on Thruway services, in stations or in any other location where smoking is prohibited.


Beginning June 1, 2013, smoking will not be permitted anywhere on the Auto Train.


Smoking stops may be available
Passengers may smoke on station platforms at longer stops as announced by train crews.

Passengers must remain next to the train, ready to re-board immediately upon hearing the sound of the locomotive horn and the "all aboard" calls from Amtrak employees.


Smoking stops may be shortened or eliminated entirely if the train is operating late.


State or local laws may prohibit smoking on station platforms.





http://www.amtrak.com/smoking-policy

 

[Planogirl]

I wonder why in the world they would care about e-cigs? I guess that enforcement would be more complicated.

 

[Colleen27]

I wonder why in the world they would care about e-cigs? I guess that enforcement would be more complicated.

Probably. That's the line we've gotten from a few places that prohibit them despite the fact that there's no secondhand smoke issue with them. People don't understand that they aren't real cigarettes and complain even though there's no smell or smoke.

 

[manning]

I'm glad my state doesn't allow smoking indoors. I remember when smoking was allowed on airplanes. Not fun to sit next to someone who smoked. They then improved it by designating part of the plane was the smoking area.

That's for sure. I'm not a smoker and had to sit 2 rows in the smoking section of a olane on a 2 hour flight. Guy next to me chained smoked. When I got off I had a splitting headache. And I don't get headaches.

 

[smidgy]

Probably. That's the line we've gotten from a few places that prohibit them despite the fact that there's no secondhand smoke issue with them. even though there's no smell or People don't understand that they aren't real cigarettes and complain smoke.

so true! people get so used to complaining about smoke, that they do so even when there is none! (like the people the frantically wave there hands een when there is no smoke)

my husband and I have been smoke free for over 2 years!!! yay!!!! will never go back.. SO happy!!!

however, I still understand smokers. first of, there is absolutely NO reason ecigs shouldn't be allowed. it is VAPOR!!! nothing else. sheesh. and if it helps smokers, why woould anyone begrudge it.

second. I admit I know nothing about the auto train. but I would think they should put a cutoff date and adhere to it. ie, anyone booking a trip AFTER this date. so those that chose to book becasue of smoking issues could have a choice. I know I would have "survived", in my smoking days, for 16 hours. my husband would have been pulling the emergency brake lever and leaping off for a few quick puffs, then running along side it to catch up!

yes, I'm joking, but those who never smoked have no idea. and it is not comparible at all to teenss facebooking, or anything similar. it is a PHYSICAL addiction (not just psychological)

I am one of the rare exsmokers who can still commiserate with smokers, and not want to crucify them.

do I like being around cigarette smoke? no not at all. but I think things need to be fair, and smokers still need to be accomodated. there should be smoking lounges at airports. after going through the security lines, you are stuck. until you arrive at your destination airport, get your luggage, etc. and God forbid any delays. it's not fair to those who are nervous to fly to begin with.

I would rather sit next to a person on the plane who just had a smoke in the DSA (designated smoking area) than a nervous nellie who has been umpteen hours without a smoke and about to jump out of their skin!

ps by not smoking, we are saving tons of money for vacations!!!!

 

[SMD]

I have season tickets for baseball, and the guy who sits immediately in front of me uses an e-cig. Yes, it dissipates faster than smoke, but having the vapor blown in my face every few minutes is still extremely unpleasant. Also, it is not odorless, it smells like whatever he eats before he puffs it. Having someone blow their damp, stinky breath right into my nostrils is gross.