Quote:
Originally Posted by villagetinker
I would like to hear from anyone that has taken the autotrain in the last year or so. We used it several times between 10 and 12 years ago, and as I understand some things have changed.
Specifically:
Do they still supply pillows and blankets?
Do they still have a breakfast?
What is the procedure for getting seats, are they assigned when you arrive at the station?
Any other items we should know about?
Thank you, VT
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Amtrak used to provide dinner to everyone on the Autotrain, but that changed about 3-4 years ago. Currently, Amtrak only provides dinner to passengers who book a room. The meals are pretty good (better than some restaurants I've eaten at here in The Villages). There are no dinners for passengers who travel coach. As for the ability for coach passengers to purchase food while on Amtrak: the food you can purchase during the trip is mostly junk food-stuff like hotdogs, chips, soda. It is not the same meal as that served to other passengers who booked a room. If you travel coach, pack your own meal of something you like to eat. As for pillows and blankets: these are provided to passengers who book a room. I have not seen them provided to passengers traveling coach. A few more tips: (1) when you book your trip, ask for seating/room near the front of the train. The rear cars of any train have more sway than the cars located in the front of the train close to the locomotive and therefore the cars near the rear of any train will give you a rougher ride. (2) Consider getting an Amtrak MasterCard. They give points which can be redeemed for free Amtrak travel. I've earned several free trips on the Autotrain just buying groceries, clothing, gas, and paying household bills-every day costs of living. Of course, like with any credit card, you have to pay your bill in full each month to avoid the high interest rates and get your points/travel for "free".