5 Things You Didn't Know About Amtrak

Today we share our 5 things you didn't know about Amtrak. We have been on over 50 train rides with Amtrak and have learned so much along the way. We picked out the top 5 things we thought most people do not know about Amtrak. Let us know in the comments if you knew these 5 things.

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[DannyA]

The staff on the Southwest Chief were so great. On my way back to my room one evening, the dining car supervisor looked at me and said “Hey Dan! Here ya go honey”, and handed me a butter cake to take back to my room…this was already after I’d had my dinner. I had so much fun chatting with the staff.

[sandym]

We were delayed 12 hours in Florida. Some trees blew down across the tracks. Amtrak ordered Domino's Pizza for everyone for free.

[karentyler]

I did know about these. My Zephyr was 8 hours late getting to Chicago. All coach and sleeper car passengers received the beef stew. The coach passengers actually received two meals on that trip due to the lateness.

[judithsmith]

Having ridden on Amtrak and watching your videos, I got 100% on this quiz…lol

[imwhou]

3:53 I know it's probably just me.

Whenever I pour something out of a bottle or jar, I always do the "napkin wipe" before I put the lid back on.

[tedbernstein]

You can get complimentary hot water / complimentary ice [if they have enough supply] / and condiments from the Amtrak Cafe. If you are in coach and bring powdered coffee or tea bags you're all set for a hot drink! Also the new fresh salads are delicious and worth the cost!

[DeborahAiles]

I was at a science fiction convention many years ago. We were all in line, pretty much camping out for about 9 hours. Someone came up with the idea....let's order pizza! It was something that wasn't done at that time. But, we all found a pizza place that would deliver to us in line. Saved us!

[renoexpress]

Greetings and God Bless you, Allie and Rob. I knew all 5 things, but I didn't know that when possible the attendants ran to the store to purchase food.

[dirtfootracing]

Flat Iron Steak without the sauce - the baked potatoes minus the chili is just some of the changes you can ask for. It dont hurt to ask. The delay we had was in the middle of nowhere in a rail yard so ordering out wasnt an option.

[edflaherty]

The train I take a lot if from Albany, NY to Moynahan Train Hall, NYC . So the carriages are all coach expect one business class car that always the last car. So there are usually 4 coach cars. The crowd tends to go for the first three cars. Just walk down and get on the last car. Depending on how full the train is, that one fills up last and if you are alone, you can get hopefully get the seat that you like !

[jeanblack]

As always, good info. I did not know any of this. I have been riding Amtrak since the 70's, one thing I found out about Amtrak is that they will compensate your next trip if you encounter a critter on board😲. I happened upon a mouse while making my way to the restrooms on the lower level, which prompted me to write a letter to Amtrak expressing my horror and they graciously offered either a complimentary or discounted fare on my next trip, depending on location and distance. This was many years ago it could be different now. Anyway, let's hope that doesn't happen to anyone else. By the way, I love riding Amtrak it's so relaxing. Happy travels!

[yvettenj]

I only knew 3 of these bc you mentioned them before Lol ❤. But thanks, great info and tips!

[larryhutchens]

Ottumwa Iowa. Radar O'Reilley's home town in MASH. Planning an AmTrak trip from KC Mo. to Seattle sometime in the spring next year. Thanks for all the tips. Something interesting: When I got out of the military in May, 70 I took the very last Santa Fe passenger train out of Oakland Calif to Flagstaff Arizona. Rode coach. There were some reporters aboard, newspaper mostly.

[edeinhorn]

If Amtrak is starting to charge people to change their room to a different room (or car), I wonder if it would be more time-effective to just call Amtrak to have them make the reservation for you. That way, you can ask for a specific room while on the call instead of leaving it up to the app to assign you to one you don't want and THEN having to call in to change it. But, if you don't care what car or room you are assigned, then by all means make your own reservation on the app. Great tips. I think on my next trip I will ask the dining car server what condiments they have available that most people don't know they offer. I didn't know about the A-1 sauce, so that was a useful tip. Thank you!

[robertwagner]

Do you have any experience with booking hotels and cars through Amtrak and how their deals/rates compare to Expedia? Thank you for all your informative videos!

[linencottage]

Love your videos! We did a trip recently and I had to laugh at so many of your topics we experienced. Our California Zephyr ended up 11.5 hours delayed. We were worried about making our most critical transfer to the Coastal Starlight. Amtrak pulled it off- sent cars to take us to the next leg, they held the train and we made it! The food was excellent throughout the delays. Will we do it again? SURE! We love Amtrak and all it’s adventures.

[mescad]

I knew about all of these because of your videos! Thanks for all of the great information through the years.

[iannoelc]

Taking my first trip using Amtrak with my cousin. Your videos have been helpful.

[timbacchus]

Thank you so much for all you do for us cannot get this type of information anywhere else. Keep Happy

[leighims]

I didn’t know any of this so I appreciate your tips!