Amtrak Window Seats?

Question

I've been planning to take the Amtrak from Chicago to New Mexico this spring break, and am planning on buying tickets soon. My only concern is not having a window seat, as that I've been looking forward to seeing the route. How does Amtrak go about seating? Do I have to reserve a window seat, is it unassigned seats, or is it just random who gets them???

Answer 1

the seats are unassigned you usually find a window seat

sounds like you are taking the southwest chief

Answer 2

I took the california zephyr and the seat I got was assigned, but it didn't matter if it was a window seat or not (it was), because like the first answerer stated, you will want to spend most of your waking hours in the cafe/observation car anyway. That's not only the best view, but also the best place to meet a lot of cool people. Unless you have a lot of money to spend on food though, I would try to minimize the amount of money spent on food on the train. The cheapest meal is $10 for a veggie burger and potato chips. Bring as much food with you as possible. The train is great time no matter what.

Answer 3

Grats on your first long-haul train ride!

Your reservation is for the coach.  The car attendant will seat you when you get on board.  If you have a preference for window you can ask him and he may be able to assist, BUT...

You should NOT be spending most of your time in your seat.

You'll be moving around the train quite a lot.  You'll have 2-3 meals a day in the dining car.  You'll also spend a couple of hours a day (at least) in the lounge cafe car with floor to ceiling wraparound windows.

I mean you *could* sit in your seat all day... but at that point why not just take Greyhound for about half the price?

Now if you don't get a window seat, check out the view you do get, and if you don't like it, just spend more time in the lounge and diner!

Now I recommend you pack accordingly.  Don't have your valuables scattered all over a large carry-on bag that you're afraid to leave at your seat for a few hours.  Have a little tiny bag that you can take with you.