Ten Secrets to Sleeping in Coach!

Рет қаралды 28,699

Жыл бұрын

⁠@winkles-moose2022
If you're considering taking an Amtrak train cross-country in coach, you've come to the right place for advice and ideas. While riding in a sleeper car is easy, coach cars can be a bit more challenging. Be sure to read this quick guide to learn about Inflatable Foot Rests. I also have a longer version that provides more detailed information, so be sure to check it out. Thank you for reading!
Our Journey:
Winkles and Moose's Amtrak Adventures was inspired by my Grandfather's time working on the Pennsylvania Railroad in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1918 due to a common railroad accident. He worked as a lineman in Crestline, Ohio, a main hub for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). My dad would often take Santa Fe's El Capitan to visit his mother in Huntington, Indiana via Chicago. During my father's last 6 months in hospice, we watched countless KZfaq videos about Amtrak adventures, Pennsylvania Railroad history, and travel blogs. He always wanted to go on "one more trip", but it was not feasible, so we watched our favorite KZfaq channels instead. With a little free time, I decided to take "one more trip" with Moose, my grandchildren's long-distance phone buddy. We embarked on a "Where's Moose?" experience, traveling over 6,000 miles, visiting 119 cities and 18 states, and sleeping in coach for six nights. Most videos feature first-class accommodations, but these are my ten tips for coach travel.
Our Mission:
We make videos about Amtrak Coach seats because we believe there is a need to address passenger comfort, accessibility, safety, and overall travel experience. Understanding the features, amenities, and potential improvements of Coach seats can enhance the journey for passengers and help Amtrak provide better service.
Accessibility in terms of income is another crucial aspect to consider when discussing Amtrak Coach seats.
Ensuring affordability and options for individuals across various income levels promotes inclusivity and enables more people to access rail travel as a viable transportation option.
#amtrak ,#amtraktrain, #traintravel , #trainrides , #amtraktrains , #amtrakcoach #glaciernationalpark #spacex #santabarbara , #sanluisobispo #amtrak ,#amtraktrain, #unionstation , #amtrakadventures
Helpful Links:
1) Amtrak Official Website: The main website for booking tickets, checking schedules, and accessing general information about Amtrak services. www.amtrak.com/
2) Route Maps: Amtrak's route maps showcase their network across the United States. www.amtrak.com/routes
3) Timetables: Access train schedules and timetables for various Amtrak routes. www.amtrak.com/train-schedule...
4) Destinations Guide: Information on popular destinations served by Amtrak trains. www.amtrak.com/destinations
5) Amtrak Guest Rewards: Amtrak's loyalty program for earning points while traveling. www.amtrak.com/guest-rewards
6) Onboard Experience: Details about what to expect on board, amenities, and services provided during your journey. www.amtrak.com/onboard
7) Baggage Information: Guidelines and policies regarding baggage allowance and requirements. www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy
8) Special Offers & Deals: Check for current discounts, promotions, and special offers on Amtrak travel. www.amtrak.com/deals
9) Accessibility Services: Information on accessibility and assistance for passengers with disabilities. www.amtrak.com/accessibility
10) Contact Information: For inquiries, reservations, and customer service. www.amtrak.com/contact-us HB

Пікірлер: 107

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Hey team, I just released a new version, with less music and hopefully better sound. I’m slowly learning from all your input, 😊.

@Embraer-190 Ай бұрын

As a dude without any problem of sleeping and as always sleept seated i find it easy👍 but thanks for the video

@winkles-moose2022 Ай бұрын

Your lucky!

@andymacmac9151 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting…. Got my first overnight in coach in a couple of months and you have answered all my questions! I’m 6’5’’ tall so I’m imagining it as being a bit more comfortable than trying to sleep in economy on an airline…

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! If your 6'5" I'd look to get at the front of the car, albeit noisy, but much more room and/or hopefully you'll get two seats to yourself and you can sit diagonally. Don't be afraid to ask to move around, depending on the attitude of the crew.

@danielonn2002 Жыл бұрын

You have one of the best VLOGS for traveloing Atrak Coach.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I’m working on it, haha!

@LadyHavoc Жыл бұрын

I have never heard of an inflatable foot rest! This will really help when I decide to buy those $499 Rail Passes. Thanks!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

I hadn’t either, they’re like $25 , we’ll worth it.

@donnah5378 21 күн бұрын

Good info 👍🏾

@winkles-moose2022 8 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@esprice13 Жыл бұрын

Thanks as a first time train traveler in coach this was very helpful

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Great, I’m glad it helped. I hope you had a good trip.

@jonathanjames1062 8 ай бұрын

Almost hate to share this secret, for fear too many will start doing this, but booking lower coach gives you a more quiet environment 🤔

@winkles-moose2022 8 ай бұрын

I'll have to give that a try, how are the view down there?

@winkles-moose2022 8 ай бұрын

You're definitely not going to hear the doors all night!

@mikeymutual5489 7 ай бұрын

Lower coach seats are usually reserved for passengers with some kind of disability. If you don't have one, then book an upper coach seat and don't take a seat from someone who has a mobility problem. The views are worse down there, anyway.

@winkles-moose2022 7 ай бұрын

Good point, I guess you could check with the conductor. Usually when people board they walk right by the lower level.

@victordelmastro8264 Жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@jameskerner7782 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting. I enjoyed this.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@globright9127 7 ай бұрын

Great info! Thanks!

@winkles-moose2022 7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@jimpern Жыл бұрын

On my trip in September, I brought a set of wireless noise-cancelling headphones and it made all the difference. Taking a melatonin gummy before turning in helped too. I also recommend, if you're traveling alone, taking an aisle seat, so you don't have to bother a neighbor if you need to exit your seat at night.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

How was the leg room?

@jimpern Жыл бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 Very good, much better than any domestic airline seat. You could recline the seat back about 45 degrees and there was a footrest that unfolded from below the front of the seat.

@jimpern Жыл бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 Very good, much better than any domestic airline seat. You could recline the seat back about 45 degrees and there was a footrest that unfolded from below the front of the seat.

@vinsonfamilycollectibles8213 Жыл бұрын

yeah, great vid save music...Blanket/good hoodie, pillow, ear plugs and small bottle of Crown. I did zephyr with a roommette a couple of yrs ago...fantastic. Did CHI to NOLA in coach...hopefully choo choo is half full and you can stretch out. Safe travels!!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

How was your experience in coach going to NOLA? Did they have a observation car attached?

@vinsonfamilycollectibles8213 Жыл бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 Man I grew up riding that train, so all I know is coach on that line! Yes they had the observation car. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks.

@Mr.Hooter702 Ай бұрын

Good information dude. Thanks.

@winkles-moose2022 Ай бұрын

Thanks, hope you have a good trip.

@badguy5554 Жыл бұрын

I brought a "doggy bed" that I used to lay across the two seats. Unfortunately, on the last trip, the attendant made me remove it because we had too many more passengers coming on board and she wanted the other seat free should she have to place one of the new passengers next to me. For trips where the ridership is low, such should not be a problem. If you can't do that. but you can still lay across two seats, bring some kind of spacer to put UNDER your seat to make it level with the seat's foot rest. If you can curl up on the two seats it makes it much more comfortable if the seat is level with the foot rest. ALSO I found I could more restfully just sleep on the floor since it's level. One can use a small blow up cushion, if needed. But using even the bare floor was MUCH better than trying to sleep on one or two of those seats. ALWAYS bring a pillow!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Great input, I found it really depended on the attitude of the crew, if you were close to a major city they got a little more uptight. I moved back once, just to find a couple seats. If only they'd give us about 10 more inches of legroom.

@bpattila11 Жыл бұрын

I will bring a inflatable neck pillow, a knee pillow and my memory pillow to sleep that I use / take with me always anywhere I go, even to hotels. For the train trip, I will also bring a travel blanket.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

A good pillow is key!

@DoingFedTime Жыл бұрын

That was great thank you for that I have a 3 day trip coming up and this really helped me. Screw those complainers that were talking about the music, you did great.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks, if you can find it, I did update this video with better sound and some more CC notes.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks, just an FYI, I did update a new version with better sound . Slowly learning.

@danielonn2002 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. I am travelling in coach on the SW Cheif starting in San Jose with a Bus to Stockton then the San Joaqin to Bakersfield and a Bus to Los Angeles tomorrow. On the return the SW Chief then Coast Starlight Roomette to San Jose if its running. For my Coach Trip I bought a Blanket(Blue Hills) Nap Fun Collapsable Neck Pillow , Eyeshades , Airline Socks , comfortable clothes, Reusable Coffee Mug, Waterbottle , Nosie Cancelling Headphones, Yoga Pants , Washcloth , Soap Bar and Toiletries. I also bought a surge protector with multiple outlets to charge my laptop and phone. All ready to go. The new seats look cofmortable. As the train is 50 percent full I hope that no one will sit next to me on the lower level. I love the legroom, legrest that comes up and the deep recline.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Sounds great! And it looks like you’re prepared. The front seats on the first level have the most legroom for sleeping, although they sometimes block them for handicap seating. The roomette should be no problem, remember you get free meals.also you get free access to the Metropolitan Lounge, a nice plus!

@Arfshesaid457 Жыл бұрын

There’s something wrong with the audio. The voice is hard to understand.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

I heard that from other listeners, so I released an updated version. Gave it the second try, I’ve heard😯it’s better. Search for the “New Version…”. Sorry, I didn’t want to take down the old version yet, due to ongoing conversations.

@seisies-mama 5 ай бұрын

I'm going to be taking my very first train 🚉 ride to California and this helps me a lot tysm for sharing 😊❤

@winkles-moose2022 5 ай бұрын

Enjoy!

@FemaleVillageElder Жыл бұрын

Please lose the music or turn it down.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Check out my new version of “Ten Secrets”, I did that, much easier to listen to.

@robertgulfshores4463 Жыл бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 I really liked the music, but maybe just a tiny bit less volume. good choice though, and thank you, great video!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

@@robertgulfshores4463 Thanks for the response, knowing my first go at it was a little rough, I released an updated version.

@sherrieblake8674 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for these tips. It was a little hard to hear over your music.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, I need to reset the sound. Figuring all this out! 😂

@lorifrederick2367 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great trips. We are taking the Auto Train from Sandford to Lorton overnight in coach. My husband can sleep anywhere, me..I am insomniac. I have a great eye mask, and I just ordered a really cool travel pillow and blanket off the Amazonian! I have ear plugs too. Wish me luck! Oh, and my Ambien will help a lot.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Good luck! Don’t be afraid of moving around to get space. Hopefully your in a car that’s been re-freshened.

@nataliajimenez1870 5 ай бұрын

The good thing about the Auto Train is that you can bring all the pillows and food you want in your car and put them right back when you get out of the train. It's much easier than having to log them around if you have to use public transportation when you get to your destination. I always bring a cooler with food and drinks when I travel coach. I don't need to pay for the overpriced train food. Sometimes I just ask them just for hot water for my cup noodles

@unclebudd Жыл бұрын

I wish I had a piece of foam inside a heavy sock to put on the "window sill" to use as an armrest (especially in the roomette)

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Great idea! That metal strip is uncomfortable and cold, due the air comes up from there.

@mikeymutual5489 Жыл бұрын

Look, unless you get a lift to the train station and then get picked up by someone, there is no way you can travel with all of that crap on the train. I have done plenty of overnights in coach, and the *only* things you need are some kind of neck pillow (preferably an inflatable one), some wet wipes and some kind of earphones to lower the outside noise (if needed). Use a light jacket as a blanket (if needed). The rest of your recommendations are just unnecessary bulk that will make it impossible to travel with if you are continuing your journey.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Good points, my problem I was traveling for three weeks and camping in Glacier for two nights.

@nataliajimenez1870 5 ай бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022Younger people can travel in a no frills way and be ok, but when you get older, you need more help. Pillows and light blankets are not really heavy. Good quality foam ones really are worth it. And you can get an Uber and get red car service within the major stations

@engletinaknickerbocker5380 Жыл бұрын

Here's my tip for a trip on the Empire Line from Chicago to Seattle. Bring gallon-size zip-lock bags. They're really helpful to put clothing sets, or make kits for a meal, grooming items to take to restroom, or the slippers. I used the gallon bags to their most useful when I took a Zip-Lock shower and washed my hair. After so much time on the train during the height of summer, there's nothing like a shower. One thing on the train is that the water is hot. In the changing room there were two sinks. I took my shampoo, towels, change of clothes and two gallon-size baggies, and filled both with water and poured one over my head in the sink, scrubbed, zipped it closed, and put my dirty laundry in it, and then used the other to rinse off with more hot water, dried myself and the counter, rinsed the sink, put the towels in that, and was quite refreshed to handle the sleeping accommodation in the coach section.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Wow, impressive, great idea, I watched a You Tube channel where a guy packed all his clothes in various zip-lick bags. But your shower idea is great! How’d you sleep? Love to here.

@calbob750 Жыл бұрын

The only problem I encountered was if the coach your in was near the head end locomotive you could hear the whistle blow at every crossing. And some crossings are really close together especially at 4 in the morning. Texas Eagle to Dallas.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Haha, you’re so right. I had a coach like that, the whistle blowing seemed non-stop. Noise cancelling head phones helped, even $30 ones from Amazon, not Bose. I’m guessing since that accident in Missouri, they’ve been on the horn more?? Thanks

@bradleysmith1566 6 ай бұрын

Great info, but your microphone quality is terrible. Very hard to hear.

@winkles-moose2022 6 ай бұрын

Sorry about that, I agree! So I created a New Version, that I think is much better. But, due to the conversations, I left the old version posted. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/apOli7un053RgoE.htmlsi=weZCYVnQPetubJ3d

@kolsen6330 4 ай бұрын

Bring a pint of Johnnie Walker Black. Had a nice trip from Sea to Chicago in a roomette.

@lynneeie5226 Жыл бұрын

Really great tips! I like the footrest idea a lot as then you can curl up and not have feet falling over the edge. I am curious about how you handle your luggage and do you bring food as some others do...just keeping things safe but manageable.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Haha I was gone for three weeks on this trip and did some camping in Glacier, jumped off at Whitefish, MT. So, I had a medium sized ice chest mounted on a luggage cart, the collapsible type. Honestly, it was a lot. But, you can check luggage, if you’re not going to need it, which helped. You can stow two pieces downstairs in the luggage area and go down to it, no problems, very secure. Bringing foods ok, I even brought a little portable water heater. Footrest really helps, due to the leg rests just aren’t long enough and are at a weird angle. Enjoy!!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Oh, used a bungee cord to hold it all together.

@lynneeie5226 Жыл бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 Wow! Sounds like a great trip! Thank you for the reply, Lynne

@marykrauthamel7559 Жыл бұрын

If your train has Business Class, that's a good alternative.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Great point, a little more settled and with the Coast Starlight you can actually use the dining car. But unfortunately, not all trains have Business Class.

@lewis20002000 9 ай бұрын

What is the best hack on picking a double seat and holding it for the whole journey,,,,Chicago to Seattle. I want to do coach, but would hate it if I have to have someone sitting next to me.

@winkles-moose2022 9 ай бұрын

Love to hear everyone’s comment on this? I got lucky and traveled across the country with a single seat. It only got crowded coming into big cities, where the train became more of a commuter route. I’ve always said, if your over 5-6” you need two seats. You can also move around and find another seat, depending on the attitude of the conductor. He’s a good person to be your friend 😀.

@sarasotasage6135 Жыл бұрын

Your suggestions are very helpful. And thank you for them! Now let me make one for you. Your voice is very soft. The background music practically drowns it out. Lose the background music or speak LOUDER!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, great suggestion, it was my first go at this and I d heard this from other KZfaqr’s. So I released a new version with those changes and updates.

@tonybowen2020 10 ай бұрын

I have to use a CPAP machine for sleeping. Any special areas to sit?

@winkles-moose2022 10 ай бұрын

In coach, there are power outlets next to the window, which should work great. I always bring along a short extension cord just in case. But, you should have no problems. All of the rooms have electric outlets, but I've heard the same issue, bring a small extension cord.

@patty4349 8 күн бұрын

Does Amtrak allow the travel footrests?

@winkles-moose2022 8 күн бұрын

Yes, I used one one four different trains, with no problems. They don’t interfere with anyone. Their big issue is things blocking access and the aisles.

@irene1655 7 ай бұрын

I always bought 1 adult ticket and 1 child ticket Then my grandson couldn't come. The conductor told me he could take my seat, I said no. I paid he said Amtrak would reimburse me I said I'm still waiting 2 years for the last time he couldn't go (a sickly kid). The conductor said not my problem and I said this seat is paid for by me and I can use it. That was the end of that.

@winkles-moose2022 7 ай бұрын

Hmm, I feel your pain. That’s always been a hot topic, if you have an extra ticket that you bought, shouldn’t it be yours??😮

@ronjenkins9135 Жыл бұрын

Please dump music! I would like to hear you.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

I did, on the new version.

@richardf.9085 2 ай бұрын

Very nice. However, it was often difficult to hear your soft voice against the music in the background.

@winkles-moose2022 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, this was one of my first posts, so a little bit of a learning curve. I've posted a "New Version" that has better sound and toned down the music. Good luck if you hit the rails.

@rhenderson9234 8 ай бұрын

Still need to turn the music down.......thanks !

@winkles-moose2022 5 ай бұрын

Thanks, I agree, but with KZfaq you’re limited on what you can adjust, so I created a “New Version” with those adjustments.

@VAHelix Ай бұрын

I wish i could have heard him over the music and waffling mic.

@winkles-moose2022 Ай бұрын

Sorry, check out the New Version I posted, cleared up the sound issues. That was my first go at it.

@rhequiem Ай бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 Thanks for pointing that out. I JUST got a new home theater setup and thought one of my new speakers had a rip or something. Really great info in the video, though!

@koeielul112 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the text, I could understand almost nothing of the spoken word part of this video. That said, I think if you really plan to bring all of these things, you're gonna need a cargo train!

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the input, new at this , going to redo the voice over. I got a $4 pillow at Target and donated it at the end with the blanket. We’ll worth it.

@patstiehm Жыл бұрын

Great tips. Drop the background music; it is not helpful.

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Ok, thanks for the advice, new at this.

@mikeb2611 Жыл бұрын

you are showing the leg room with the seat in front of you not reclined

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Good point, 🤫, that’ll make it worse. Luckily for the six nights I did coach , I think the person in front of me only reclined once.

@tamekkaknuth9612 Жыл бұрын

Do as your told to do

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Hi, can you expand on that?

@ut561 7 ай бұрын

might have been a good video BUT the music is as loud as your voice and that makes it hard to hear what you're saying. between the 2 which do think is more important????

@winkles-moose2022 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the advice, I created a “New Version” where I made some adjustments, but the old version keeps getting picked up. I was tempted to delete the old one, but didn’t want to loose the conversation.😗

@20891 Жыл бұрын

I wonder if you can go under the seats on floor to sleep if I’m 5 8 . Put your feet under the seat in front and head under you own seats . This is my secret

@winkles-moose2022 Жыл бұрын

Never thought of that, at 5-8” might be doable?? Never looked at actual clearance under the seats.

@20891 Жыл бұрын

@@winkles-moose2022 it is 51 -52 feet from from one seat in front to seat in back . But when underneath it might be a little longer . I saw the pics of it and looks like it can accommodate 6 feet. The person in front will have his feet in leg rest so there is ample room to put your feet under his seat . Your head under own seats no one can see it when seat is reclined. I don’t mind if I can sleep side ways or bend my knees a little . I will use sleeping bag . This is the best way to sleep , just don’t tell anyone