What stuck out to you?

So, the difference between air and train is immense. There’s like 3-4x more leg room, free 2x carryons, 2x checked, and 2x personal items (you could probably get away with more if you wanted). The seats are newer pleather that look nicer, though don’t feel too great, especially for long durations. Getting up and walking down the aisles and spending time in the café car is a great way to spend time, and you don’t really have to worry about leaving items at your seat.

What was different between your expectations and experiences?

Not much, if I had to say, I’d guess speed. It can get going pretty fast, and it’s nice to see you speeding past cars on the highway in the VA area. But also, speed… getting deprioritized against freight traffic is more than a little annoying. Was once stuck for a couple of hours because a tree had fallen across the track in a storm earlier in the day.

What do you think most people don’t understand about AmTrak travel?

Not having to deal with TSA makes the experience 100x better in speed and convenience. Taxes and several dozen bags included in the ticket price make it cheaper than air travel in a lot of situations. Seeing the countryside go by at grade-level is so beautiful. Interaction with other passengers and train attendants is very… touching, I guess? People in general are much, much more friendly and happy to be there than in an airplane.

Here’s hoping that you get a chance to experience AmTrak! Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, it’s a very unique experience. I really want to do a roomette cross-country at some point, but it does get pretty expensive, and I feel that some of the charm may be lost by having a totally private space versus coach seating.