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Amtrak to drop free coach pillows
Oh sure. I family convince my family to accompany me overnight to Chicago and now this! It’s bad enough they can’t guarantee that we will even sit together, since we are not boarding in New York City. Of course, there will be plenty of time to sleep since the Lake Shore Limited averages 2 1/2 hours late into Chicago.
Big Mistake. Amtrak is no longer faster than the bus and is surely a fraction of the time by plane. The big thing the train has to offer is more comfort and now they are nickel and diming the passengers…the same route the airlines are going to everyone’s dismay.
And now add pitches to buy pillows to the endless stream of announcements over the PA system aboard Amtrak trains.
Only thing missing in the kit an Ambien tablet to help one sleep through the racket. Otherwise a good decision.
What a stupid idea. A family of four needs to bring an extra 32 dollars. Overnight passengers should get 2 ftre mini pillows. But pay for a blanket if needed. The EIC has to much to do. Why does amtrak need to complicate things.
I am certain the idea was devised by management to sound good to idiots like John Mica and other folks in Congress. The onboard personnel do not need added work regardless of whether it is free to or paid by the passenger. However, a smart family of four should be able to share a kit or two without having to buy four.
An assault on civilized travel. Seriously, a move into the “extra charge” culture of the airlines.
Why is it that when ridership and income increase we can always look for cuts?
I believe they should offer both I have been on too many trains like the Texas eagle were the cafe car runs out of supplys with 500 miles or more to go why do I have reason to beleve it will be any different with this. Maybe it will be more to my advantage to fly or drive! Phil Eitel frequent customer and rail fan
If airline service crews can collect payment for food-and-beverage items using handheld credit-card readers, Amtrak personnel should be able to do the same.
What a great way to generate business. Baggage fees will be next.
I just had a trip on the Empire Builder as a reserved seat coach passenger. I got the little pillow and moved to the cafe/lounge car for the view. I returned to my seat (reserved?) and the staff put another passenger in my seat. The pillow made the lounge a “little” more comfy. Keep them free!!!
Just like any other form of transportation: If you don’t like it, don’t use it.
Just like any other form of transportation: If you don’t like it, don’t use it.
Maybe it became too expensive for Amtrak to just give away pillows with goosie feathers in them. Like everthing else, even goosie feathers are going up in price.
While I agree that perhaps a nominal charge is appropriate for this material, I am also concerned that Amtrak lacks the resources to provide it. Amtrak has no way to predict how many passengers would purchase the “kits” and thus cannot have a proper inventory on board at least for a few months. The “kits” should be available in larger stations before boarding and Amtrak should encourage coach passengers to bring their own.
The “regulars” always show up with their own pillows and blankets, anyway. Sell the “comfort packs” in the stations at the major stops, and keep a small inventory on the train for sale in the Cafe to cover the few that get on at smaller stops.
… and stop the train crew from stetting up camp at a table! Soon, all his “paperwork” will be in his iPhone device, anyway.
I have ridden on Amtrak, and I have taken the plane. And I would still rather drive, and not have to deal with the passengers on either of those. And I think I would feel safer in my car.
Bad, bad idea.