I took a 3-day Amtrak trip with my service dog for $2,000 to avoid yet another nightmarish airport experience
The article details a three-day Amtrak journey taken by the author and his service dog, Oliver, from Delaware to Los Angeles, California, for approximately $2,200. This trip was chosen to circumvent the difficulties associated with air travel when accompanied by a service animal. The author recounts previous stressful experiences at airports, including proving Oliver's status as a service dog and preventing well-intentioned strangers from distracting him. The decision to opt for train travel was inspired by a positive past experience with Amtrak and the desire for a more relaxing and comfortable journey, despite the higher cost of a private bedroom.
The initial leg of the journey from Wilmington, Delaware, to Washington, D.C., was a brief and uneventful two-hour ride. A short layover in D.C. allowed the author and Oliver to stretch their legs and view the Capitol Building. The subsequent 12-hour overnight segment from D.C. to Chicago provided scenic views of the Appalachians. The author highlights the attentiveness of the Amtrak attendant, who provided information on station stops for Oliver's relief needs. The private accessible bedroom, located on the first floor of an Amtrak Superliner, exceeded expectations in size, spanning the entire width of the car. It featured two seats that converted into a bed, which the attendant prepared. A minor drawback was the curtain separating the toilet area, a design choice for accessibility. All meals were included in the sleeper car fare, and the author enjoyed a three-course dinner, opting to eat in his room for solitude and views. The quality and variety of the food were noted as impressive.
Upon arrival in Chicago, a four-hour layover allowed for sightseeing, including views of the river and Willis Tower, and time spent in Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge, which offered snacks and drinks. The final and longest leg of the trip, approximately 48 hours, was aboard the Southwest Chief to Los Angeles. This segment also featured fresh-air stops every few hours, beneficial for both the author and Oliver. A surprising discovery was the lack of WiFi on this particular route, which initially concerned the author but ultimately led to a welcomed digital disconnection. During these two days, meals continued to be of high quality, and much time was spent in the observation car. This car, accessible to all passengers, offered panoramic views of changing landscapes, from fields to mountains and deserts, and provided various seating arrangements for relaxation and socialization. The author describes the observation car as the highlight of the trip.
The journey concluded at Los Angeles' Union Station, leaving the author with mixed feelings of relief at being home and disappointment that the trip had ended. The author praises Amtrak and its staff for their accommodating nature towards service dogs, allowing Oliver access to all parts of the train. The overall experience is characterized as reflective, painless, and a much-needed break from digital demands. Despite the leisurely pace of cross-country train travel not always being practical, the author emphatically states a preference for this mode of transport over flying, specifically to avoid airport-related stresses, and would undertake the journey again.
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My son and I traveled 27 hours on Amtrak in a private bedroom and roomettes. The pricey upgrades were worth it.
I took a 16-hour Amtrak ride in a roomette. Here are 4 things I wish I packed and 7 I'm glad I brought.
