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| - I've lived here all my life, and know that the terminal itself (as far as city buses/Greyhounds go) leaves some to be desired. But after years of just driving up to Chicago, I finally needed to utilize Amtrak when I planned a trip to New Orleans, and it was a pleasant experience.
The man working the counter when we arrived was extremely personable and helpful, and checking bags/boarding was a breeze. (Same goes for the reverse process on our arrival back home.) Clean bathrooms, a Subway and vending machines downstairs, very reliable WiFi.
But the reason I went for four stars was one man: "Mr. Charles." Mr. Charles is an Amtrak employee who single-handedly made my trip (there and back) enjoyable. He's incredibly helpful, funny, and sweet. He never stopped smiling once, even when he didn't get any sleep on our overnight trip back. He's just incredibly polite, and manners go a long way. So Amtrak, please read this and give him a raise!
As far as the ride itself went...most people don't take it as far as we did (from almost the start of the line to the very finish), but if you do, I'd get a sleeper car if you can. There's decent leg room (I'm 5'11"), but not quite enough for a person to get entirely comfortable and sleep well. Two outlets at every seat, pillows available upon request.
No WiFi? No me gusta. I was definitely disappointed there. The dining car was too overpriced to even consider, and the lounge car was only slightly better (but, $2 for a can of soda? Come on, now). There were obnoxious people on the trip that made things less than pleasant from time to time, but what are you gonna do? Those people are everywhere, that's not Amtrak's fault.
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