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TRAIN CLASSES & SERVICES 25
Community Seating
For those unfamiliar with dining on board, each booth seats four and if you have a smaller party, you will likely be seated with other passengers. he “community seating” practice might be a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re traveling alone. But many people also regard this as their favorite part of their trip, for it provides a rare opportunity to meet intriguing people from around the world.
Lunch and Dinner Reservations
Lunch and dinner in the dining car for long- distance trains typically require reservations. A couple of hours before meals, a Dining Car attendant walks through all cars and takes reservations. Specify the time you wish to be served. Lunch and dinner reservations are taken in 15-minute increments; lunch hours are generally from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and dinner hours are generally between 5 pm and 9 pm. Patrons are expected to go when their respective times are called over the train’s PA system.
Other Dining Options
he Lounge and Cafe cars ofer sandwiches, snacks and beverages from early morning to late evening. The hours of operation of food service cars vary depending on train operation.
You may also bring your own snacks on the train, and then supplement them with the odd item from the Lounge or Cafe car. Note that federal health regulations prohibit Amtrak from storing your meals in their refrigerators or heating them in their ovens.
Beverage Selection
Typical beverage choices include juices, milk and pop (soda). Most trains now offer an excellent selection of wine, domestic and imported, by the bottle, with prices ranging from $15 to $25. You can also get small bottles, usually California table wine, for $4 or $5.
Passengers are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic drinks on board any Amtrak train, with the exception of sleeper-class passengers, who may consume them only in their private bedrooms, and in moderation.
At-Your-Seat or Room Service
Once again, Amtrak gives top consideration to incapacitated passengers. Attendants are always happy to serve your meal preference at your seats or into your rooms; just inform them ahead of time. On the shortest journeys, Amtrak offers an at-seat trolley service of drinks and light refreshments.