Seniors: Don't Take the Upper Berth on Amtrak, Do This Instead

At three in the morning, somewhere in western Nebraska, I sat up in the top bunk of an Amtrak roomette and hit my head on the ceiling. That was the last time either of us took the upper berth. Here's why the top bunk is a poor bet for most of us after 65, and the ten things Maggie and I do instead. I'm Stanley Pike, a lifelong Amtrak rider from Omaha (not an Amtrak employee). In this video: - the five problems up top: no window on Superliners, no headroom, the climb, the sway, the restroom - two roomettes across the aisle (windows on both sides), downstairs rooms 11-14, and the best upstairs room numbers - the bedroom's wider lower bed, and what the family and accessible bedrooms can and can't do - Superliner vs Viewliner, talking to your attendant, finding a better room after you book - and if someone has to go up anyway, how to plan the night CHAPTERS [00:00] Three in the morning, in the top bunk [00:46] The upper berth is a shelf, not a bed [01:24] Five problems up top [03:01] 1. Two roomettes across the aisle [04:07] 2. Go downstairs, and ask by number [05:04] 3. Upstairs? Pick your room number anyway [05:59] 4. The bedroom's wide lower bed [06:51] 5. What the family bedroom can and can't do [07:44] A quick word about my guide [08:12] 6. The accessible bedroom rule [09:29] 7. Superliner or Viewliner? (Walt's window) [10:57] 8. Tell your attendant your plan [12:00] 9. Keep looking after you book [13:15] 10. If someone has to go up [14:26] All ten in one minute [15:03] The honest part [15:44] One question to ask tonight Not affiliated with Amtrak. Room layouts describe a standard Superliner sleeping car and can vary by car; the accessible bedroom rules are from Amtrak's page for passengers with a disability. Fares, room rules and policies change, so check Amtrak.com or call Amtrak before you book. If you get dizzy, are unsteady at night, or get up often in the night, talk to your doctor before a sleeper trip. My guide to sleeping well on a moving train, Sleep Well on Amtrak After 65: https://stanleypike.com #amtrak #seniortravel #traintravel