Amtrak stories

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

PP knows that, but it is all part of her strategy in life to be the biggest jerk so people leave her alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

Are you the same person from the other thread? If so you are really perseverating on this and should consider seeking help.

Pot, meet kettle...

You've been talking to about 4-5 different people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

Are you the same person from the other thread? If so you are really perseverating on this and should consider seeking help.

Nope, this is a new poster and haven’t read the other thread. I just think you come across as extremely self centered and immature staking a claim to a random unreserved seat and threatening to enlist a conductor to prevent a young child from bothering you rather than just being the bigger person and switching seats to accommodate a struggling parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

Cool. I’ll put on my noise cancelling headphones and ignore the world. You think you’re the only one with a kid? I have one of my own. I can ignore them like the best of them.

Works for me. Care to describe yourself so I can find you on the train?

The funny thing is that if you saw me with a laptop and phone plugged in, briefs strewn around me etc. I’d be the last person you’d ask to move considering it would be very clearly a hassle for me to do so. So just don’t. I have no obligation to move. If someone sits down next to me, I deal, whomever that might be.

Sounds like you need to buy a second seat if you don't want a six year old to sit next to you.

It's pretty clear who is acting entitled here. You basically attempt to get a row to yourself by being as obnoxious as possible.

You’re obsessed with this notion that because someone prefers the window seat and prefers to not have to pack up everything and move they want a row to themselves… why do I need to be inconvenienced for your convenience particularly when you’re demanding I move “or else” with the or else being you won’t do your parenting duty and control your kid.

You’re one of those people who thinks someone should trade their paid seat on an airplane, too, aren’t you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

If you want to be guaranteed to sit next to someone, YOU need to reserve a seat. Simple. You are not entitled to two seats together. You are entitled to two seats. Reserve or drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

Cool. I’ll put on my noise cancelling headphones and ignore the world. You think you’re the only one with a kid? I have one of my own. I can ignore them like the best of them.

Works for me. Care to describe yourself so I can find you on the train?

The funny thing is that if you saw me with a laptop and phone plugged in, briefs strewn around me etc. I’d be the last person you’d ask to move considering it would be very clearly a hassle for me to do so. So just don’t. I have no obligation to move. If someone sits down next to me, I deal, whomever that might be.

Sounds like you need to buy a second seat if you don't want a six year old to sit next to you.

It's pretty clear who is acting entitled here. You basically attempt to get a row to yourself by being as obnoxious as possible.

If its not reserved, entitled mom would just demand the seat regardless of if you paid for it. You can nicely ask but you have no right to someone else's seat except if its reserved. You deal with your own kids too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I don't know why you keep thinking I want people to move. I'm not the OP from the other thread. I would be more than happy to sit apart from my child.

Perhaps the seat across the aisle from you is open, perhaps not. Even if it is, and even if I sit there, I'm not always going to notice what they're doing.

Maybe you're one of the posters that said they like kids, and you'll enjoy hearing about trains, animals, and everything that appears outside the window.

And if you don't, well, as your own attitude demonstrates, you're not entitled to sit next to a courteous passenger. Some will be chatty. Some invade your space, either because they're morbidly obese or because their elbows keep jabbing you as they attempt to work on a laptop.

I'd tell your kid to be quiet and leave me alone. You need to teach your kids to behave on a train and not bother others.

[Anonymous]

Last February I took the Amtrak from Union Station to EWR.
A couple got on at the same time as me with a massive suitcase.
The guy tried lifting it into the overhead compartment, but it was too heavy. The woman tried helping him, but even together, they couldn't do it. Finally the woman sat back in her seat and the guy was standing in the aisle with the suitcase, blocking the aisle.
The woman said to the guy "Just.. leave it... there" in kind of this slow, calm, sing songy voice. She repeated this at least a couple times. The guy looked skeptical of whether or not he should actually do that.

He started putting the suitcase in front of a different row of seats (so basically their suitcase would be taking up a row) and the Amtrak employee came on the intercom, saying that no one is allowed to take up more than one seat (I don't know if that's a standard message and it was just a coincidence that it came on just as this guy was doing that, or if the employee could see him on camera or something.)

Finally another (big, strong) passenger helped the guy lift the suitcase and put it in the overhead. The other passenger told them that he was getting off in a couple stops, so they were on their own getting the suitcase back down.

I got off at EWR a couple hours later, so I don't know what ended up happening to them.

That whole scene with the woman saying "Just...leave it...there...." lives rent free in my head though. I was so irritated that she actually thought it would be ok to leave a massive suitcase blocking the train aisle for a several hour journey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I don't know why you keep thinking I want people to move. I'm not the OP from the other thread. I would be more than happy to sit apart from my child.

Perhaps the seat across the aisle from you is open, perhaps not. Even if it is, and even if I sit there, I'm not always going to notice what they're doing.

Maybe you're one of the posters that said they like kids, and you'll enjoy hearing about trains, animals, and everything that appears outside the window.

And if you don't, well, as your own attitude demonstrates, you're not entitled to sit next to a courteous passenger. Some will be chatty. Some invade your space, either because they're morbidly obese or because their elbows keep jabbing you as they attempt to work on a laptop.

I'd tell your kid to be quiet and leave me alone. You need to teach your kids to behave on a train and not bother others.

This 100%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last February I took the Amtrak from Union Station to EWR.
A couple got on at the same time as me with a massive suitcase.
The guy tried lifting it into the overhead compartment, but it was too heavy. The woman tried helping him, but even together, they couldn't do it. Finally the woman sat back in her seat and the guy was standing in the aisle with the suitcase, blocking the aisle.
The woman said to the guy "Just.. leave it... there" in kind of this slow, calm, sing songy voice. She repeated this at least a couple times. The guy looked skeptical of whether or not he should actually do that.

He started putting the suitcase in front of a different row of seats (so basically their suitcase would be taking up a row) and the Amtrak employee came on the intercom, saying that no one is allowed to take up more than one seat (I don't know if that's a standard message and it was just a coincidence that it came on just as this guy was doing that, or if the employee could see him on camera or something.)

Finally another (big, strong) passenger helped the guy lift the suitcase and put it in the overhead. The other passenger told them that he was getting off in a couple stops, so they were on their own getting the suitcase back down.

I got off at EWR a couple hours later, so I don't know what ended up happening to them.

That whole scene with the woman saying "Just...leave it...there...." lives rent free in my head though. I was so irritated that she actually thought it would be ok to leave a massive suitcase blocking the train aisle for a several hour journey.

Amtrak is great for suitcases and their policies are very forgiving… but I wish they enforced the measurements for carryon to avoid situations like this. Either that or make more luggage racks at the end of the cars

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

If you want to be guaranteed to sit next to someone, YOU need to reserve a seat. Simple. You are not entitled to two seats together. You are entitled to two seats. Reserve or drive.

One day you are going to be lying in your own feces in an understaffed nursing home and you will still insist society has no obligation to make life not impossible for parents of young children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

If you want to be guaranteed to sit next to someone, YOU need to reserve a seat. Simple. You are not entitled to two seats together. You are entitled to two seats. Reserve or drive.

One day you are going to be lying in your own feces in an understaffed nursing home and you will still insist society has no obligation to make life not impossible for parents of young children.

I’m not the poster you’re replying to, but what does the fact that our society is awful to the elderly have to do with the fact that if you are so against sitting across the aisle from your kid vs the same row you should reserve a seat have to do with this? Just because you chose to have a kid does not give you the right to harass someone out of their seat. Period.

If I see someone struggling I’ll offer to help. But if it’s pure entitlement, as this seems to be, yea no. Not happening.

[Anonymous]

I quietly (and discreetly) made a workmate orgasm on the Northeast line.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I quietly (and discreetly) made a workmate orgasm on the Northeast line.

Gross. But guess you’re glad you found seats together…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I don't have any stories yet. In practice, people aren't nearly as awful as they claim to be on Dcum. If they see you looking at a seat, preparing to sit down, they'll move their stuff out of the way. If you have a kid, they'll offer to move.

But I'm thrilled that there are so many people that would be happy to sit to my 7-year-old. He doesn't know the concept of strangers, and will treat you like his best friend. He also loves laptops, and knows how much you'll like his favorite videos on youtube.

Just remember, if a parent is happy to sit apart from their child, there might be a good reason for that...

There’s no difference sitting across the aisle vs sitting in a row. Control your kid and don’t feel so entitled that you can make people move.

I mean I've been on a 7 hour train ride where my kid slept with his head in my lap. A kid can be perfectly well behaved but sitting next to a strange adult is different.

I've moved so adult couples could sit together. I don't see any functional difference between sitting next to any other adult stranger or another (I take Amtrak to NY for work sometimes).

For me it’s not who I’m sitting next to, it’s having the side to lean against and easy access to plug my phone or laptop in. If I have a window seat I’m not moving, sorry. And yes if I can’t get a window seat at first then I’ll move to one when I can.

That's fine, but understand the tradeoffs that come with that. Your seat mate may not be conducive to working on a laptop.

My seatmate, no matter their age, needs to keep their hands to themselves. If they can’t, the conductor will become involved.

Good luck with that. If you refuse to swap seats for a parent with a young child then engage the conductor to complain about said young child bothering you, any sane conductor is just going to tell you to move/ switch seats with the parent.

Are you the same person from the other thread? If so you are really perseverating on this and should consider seeking help.

Nope, this is a new poster and haven’t read the other thread. I just think you come across as extremely self centered and immature staking a claim to a random unreserved seat and threatening to enlist a conductor to prevent a young child from bothering you rather than just being the bigger person and switching seats to accommodate a struggling parent.

Why are you struggling? In this scenario, you have one child. Are you so incompetent that you cannot deal with the one child you brought into the world?