Anonymous wrote:When I wast traveling with kids, we used a red cap assistant. Got to wait in the waiting area and pre boarded. Tipped generously.

How much should you tip a red cap? There will be three people and three bags. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:You don't have to wait in line and board with the crowd. When the track is announced, go immediately downstairs and board that way. You beat the upstairs line.

What does this mean? You can board a train at more than one level? I have never been there and cannot picture this.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't see why Penn doesn't change the process - have people line up at the proper track like they do at Union Station. Get there early to get a good spot in line. Penn is chaos.

Ha, I actually think it works pretty efficiently. Long lines would be disruptive in such a small space. Plus I don't think they know the arrival track that far in advance. Efficient crowded chaos - definition of NYC!

It's terrible. People are nearly running others over once they figure out the track.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you go about getting a red cap? I'll be at Penn Station soon with kids, and I'd love to avoid the typical boarding chaos. I don't mind it so much when I am traveling alone, but it's truly awful with luggage and kids in tow.

+1
I need to do this.

Red Caps are in the seating area on the main floor.

Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:OP here - Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't see why Penn doesn't change the process - have people line up at the proper track like they do at Union Station. Get there early to get a good spot in line. Penn is chaos.

Ha, I actually think it works pretty efficiently. Long lines would be disruptive in such a small space. Plus I don't think they know the arrival track that far in advance. Efficient crowded chaos - definition of NYC!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you go about getting a red cap? I'll be at Penn Station soon with kids, and I'd love to avoid the typical boarding chaos. I don't mind it so much when I am traveling alone, but it's truly awful with luggage and kids in tow.

+1
I need to do this.

Red Caps are in the seating area on the main floor.

OP here - Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't see why Penn doesn't change the process - have people line up at the proper track like they do at Union Station. Get there early to get a good spot in line. Penn is chaos.

Anonymous wrote:How do you go about getting a red cap? I'll be at Penn Station soon with kids, and I'd love to avoid the typical boarding chaos. I don't mind it so much when I am traveling alone, but it's truly awful with luggage and kids in tow.

+1
I need to do this.

How do you go about getting a red cap? I'll be at Penn Station soon with kids, and I'd love to avoid the typical boarding chaos. I don't mind it so much when I am traveling alone, but it's truly awful with luggage and kids in tow.

Anonymous wrote:You don't have to wait in line and board with the crowd. When the track is announced, go immediately downstairs and board that way. You beat the upstairs line.

Just go downstairs from the beginning. The Amtrak tracks are listed on the tvs down there with the New Jersey transit trains. Just keep
Watching.

I do second a redcap if you are traveling with kids. I stated to do that at Union Dtation when pregnant and traveling alone with a lot of stuff and love it.

Anonymous wrote:My trick is, and on,y really works if the train originates somewhere else, is to look at the arrivals. If your train is #10, check the arrival screens for #10 arriving, that way you know ahead of time which track to go to. Stand in the middle level, between the main upstairs and track level.

Shhh! That's my secret! Stop telling everyone

Go down one flight of stairs to the arrival area and there is a bank of departure screens you can watch and then go to the track. Or red cap.

If you are over age 62, have children in tow, or have a special need, they will allow you to go to the front of the line and board first.

My trick is, and on,y really works if the train originates somewhere else, is to look at the arrivals. If your train is #10, check the arrival screens for #10 arriving, that way you know ahead of time which track to go to. Stand in the middle level, between the main upstairs and track level.

You don't have to wait in line and board with the crowd. When the track is announced, go immediately downstairs and board that way. You beat the upstairs line.