Ryand-Smith wrote:The hotels at the airport are for my intended reservation time,(I am not sure if I will either visit the family at Christmas, or November, it all depends on when A School ends)
cheaper than the ones at Newark, since I want to stay in state so I can visit family, then go to the city to see plays. Also, the upgrade to business class seems cheap enough, but does the standard seat have a power outlet? How is the food service on the Silver Meteor, since it looks like the Palmetto has no food service besides some sandwiches, which I may not like on that 13 hour trip!
I would rather take the train because flying from South Carolina to LGA would be.. painful for me to have to go from LaGuardia to New Jersey without a car, and I will not drive that distance.
I entirely understand your reluctance to fly to LGA. :D Even if you had someone waiting with a car, it's a miserable airport, and the public transit situation is ridiculous at best. I've flown to LaGuardia and had to drag a suitcase on the bus, the subway, and the train to New Jersey, so I understand.
I can't answer your question on outlets, since it's been some time since I've ridden on an Amfleet. Other posters have reported that 110 VAC is available at every seat pair of
most cars, and that conductors may be able to find you a seat in a car with AC power at every seat. However, it's a good idea to bring a small power strip or splitter.
For food service, the Palmetto only has a cafe car, and the food there is about on par with stadium food in price and quality. The Silver Meteor has a full dining car as well as the cafe, and prepares hot meals that range from Denny's to Applebee's quality and price. Amtrak doesn't discourage people from bringing on their own food, but they don't have preparation facilities, so I'd recommend buying a meal or two and packing a meal or two.
As for the hotel, maybe they'd be willing to pick you up at Newark Penn. The cheapest way is to transfer at Trenton to NJ Transit, but it would be fastest to take Amtrak to Newark Penn and backtrack. If you do that, a cab to the hotel from NWK might be cheaper and more convenient than the NJ Transit + AirTrain ride.