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Amtrak is again getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday onslaught of passengers. Most trains at peak travel times will be filled to capacity and beyond, even though dozens of extra trains will be operated and every car available will be in service. Here are some tips for making the best of this strained situation.

1. Allow plenty of extra travel time. Most trains will run slower than usual because of the crowds of passengers at each stop. If you feel you must have faster travel time and a guaranteed seat, choose Business Class or take a Metroliner. The extra fare will be worth it to you, but make your reservations early.
2. Stay out of line! Buy your tickets in advance at the station, use the ticket machines at most major stations, or buy your tickets at a travel agency. If you’re using an all-reserved service like the Metroliners, make your reservation by phone, then you can pick up your tickets from the machine or ticket office by giving your reservation number.
3. Make your trip a day early or late (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). Not only will you avoid the worst crowds, but you can use off-peak one way fares, even if the other half of your trip is on one of the peak days. Full one-way fares apply on the peak days.
4. Pick up the special Thanksgiving timetable (available about 10 days before the holiday) and look for the extra trains on the schedule. Often these are advance sections making only a few stops. Pick a train which starts at your departure point to ensure best chance at a seat.
5. Pack lightly. You will not only get around the station and the trains easier, but you will be doing a favor to your fellow passengers by not blocking aisles and luggage space.
6. Bring plenty of reading material and a snack. Lines for cafe car service will be extra long, and the snack bars will run out of many items.
7. Get to the station early. Use the rest room before you travel, because some of the extra trains are operated using commuter cars without rest rooms. Lines at the departure stairway will form early too. When you get to the platform, move away from the stairway. Most trains are extra long during this period. Crowds are smaller at the front and rear of the train and you will make room for those coming down behind you.
8. Most unreserved trains will be standing-room only. Don’t bother trying to get your pick of seats or two seats together; stay with your companion and take the first seats available. Never use your luggage or coat to claim an extra seat; it’s bound to start an argument. To avoid the scramble for available seats, especially if you are travelling in a party of 2 or more, use the reserved-seat services on Metroliner trains or in Business Class. The chance to relax may be worth the extra cost. On unreserved trains, board at the very front to maximize your chances of getting a seat.
9. Amtrak will operate dozens of extra trains running in advance of normal schedules. Be aware that some of them, especially between New York and Philadelphia, will operate with commuter-type equipment. That means tighter seating, no cafe car, and no rest rooms on some trains. However, seats are more plentiful. Amtrak usually announces the fact that commuter equipment is being used when the train is announced. If in doubt, ask at the train information desk.
10. Follow the directions of Amtrak employees in the station. They’ve been through it all before and want everyone to have a good trip.
11. Above all, relax and remember it could be worse; you could be on a plane!

The above rules are especially important at New York, where the following additional tips apply: If you’re familiar with Penn Station, consider waiting for your train on the lower concourse level to beat the rush. First Class passengers can use the Metropolitan Lounge. Crowds attract thieves; keep purses, wallets, and tickets in a safe place and never give money or baggage to anyone other than an Amtrak Redcap with uniform and name badge. Do not pay anyone in advance for a cab ride; use the designated taxi pick-up areas.

Here's another tip for a better train trip: Join DVARP! The Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers is working for improved and expanded passenger rail and transit service in the Philadelphia area and across the country. Visit www.dvarp.org for membership information and to see our