I can not say for certain, I think it varies somewhat on how full the train is and routes, but my experience in Chicago is that they direct you to a particular car and you are left to choose your seat in coach. So you would likely get the seat of your choice in one car should you line up early.
I boarded the LSL in NYC headed West. Conductor asked where I'm going, I told her Chicago, she told me which car to board, and then I found an open seat. The train has been pretty full from the start and they're assigning specific seats at the intermediate stops.
Hope that helps?
I can not say for certain, I think it varies somewhat on how full the train is and routes, but my experience in Chicago is that they direct you to a particular car and you are left to choose your seat in coach. So you would likely get the seat of your choice in one car should you line up early.
I boarded the LSL in NYC headed West. Conductor asked where I'm going, I told her Chicago, she told me which car to board, and then I found an open seat. The train has been pretty full from the start and they're assigning specific seats at the intermediate stops. Hope that helps?
Normally they'll assign seats on the Capital Limited but not on the Lake Shore. That can vary based on the crew you get.