All Acela trains now offer seat selection in Business and First Class, offering more peace of mind knowing your seat is waiting for you.
People Also Ask
On the Acela, business class is the standard class of service (first is the higher class). You get no additional perks for this class other than what just comes with being on an Acela train (all seats assigned, higher speed, fewer stops, nicer equipment).
Superior comfort, with more space and legroom than typical airline seating. With free WiFi, and power outlets at your seat it's easy to stay connected while traveling at speeds up to 150 mph.
Amtrak Business Class offers many amenities over coach class including extra legroom, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a 25% point bonus through Amtrak Guest Rewards.
Seat selection allows for seamless boarding and takes the guesswork out of finding your seat. Seat selection is available on Acela and in Business Class on Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto and Vermonter. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation.
We look forward to welcoming you in Acela First Class. Once onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
For first class passengers, I do think the Acela splurge is worthwhile. However, if I was just traveling in business class (called coach on the regional trains), I likely would just stick to a regional train, where tickets can be half the price of Acela.
With 95% of the trainset components being made in America, our new Acelas have generated over 1,300 new jobs in over 90 cities across the United States. The new Acela will operate at top speeds of 160 mph vs.today's fleet, which operates at top speeds of 150 mph.
Acela First Class also offers seat selection, allowing for seamless boarding while taking the guesswork out of finding your seat. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation, but you may change it to an available seat of your choosing at no additional cost.
An Amtrak revenue management specialist told Trains last year that Business Class on the Auto Train had the effect of raising coach fares to the point where the company was losing business, so reservations agents had to “manually” override the yield management system to lower the price points.
Roomy, Comfortable SeatingConference tables, with seating for two or four, are available. A luggage tower and oversized overhead bins enable easy storage of carry-on luggage. Complimentary WiFi is also available. Amtrak Guest Reward members traveling in Acela First Class receive 50% point bonus.
Exclusive Access to Station LoungesAcela First Class service starts with access to station lounges in several northeast major stations — Boston - South Station, New York - Moynihan Train Hall, Philadelphia - William H Gray III 30th Street Station and Washington, DC - Union Station with WiFi available.
It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price.In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.
Check Upgrade EligibilitySome airlines have a policy of upgrading by only one level, so if you're hoping to get a business class seat, make sure your original ticket is the grade below that (usually premium economy or equivalent). Not all fares can be upgraded however, so don't buy a cheap fare with that expectation.
We look forward to welcoming you in Acela First Class. Once onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
We realize that you have many options when traveling in the Northeast, but the answer should be clear: Acela is the smarter and more efficient way to go, saving you time, money and hassles when traveling from DC to New York and Boston.
Why is the Acela so slow? The Acela can do 135 mph up to New York, but it averages about half that speed. That's because the rails are more than 100 years old in places, and thus too frail for anything faster. Amtrak also shares them with slower freight and local commuter lines.