Why did Amtrak get rid of business class?

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.



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So what does business class offer over coach? Free nonalcoholic drinks, which may not total more than a few dollars in value. There's supposed to be more legroom, but Allie and Rob say it's the same seating on some trains. And there are upgrades on points, which can be worthwhile if you ride frequently.

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Specific features vary by route, but Business Class includes extra legroom, a wide and comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages (not offered in Acela Business Class).

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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.

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The Metropolitan Lounge is available exclusively to Amtrak's Business Class, Sleeping Car, Guest Rewards Select Plus, or Select Executive members.

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Coach Class: Designed for Your Comfort Stretch out with ample legroom and recline to relax as you cruise to your destination in Coach Class. Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela.

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Acela Business class is made up of five cars within the six-car train. The Quiet Car is located in Car 2 and the Cafe Car is located in Car 4. Most of the seats are rotated to be forward-facing. Seats at the conference tables and at the bulkhead do not rotate, so may be rear-facing during the trip.

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Amtrak Acela's business class tickets offer more plusher, wider seats than you'll experience in coach, but do not include a meal or in-seat service like first-class, roomette, and bedroom accommodations do.

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Seniors, families with small children, active military, disabled in wheelchairs or walkers, and business class have boarding priority on Amtrak. In the larger stations, they will reserve a separate waiting room with more seating available.

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So yes, business class does get its own bathrooms.

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Available for Business Class Customers on Select Departures From Monday through Friday, customers in Acela Business Class on select departures will have the ability to purchase exclusive new food items, wine by the glass, beer and other alcoholic beverages directly from a roving cart.

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The average Amtrak Coach seat measures 23 inches in width (compared to around 17 inches for airplane equivalent seating) with exceptional legroom and the ability to recline for an even more comfortable sleeping position.

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If you're in the quieter coach, please keep the noise down. Music through headphones should be kept quiet enough as to not disturb other passengers and conversations should be conducted quietly. If you do have to make or take a call, please move into the end of the coach through the doors before dialling or answering.

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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.

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A: On double-decker trains, upstairs spaces (coach seats and some of the sleeper rooms) are quieter, because they are farther from the rails. In terms of noise from other passengers, Amtrak's conductor declares quiet hours from around 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and lights are dimmed overnight.

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When choosing a seat on a train, try to get one in the center-most car, or one of the central cars. This will put you as far as possible from the most common points of issue for collisions or derailment, namely the front and end of the train.

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The best place to sit in Amtrak Coach Class is on the upper level. It's all about the view on the upper level. This is the biggest advantage of sitting in the upper level. You can also move from car to car more freely as there is access from each car on the upper level.

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Train travel is much simpler, as there is no TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR equivalent for Amtrak. Amtrak trains offer private rooms, more legroom, more space from your fellow passengers, more comfortable seats, and more food & beverage options.

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You can get free access to an airline lounge by redeeming miles or opening a credit card with lounge benefits. Airline elite status also comes with lounge benefits. If you're a U.S. military member on active duty, you might qualify for free lounge access with select airlines.

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Lounge access is included in most business and first class tickets, with exceptions. As a rule of thumb, most Business and First Class tickets will include access to an airport lounge for use prior to your departure.

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Airport lounges are generally worth the effort to get in, whether as provided by your airline ticket, credit card or elite status. The benefits are truly there, from the basics like Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, beverages and a place to sit, to sit down meals and premium beverages.

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