posted
I am preparing to ride Acela Express for the first time in a few weeks...it is about the only type of Amtrak equipment I have never traveled in. I hope someone can help with a couple of questions.
Does Amtrak still preassign seats for Acela Express first class? If so, is this done when seats are reserved? Are there seating diagrams anywhere online of Acela Express? Is there a way to know whether the first class seats you select are facing forward or is that impossible since it is bidirectional? Are the single seat first class seats all located on one side of the car? Is the entire car first class? Is it possible to know if you will have a good window seat?
Basically, I have the same question about Acela Express business class. I assume it is 2+2 seating but are seats preselected? What is the major difference between the two classes...just meals? Thanks!
posted
You cannot reserve seats in First Class anymore. Seating is 2+1 in First vs. 2+2 in business, plus I believe there is a bit more pitch. In addition to meals, you get complimenary beverages (including alcoholic) and deserts, hot towels, etc..
If you are boarding at Washington or Boston, chances are you'll be able to snag a window. If you are boarding at PHL or NYP then just make a mad dash as you may not get a window. In general the more scenic view is to the East, as you see many bodies of water along the entire route.
quote:Originally posted by Silver Star:
Does Amtrak still preassign seats for Acela Express first class?
Basically, I have the same question about Acela Express business class. I assume it is 2+2 seating but are seats preselected? What is the major difference between the two classes...just meals? Thanks!
Posts: 9 | From: Arlington, VA 22204 | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
Thanks for the info. When did they start not pre-assigning first class Acela Express seats? Last night an Amtrak rez agent indicated as such but another agent told me otherwise.
Also, do the power cars run on the north or south end of the Acela Express? Do they turn the seats between runs or are most seats backwards one direction? I saw a car diagram and most first class seats that wren't at tables faced the opposite way from the power car. If seats are not preassigned, this becomes a non-issue as I do board at Boston.
posted
Each Acela Express trainset has TWO power cars so they don't ever have to be turned.
They turn the seats between runs, however, some table seats as well as some seats by the wall (ADA seats) will face backwards 50% of the time.
quote:Originally posted by Silver Star: Also, do the power cars run on the north or south end of the Acela Express? Do they turn the seats between runs or are most seats backwards one direction? I saw a car diagram and most first class seats that wren't at tables faced the opposite way from the power car. If seats are not preassigned, this becomes a non-issue as I do board at Boston.
Posts: 9 | From: Arlington, VA 22204 | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
Both "business class" and first class on Acela Express are reserved, in that sales are limited to the number of seats on the train. But on crowded trains, you might have difficulty sitting together without enlisting the conductor's help. There are several groups of four facing seats in each car; if only one seat is occupied (this does happen), just have the conductor ask the person to move.
You're only likely to have problems on trains at the beginning or end of the business day, on weekdays. My experience is that midday and weekend trains are pretty empty.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
I appreciate the info. I am glad they turn the seats between runs as the only place I could see a diagram was on an Amtrak computer at a station and it only showed them facing one way and had an arrow toward the power car (I knew there's one on either end but the diagram was confusing).
Another question: For morning weekend runs like 8:15am, how far ahead do they USUALLY allow boarding and do people line up way in advance? I like the Metropolitan Lounge (oops, Club Acela) but want to be ready to select good seats for my child and I.
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The lack of having ASSIGNED seats (unlike the airines) is one of Amtrak's biggest shortcomings. I want a seat number when I travel - not having to race to find a good seat. The term "reserved seat" as amtrak puts it is a joke.
Posts: 11 | From: Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
That may be true for you in the Northeast but I hate assigned seats as often they are not great for viewing since some seats are at the forward end of the window making it hard to see anything except the curtain. I like being able to choose my seat and hate it when the attendant selects it for me.
Posts: 52 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Get to the station early in Boston & head for the Metropolitan/Acela Lounge. Talk to the attendant about your concern about sitting together. If the train is close to being sold out, they should be able to make some arrangements for you. I've found if you get a red cap to bring your bags to the train, They'll generally head out to the train with you before general boarding. Give the Red Cap a buck or two a bag & see if he can arrange that. Reggie
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Get to the station a little early & check with the attendant in the Acela Lounge. If the train is getting close to being full, maybe some arrangements such as early boarding may be arranged. Another sly move I've used is to give your bags to a red cap, give them a few bucks & see if they can bring you out to the train early.
Sorry about the double post.
Reggie
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[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 05-09-2002).]
[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 05-09-2002).]
posted
Thanks Reggie. That's a good idea. Using a redcap really paid off for me on my last trip to LA- got to our sleeper quicker and didn't have to carry bags up the steep ramp. Hopefully we can get faster boarding at Boston.
Does Acela Express have any space at the end of the car to store large bags? We will have one or two bags as this is a long haul trip.
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There's probably not a lot of storage space in the car. I know they do have overhead racks, but how big they are I don't know. I know they don't have checked baggage service, but unlike the airlines You don't have to ride with your luggage. You can check bags on the Lake Shore to Chicago or if heading south via Albany to New York. Just check with the station agent as your bags could be delayed. If feasible bring the bags you'll be checking to the station a day before you leave. That wouldn't work for me as I don't get finished packing till 10 or 15 minutes before I leave, LOL. I was once traveling to Syracuse from LAX & was going out on the Eagle. My bus got to LAX from Bakersfield early enough for the luggage to be put on the Chief. My bags actually got to Syracuse a day before I did. Now that's a Pip. Reggie
I've got a photo of the inside of an Acela car showing the luggage space above the seats. It looks like a pretty large space. Send me an e-mail & I'll send you the PIC. Reggie ------------------
[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 05-09-2002).]
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