Amtrak Acela (Train) – First Class

Train:Amtrak Acela
Class:First

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The Seat:  This one is roomy and leans pretty far back (unless your seat is backed up against the wall). If travelling alone aboard Amtrak Acela in first, you may prefer the single seats which offer aisle and window access but face another passenger whom you may…or may not know. Well cushioned and decked in airline-stock blue leather these seat should make your few hours on-board plenty comfortable.

Service: Service is good but friendliness isn’t forced here…it just isn’t. You’re served what you ask for and as long as you don’t cause any trouble, the crew won’t bite. Everything was prompt and the attendants checked in just enough so that you could call it first class.

Summary: After defending the Delta and US Airways Shuttles from LaGuardia as the best choices between Boston, New York and Washington DC, I’m not so sure anymore. Stacked against the $35 -$45 cab ride and security hassles at the airport, a quick subway or cheap cab to Penn Station and a little bit longer in a nicer first class cabin …er…car.. seems pretty reasonable.

Rating: 4 hops (of 5)

Strategy:  While discounts are few and far between to non-existent for Acela First Class, it won’t hurt to take a look at Rail Serve’s list of Amtrak coupon codes: http://www.railserve.com/amtrak_coupons.html. Even without a discount, when compared with the price of similar airline service between these cities this premium class might be worth the upgrade.