First Look at Amtrak’s New Acela Business and First Class
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
For most of us who frequently travel between cities in the Northeast, Amtrak is a necessary evil. The country’s government-subsidized rail provider is plagued by frequent delays, overcrowded stations and trains, and — outside of the occasional advanced-purchase sale — outrageous one-way fares.
Recently, the company began making strides to improve passenger comfort by updating interiors, in a massive overhaul led by CEO Richard Anderson, who joined from Delta last year. Many cars have been updated throughout the country, but aside from slight tweaks, like assigned seating, Amtrak’s premium Acela service hasn’t gotten much love.
Fortunately, a big Acela upgrade is on the way. As we first learned about in 2016, Amtrak plans to begin rolling out refreshed train cars in 2021.
Business, the lowest class of service on Acela trains, will retain its current 2-2 arrangement.
There are leather seats in both business and first class, along with fold-out tables, power outlets and USB ports, and dedicated luggage storage areas.
First class will be arranged in a spacious 1-2 configuration.
There will be a mix of forward-facing seats, along with sets of single and paired seats that face each other.
Each car will have six LED screens, with train speed, location and conductor announcements.
The bathrooms will be getting a much-needed refresh, too. They hardly look luxurious, but there’s a noticeable improvement for sure. It’ll be up to passengers and crews to keep them feeling fresh, though.
If all goes to plan, you should begin seeing these new interiors within the next four years, with all of the new trains expected to be in service by 2022.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after spending $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 8/31/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.