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Save that seat: Amtrak now allows business class passengers to reserve Acela seats

July 28, 2020
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3 min read
Amtrak Acela Interiors 2019
Save that seat: Amtrak now allows business class passengers to reserve Acela seats
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All aboard! Amtrak has begun expanding reserved seating options for Acela business class customers beginning Monday, August 3.

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The new perks will come at no additional cost, but will allow travelers to view and select their seats before traveling, including available spots in the Quiet Car. The preview tool will also allow travelers to see how full their train will be in order to gauge social distancing and personal risk comfort levels.

Related: Complete coverage of Amtrak Guest Rewards

“Reserved seating is one of several new initiatives we are undertaking in support of expanded health and safety protocols,” Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn said in a press release announcing the new feature. “By providing customers with an easier and safer boarding process that limits people moving through the trains trying to find a seat, we are able to meet customer expectations for safer travel.”

TPG reporter Victoria Walker recently stated that she's temporarily switching her travel loyalty to Amtrak, given the company's commitment to safety and hygiene by requiring face coverings and potentially banning customers who don’t comply, as well as its recent customer-friendly changes such as extending elite status and the expiration date on Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Throwing in cheap cash fares, points promotions and the ease of earning Amtrak points, Walker makes a compelling point for everyone to consider train travel in 2020.

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Acela business class travelers receive an automatic seat assignment at the time of booking, but have the option to change their seat choice via the interactive map on the app or Amtrak website. Amtrak currently offers window seats only while Acela operates at a reduced capacity, for the sake of social distancing; aisle and rear-facing table seats will be blocked off on customer seat maps.

Related: Amtrak Acela restarts

Passengers traveling together with companions or in groups will be assigned seats in separate rows; however, they can choose to sit together while on board. Amtrak staff can also help modify customer seat assignments.

Related: New Amtrak app

The reserved seating feature will remain even after the COVID-19 pandemic, and will also be available onboard the new Acela trains which debut in 2021.

During the pandemic, Amtrak has implemented a number of additional protocols to keep travelers and employees safe:

  • All travelers and employees must wear face masks on board trains and thruway buses, although masks can be removed within private rooms.
  • Amtrak deep cleans and sanitizes all trains prior to service, with additional en-route cleaning to disinfect restrooms and frequently touched surfaces.
  • Bookings have been limited on most trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas.
  • All Amtrak trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
  • All non-safety materials have been removed from seatback pockets.
  • Sinks are available in each car’s restroom for frequent hand washing.
  • To move between cars, customers can use an “automatic door open” button with their foot.
  • When the train is approaching a destination, conductors will make announcements regarding where and when customers can disembark to minimize door crowding.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.