I upgraded my Amtrak seat to first class by bidding $95. Here's what the 4-hour ride was like.

Molly O'BrienFeb 3, 2024, 00:20 IST

I was intrigued by the chance to get a first-class experience for almost half the price. Molly O'Brien

I bid on an Amtrak upgrade and went from business class to first class.
My upgrade cost $95 (on top of my $57 business-class ticket) and came with lounge access and food.

A few days before my Amtrak ride from New York to Boston, I got an email from Amtrak asking if I'd like to bid on an "enhanced experience" using the BidUp process.

I was able to bid a minimum of $95 to get from business class to first class, which comes with complimentary meals, beverages, and large, reserved seats.

My original business-class ticket was $57. Even after a $95 bid, I'd still only be paying half price for a first-class ticket, which usually costs about $300.

So, I placed the minimum bid and waited.

The morning of the trip I received an email confirming my bid was accepted.

My credit card wasn't charged until my bid was accepted.Molly O'Brien

The Amtrak Lounge was very elegant.

Access to the lounge was limited to certain travelers.Molly O'Brien

There was a full spread of free hot and cold breakfast items and takeaway snacks.

The Amtrak Lounge serves La Colombe coffee. Molly O'Brien

While I waited, I kept an eye on the screen with all of the train boarding updates.

I was able to see which trains were leaving NYC. Molly O'Brien

At boarding time, someone personally escorted first-class passengers to the train and showed us to our seats.

It was nice to get on the train before almost everyone else. Molly O'Brien

I had lots of space to spread out in my seat.

My first-class Amtrak seat came with access to a table. Molly O'Brien

After we departed, a server came over and took my food order.

The Amtrak Acela menu had a lot of options. Molly O'Brien

Everything was complimentary, including alcoholic beverages.

I ordered coffee during the Amtrak ride. Molly O'Brien

I also chose the cheese plate.

The cheese plate came with grapes, crackers, and jam. Molly O'Brien

My husband got the lobster mac and cheese, which looked hearty.

I was impressed the Amtrak Acela had lobster mac and cheese as an option. Molly O'Brien

The first-class car bathrooms were spacious.

The Acela's first-class bathroom felt big enough. Molly O'Brien

I also checked out what business class would've looked like.

The business-class Amtrak seats seemed spacious, but I was happy to have gotten my upgrade.Molly O'Brien

Finally, after about four hours, we arrived in Boston.

First-class passengers disembarked at the front of the platform.Molly O'Brien

Overall, I felt the $95 for an upgrade to my four-hour trip was worth it.

Upgrading to first class made my Amtrak ride even better.Molly O'Brien

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