I upgraded to first class on Amtrak. Here are 12 things that surprised me about the trip.

Joey HaddenMay 29, 2024, 03:57 IST

The author took a trip from NYC to Baltimore in a first-class Amtrak Acela car and was surprised by a few things.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took a first-class train trip on an Amtrak Acela for the first time in 2022.
Some things surprised me about the cabin, like the abundance of drink options yet limited food.

In 2022, I booked a first-class ticket on an Amtrak Acela train traveling from New York City to Baltimore. It was my first time in first class on an Amtrak train.

My ticket cost $273 and included meal service and access to the Metropolitan Lounge at NYC's Penn Station.

From booking my ticket to taking the journey, several things surprised me about the two-and-a-half-hour trip, and I ultimately thought the perks weren't worth the higher price tag.

Before I tell you what surprised me, you should know that although this was my first time in first class on an Amtrak Acela, I've previously traveled on multiple Amtrak trains.

The author in previous Amtrak accommodations.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Before I tell you what surprised me, you should know that although this was my first time in first class on an Amtrak Acela, I've previously traveled on multiple Amtrak trains.

During the booking process, I was surprised to learn that Amtrak Acela — an East Coast express train — only has two classes: business and first.

The first-class car of an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I knew first class would be more expensive than a business-class ticket, but I didn't expect it to be more than double the price.

A car on an Amtrak Acela train in Baltimore.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My journey started when I arrived at New York's Penn Station, where I had access to an exclusive lounge with free snacks and drinks. I was surprised that this perk is available at less than half of the Amtrak Acela stations.

Empty seats in Penn Station's Metropolitan Lounge.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My journey started when I arrived at New York's Penn Station, where I had access to an exclusive lounge with free snacks and drinks. I was surprised that this perk is available at less than half of the Amtrak Acela stations.

Since I was traveling from NYC's Penn Station, I got to enjoy the lounge, and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of snacks available.

A portion of the snack selection at Penn Station's Metropolitan Lounge.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When reserving a ticket, I didn't realize that Amtrak automatically assigned my seat and that I could change it anytime after booking.

A first-class car in an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I wasn't expecting to find a row of single seats in the first-class car and was thrilled that my seat was in one. I thought it provided a little more space.

The author sits in her first-class seat.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The chairs looked big, so I thought they'd be comfy, but they felt stiffer than anticipated.

The author's empty seat.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

A nice perk in first class was a complimentary drink served after boarding. The drink menu was surprisingly large for a train, with 37 options.

The drink menu on an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I ordered an orange juice, but my tray table alone couldn't keep it from falling while the train was moving.

The author's drink of choice on an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Since the beverage menu had so many options, I was surprised that the food menu was so limited.

A menu on an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I went with the fruit plate, which came with a warm croissant. I was surprised by how quickly the food came out and how fresh it tasted.

The author's meal on an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After my meal, I went to the bathroom and even though I was in first class, in my opinion, it was similar to bathrooms I've seen in standard Amtrak cars.

A bathroom in a first-class car on an Amtrak Acela.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Now that I know all of these surprising details about traveling first class on an Amtrak Acela, I've decided the perks aren't worth the price.

The author enjoys the ride.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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I upgraded to first class on Amtrak. Here are 12 things that surprised me about the trip.

Before I tell you what surprised me, you should know that although this was my first time in first class on an Amtrak Acela, I've previously traveled on multiple Amtrak trains.

During the booking process, I was surprised to learn that Amtrak Acela — an East Coast express train — only has two classes: business and first.

I knew first class would be more expensive than a business-class ticket, but I didn't expect it to be more than double the price.

My journey started when I arrived at New York's Penn Station, where I had access to an exclusive lounge with free snacks and drinks. I was surprised that this perk is available at less than half of the Amtrak Acela stations.

Since I was traveling from NYC's Penn Station, I got to enjoy the lounge, and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of snacks available.

When reserving a ticket, I didn't realize that Amtrak automatically assigned my seat and that I could change it anytime after booking.

I wasn't expecting to find a row of single seats in the first-class car and was thrilled that my seat was in one. I thought it provided a little more space.

The chairs looked big, so I thought they'd be comfy, but they felt stiffer than anticipated.

A nice perk in first class was a complimentary drink served after boarding. The drink menu was surprisingly large for a train, with 37 options.

I ordered an orange juice, but my tray table alone couldn't keep it from falling while the train was moving.

Since the beverage menu had so many options, I was surprised that the food menu was so limited.

I went with the fruit plate, which came with a warm croissant. I was surprised by how quickly the food came out and how fresh it tasted.

After my meal, I went to the bathroom and even though I was in first class, in my opinion, it was similar to bathrooms I've seen in standard Amtrak cars.

Now that I know all of these surprising details about traveling first class on an Amtrak Acela, I've decided the perks aren't worth the price.