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

Joey HaddenApr 2, 2022, 16:39 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/Insider

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

I traveled in first class on Amtrak's Acela train from New York City to Baltimore and experienced a few surprises along the way.

The author rides in a first-class Amtrak Acela car.Joey Hadden/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.

The author in previous Amtrak accommodations.Joey Hadden/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/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/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 to find that this perk is available at less than half of the Amtrak Acela stations.

Empty seats in Penn Station's Metropolitan Lounge.Joey Hadden/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 to find 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 in the lounge.

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

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

The author's empty seat.Joey Hadden/Insider

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

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

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

I traveled in first class on Amtrak's Acela train from New York City to Baltimore and experienced a few surprises along the way.

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 to find 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 in the lounge.

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 I anticipated.

A nice perk in first class was a complimentary drink that was served after boarding. I thought 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.