Business vs coach seats in the East and NE: more leg room? other differences?
Jul 21, 2015, 2:04 pm
#1
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Business vs coach seats in the East and NE: more leg room? other differences?
I'm looking at some travel on Amtrak in the East and Northeast this September - e.g., Charlottesville to DC or Philadelphia, NYC to Boston, etc. I've skimmed through some relevant threads in this forum, but I'm still a bit unclear:
My main question is whether there much more legroom in the business class seats versus coach. But also other significant differences in the cars or seats? I really don't care about newspapers, refreshments, etc. And even power outlet access isn't crucial given that my laptop battery is good for six or seven hours.
Thanks for any advice.
My main question is whether there much more legroom in the business class seats versus coach. But also other significant differences in the cars or seats? I really don't care about newspapers, refreshments, etc. And even power outlet access isn't crucial given that my laptop battery is good for six or seven hours.
Thanks for any advice.
Jul 21, 2015, 2:44 pm
#2
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Better recline, a footrest, a more supportive seat cushion, and more shoulder/elbow room between passengers (some horizontal separation between the two seats in a pair). Also, curtains on the windows.
Anthony
Anthony
Jul 21, 2015, 5:43 pm
#3
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I don't usually opt for the Business Class on the route you're talking about since the extra legroom is really not much (And I'm a big 6' guy who fits fine in Coach). The width of the seats seem exactly the same and the upcharge is hardly worth 1 or 2 drinks (which require you to wait in line for 10 minutes in the cafe car).
All of the seats on the northeast regional have free wifi and 1 power outlet for each seat. Sometimes they even have a business class car fill in for a coach and everyone gets a free upgrade.
All of the seats on the northeast regional have free wifi and 1 power outlet for each seat. Sometimes they even have a business class car fill in for a coach and everyone gets a free upgrade.
Jul 21, 2015, 5:49 pm
#4
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Useful info. I'm 6'2" and am fine with coach, but was curious about whether and to what extent business was really better. I think I'll stick with coach.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 22, 2015, 3:19 pm
#5
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The only time I've ever found it to be worthwhile is on ALB to NYP trains that have 1 x 2 seating. Snagging a solo seat with a nice view is worth the upcharge to me.
Otherwise, no. I booked HAR to NYP on the Pennsylvanian and definitely found it not worth the charge. I'm 6'1 and fit comfortably in coach
Otherwise, no. I booked HAR to NYP on the Pennsylvanian and definitely found it not worth the charge. I'm 6'1 and fit comfortably in coach
Jul 23, 2015, 8:02 pm
#7
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Another factor that just crossed my mind:
Business Class is only 1 car on the (typically) 8 car train. By booking business, you increase the odds of sitting next to someone, since it's only 1 car.
Jul 23, 2015, 8:56 pm
#8
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Yes and no. From my experience, Business class almost never gets more than half full. I've never been on a train in business where I've ever had a seatmate. I'm sure it's because people know it's not worth the upcharge.
Jul 24, 2015, 6:08 am
#9
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I have a seatmate about 10% of the time in NER Business. Since ridership is low anyway, they should try to provide 1-2 seating across the board. I would book Business every time, if that were the case.
Jul 28, 2015, 6:32 pm
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+1. I'll book BC when I'm originating en route (say, BAL on the NE Regional northbound) since it tends to improve my seating options.