I have taken many trips from BOS to NYP and back, in various combinations
of Acela and Northeast Regional (upgraded to business class).
Here's what I have noticed, and I'm curious about any other BTDTs:

1. Acela is [obviously] a quicker ride, and sometimes has more convenient
scheduling.
2. Acela is often cheaper than business class (full-paid) on the regular train
3. Acela earns many more AGR points than the regular train, I think it is
500 per one-way trip vs. cost of the ticket (not counting whatever bonuses)

BUT:

4. Acela doesn't allow AAA discounts.
5. Acela is often much more crowded than business class on the Regional
6. Acela (in regular "business class") doesn't have as many frills i.e. things
like free drinks and nicer bathrooms.



Because of #5 above, on my most recent trip I just went ahead and got
the Regional tickets. Then I was kicking myself because it was totally
crowded and I should have at least gotten the better cost/time/points
for that. I'm not prepared to pay to upgrade to First on Acela, which I
suspect would solve all the problems....

What I mean by "crowded" is that you have to share your set of 2 seats
with a stranger. (I know, that 's a bit spoiled of me....)


What do people think?

--LG