Originally Posted by
lg10
Doesn't Acela First cost an arm and a leg? Is there some high status
that lets you upgrade for free? And also, does it get crowded on the
northeast routes?
--LG
Putting aside the feet for the moment:
No, it only costs an arm. Legs [and feet
] are left intact.
If you earn 5,000 rail points (ONLY points earned by traveling on a train) in a year, you earn AGR Select status. If you earn 10,000 rail points in a year, you earn AGR Select Plus status. When you receive your Select Plus packet, you get--I believe--two coupons good for space-available (IIRC, one hour before departure) upgrades to First Class on Acela. I forget the exact number of coupons and the terms of their use, but the point is, the benefits are limited.
In my [admittedly very few] experiences, First Class was FAR from full. I've read here and on other Amtrak boards that it occasionally fills up, though. But with 2x1 seating, it doesn't feel as full even when there are no open seats.