Not As Many Upgrades With Amtrak As Airlines? Is Select Plus Like Being A Platinum/1K
It seems like even with Select Plus that you only receive a very limited number of upgrades relative to most airline programs which I use as a base line to compare. For example, in northeast routes, a flyer on CO, DL, or US would essentially receive unlimited upgrades to first class.
I also noticed recently that Amtrak has no draft beer in the cafe car on Acela which they had at launch. I rode Acela on 8/20 (for points) from BOS-PVD and PVD-BOS. The first class meals seemed nice, but the business class cafe car did not at least appear to have much if any upgraded food/beverage items over most trains?
As one who usually flys the shuttle I might take FC for the better food/beverage/ambiance but I'm not sure Acela business is really any better than Regional business or coach. Essentially business on the Acela is like coach, is it just marketing that they call it business class?
It is surely mor eexpensive BOS-NYP first class than the shuttle so really it would have to offer really good food etc.
If you are an Amtrak road warrier, can the agents just upgrade you unoficially even if you don't have a coupon? I know all the airlines can and do this although they won't admit it publically, but say if someone traveled 1-2 times a week would they get some kind of undocumented perks?
Is being a Select Plus, eg does it feel, like say being Platinum on an airline? Do you know if that info is displayed when ticket agents access your PNR/reservation? Is it noted on the paperwork that the conducter has? Do they treat Select Plus any better during irregular operations? Are Club Acela Amtrak agents more empowered to waive and fix things?
Just give me reasons why this is good, or should I just stay on the shuttle as Gold/Platinum?
Also I'm intrigued how Amtrak handles no shows since they I guess don't overbook, and pax don't really check in per se and they don't scan your ticket when you board the train so I just wonder how they manage that process logisticlaly when trains are full?
And one last question how many pax does the Acela hold in first/business?