I popped for first class on Amtrak's Metroliner between Washington and Newark last night.

The train stopped at New Carrollton (Washington Beltway), Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton and Metro Park. After I disembarked at Newark, the train continued on to New York's Penn Station.

Seating (wide with substantial legroom) is one across on the left side of the first class car and two-across on the right side. A middle bar separates the front and back sections of the first class car; each section seats about 25 passengers. Fewer than 50% of the seats were filled on a 5 p.m. departure on a Summer Friday.

An attendant immediately served me a complimentary cold beer and bags of pretzels and goldfish when I sat down -- and replenished the beer upon request. A passable hot dinner of roast chicken, mashed potato, veggies and fruit tart followed.

Up front in coach, passengers were mad as heck. The departure was considerably oversold, causing dozens of passengers to stand for the first half of the trip. The conductor continually apologized over the PA and urged affected passengers to file complaints with Amtrak. (I'm thrilled I paid extra for first class.)

Summary: about the same price as air travel between Newark-Washington, door-to-door elapsed time about the same as on-time air travel, seat was comfortable, service was cheerful, food and beverage passable, and some of the river crossings were quite scenic.

I'd do it again, especially with Newark air arrivals and departures subject to delays.