The Carolinian is not the Metroliner. You were either booked in the old Custom Class or the new Business class. The only perks you get is free drinks, seats with better pitch, and a movie for the looooooooooong trip.

I think that the Carolinian is the only train on the East Coast to offer movies. I think this train originates at NY Penn Station and heads all the way down to Charlotte.

For those taking the Northeast Direct or the Acela regional, the Business class cars are mostly old Metroliner coach cars with the larger seat pitch and the LED status screens.

I've taken the Metroliner coach and the Northeast Direct/Acela Regional Business/Custom class. The Metroliner only shaves off a couple minutes off of your trip. I would only take the train if weather was really going to be an issue.

To me, an hour from DCA to JFK is better than three hours stuck on a train. Now when weather keeps me grounded, I'm the first one to call the EXP desk for a reroute or a refund then dial 1-800-USA-RAIL.

[This message has been edited by SFOJFK (edited 06-27-2001).]