Thanks, everyone, for the helpful feedback.
I'm taking the Acela in first class tomorrow from NY Penn Station. All I want is a single seat- riding backwards is fine if that happens.
To be sure I get my single seat, it looks like I'll need to board from the lounge. Could anyone please let me know when boarding from the lounge occurs? If the train is at 1:03, what time should I get to the lounge to be sure to board from the lounge?
I'd just as gladly board from the lower level of NYP and skip the lounge, but I just really want a single seat.
Thanks!