Originally Posted by
Blumie
I used bidup today on a NER train from BOS-NYP. I lowballed and got it. I have no interest in upgrading on Acela trains -- I'd rather be in the quiet car than in first class -- but will now bidup any time I find myself on a regional. Today's train was booked near capacity in coach, yet the business class car was at less than 50% of capacity and was as quiet as the quiet car (once I told the woman sitting across the aisle from me she had to use her headphones if she was going to watch videos on her phone!).
Interesting, it was the opposite experience that led me to stop using Bid Up on Regionals. The Business Class car was packed and I couldn't get a window seat, which is my preference. On the way to it I passed plenty of seats in the Quiet Car where I had originally intended to sit. Across the aisle from me was a guy yapping non-stop into his cellphone. I haven't bid since.