Meals In Acela F?
Jul 15, 2014, 2:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,637
Meals In Acela F?
I have a class upgrade coupon to burn before the end of the month, and I need to take a quick trip to Providence sometime in the next week or two. I am leaving from Boston. Will I still be served a meal on such a short trip? I've always wanted to ride the Acela in F. I know it would be a waste, but it would be a bigger waste to let the coupon expire.
Jul 15, 2014, 6:09 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 468
Let them know when you board and it shouldn't be any issue, at least out of BOS. They may be more interested in cleaning up on your return leg though since BOS is probably the end of their trip too.
I've had a meal between WAS and BWI, only about a 30 minute trip, with no problem at all.
I've had a meal between WAS and BWI, only about a 30 minute trip, with no problem at all.
Jul 15, 2014, 8:16 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH
Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD
Posts: 17,236
I have a class upgrade coupon to burn before the end of the month, and I need to take a quick trip to Providence sometime in the next week or two. I am leaving from Boston. Will I still be served a meal on such a short trip? I've always wanted to ride the Acela in F. I know it would be a waste, but it would be a bigger waste to let the coupon expire.
Jul 16, 2014, 8:35 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Amtrak Select
Posts: 333
It really depends on how busy the car is and how much the OBS feels like hustling. It's about half an hour to PVD. I have been on trains where they have not even taken orders for food until PVD, but then on other trains they have had everyone's food to them by PVD.
I think the most important thing - if you want food - is to just mention it when you board. If you get a redcap you can often board 20 minutes prior to departure and they generally do drink service upon boarding. If you mention it ot them at that time, you might even be able to order your food before you even leave BOS.
I think the most important thing - if you want food - is to just mention it when you board. If you get a redcap you can often board 20 minutes prior to departure and they generally do drink service upon boarding. If you mention it ot them at that time, you might even be able to order your food before you even leave BOS.
Jul 16, 2014, 8:51 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
Keep in mind too that there are two stops between South Station and PVD - Back Bay (which doesn't really count as it is so close to South Station) and 128. I've never asked for a meal on just this section, but it would seem to me to be a little too short to even finish a meal. Then again maybe I am a slow eater.
Jul 16, 2014, 11:23 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH
Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD
Posts: 17,236
Keep in mind too that there are two stops between South Station and PVD - Back Bay (which doesn't really count as it is so close to South Station) and 128. I've never asked for a meal on just this section, but it would seem to me to be a little too short to even finish a meal. Then again maybe I am a slow eater.
Jul 16, 2014, 1:11 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,388
Keep in mind too that there are two stops between South Station and PVD - Back Bay (which doesn't really count as it is so close to South Station) and 128. I've never asked for a meal on just this section, but it would seem to me to be a little too short to even finish a meal. Then again maybe I am a slow eater.
That being said, I have boarded early at BOS (~20 minutes before departure) and had my meal served before BBY. I was finished and working by RTE!
Jul 26, 2014, 11:53 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 74
Let them know when you board and it shouldn't be any issue, at least out of BOS. They may be more interested in cleaning up on your return leg though since BOS is probably the end of their trip too.
I've had a meal between WAS and BWI, only about a 30 minute trip, with no problem at all.
I've had a meal between WAS and BWI, only about a 30 minute trip, with no problem at all.
They said my trip was to short to serve me a meal. I believed them until
reading your post above....
