Acela: Avoiding table seats/checking before purchase?
Jun 9, 2024 | 6:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: DC
Posts: 11
Acela: Avoiding table seats/checking before purchase?
I plan to use a coupon to upgrade to first class on an upcoming Acela trip, WAS>NYP. Is it possible to see before executing the upgrade whether non-table seats are available? I don't want to use the coupon and get stuck at a table -- exclusive legroom is a priority.
If it's not possible to determine before purchase/upgrade, how likely am I to get a non-table seat 12 hours before a Saturday or Sunday afternoon Acela?
Thanks you your insights.
Dwan
If it's not possible to determine before purchase/upgrade, how likely am I to get a non-table seat 12 hours before a Saturday or Sunday afternoon Acela?
Thanks you your insights.
Dwan
Jun 10, 2024 | 1:44 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,895
The only way to find out online is to buy a cash First Class Ticket (which is fully refundable), look at the seatmap using that First Class reservation, and then cancel the First Class ticket.
Jun 11, 2024 | 10:15 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The Land of Pleasant Living
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,939
It is pretty weak that this is still the only workaround, several years after the introduction of assigned seating. It is a huge flaw.
Jun 11, 2024 | 11:07 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,895
Jun 11, 2024 | 6:02 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,541
Jun 12, 2024 | 12:04 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,895
As I was there, I can report that the vibe was very positive. Other than the minute or so that they played the song, they were normal quiet Acela First passengers.
Jun 15, 2024 | 3:54 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Nexus, GE
Posts: 2,130
It's also possible to call. I had an upgrade coupon that was not cooperating online. When I called in, the agent kindly ensured that I could upgrade to a non-table seat.
For the life of me, I don't understand why Acela first has so many tables.
For the life of me, I don't understand why Acela first has so many tables.
Jun 15, 2024 | 4:54 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,541
The tables are actually better to use for laptop computers (no bounciness from the seatback tray tables). My problem with the table seats is that I have long legs, and like to move my feet around instead of keeping them in one spot. But, that results in playing footsie with the person across from me which is not a good idea for strangers!
Jun 18, 2024 | 4:17 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Free Agent Level 2; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, ALL SE, BAC Silver, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,359
My favorite is definitely the Shinkansen, which has nothing but forward facing seats, and no tables (albeit at 5 across in most regular cars and 4 across in most premium cars).
Jun 25, 2024 | 12:04 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,887
FWIW, I will never bid for an upgrade to Acela First Class because of this. It's one thing to inquire via phone or do a dummy booking before applying a confirmed certificate, but no way am I playing the lottery with a bid and risking having to knock knees with a stranger. And frankly even with a companion the table seats are terrible for legroom.
Jun 25, 2024 | 8:11 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,541
Yesterday, I got an Amtrak survey from Ipsos (?), "Tell Amtrak what you think" -- I thought this would be a great opportunity to tell Amtrak about this issue. Well, I went through about a dozen "demographic" questions, only to find out at the end that "we have no further questions for you...."
Apparently my demographics were not whatever Amtrak / Ipsos wanted for its survey! Seems biased to conduct a survey, but then eliminate respondents based on demographics, when respondents may have legitimate, constructive criticism to offer!
Apparently my demographics were not whatever Amtrak / Ipsos wanted for its survey! Seems biased to conduct a survey, but then eliminate respondents based on demographics, when respondents may have legitimate, constructive criticism to offer!
Jan 15, 2025 | 11:03 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: EWR/PHL/JFK
Programs: A3*G, Atmos Gold, UA, AA
Posts: 967
Jan 23, 2025 | 6:43 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.6MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; DL GLD, HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,924