Acela Express delay during winter?
 

Hi,

I'm considering taking Acela Express WAS-NYC in early/mid January and transfer to JFK for the late night CX flight to HKG. I was wondering how likely the train would be delayed seriously (i.e. more than 30 mins?) if there is bad weather?

Also, I plan to hire limo/car service to transfer me to JFK. How does that work at the NY train station (Penn, I believe)? Do they allow meet-and-greet service? And how long should I allow for the ride during rush hour?

Thanks!

Unfortunately, there is a fairly good potential for Amtrak trains to be delayed. I love Amtrak and use it constantly, but the train service seems to be something of a delicate flower, prone to delays and cancellations if it's snowing, raining too hard, icy, etc. At least we have never heard the "leaves on the track" excuse here! I'd leave a healthy chunk of time for train-plane transfer if I were you.

There's no meet-and-greet area at Penn Station. Nor is there parking for limo drivers. Frankly, taking a taxi from Penn will be just as good (not to mention cheaper) and you won't have to worry about finding your driver in the rush-hour madness there. If you're coming in from Amtrak, after coming up the stairs/escalator into the main waiting area, head for the 8th Ave. and 33rd St. exit. That's where the cab line is.

In rush hour traffic, this ride is likely to take at least 45 minutes. Probably more like an hour or more.

1) I agree that you can't rely on the Acela schedules. While the trains frequently run on time, they just as well can have 30-60 minute delays. That can be in good weather or bad weather.

2) I disagree with the taxi recommendation. Unless you are arriving at an off peak time, the wait for a taxi can be lengthy, particularly if weather is bad. Any reputable limo service can pick you up at Penn Station. While they won't have a meet and greet service, the red cap can take your luggage up to the street if you need help. I think having a car service waiting is a big plus.

3) Be sure to opt for first class on the Acela. The extra cost is nominal, and you get a hot meal, wider seats, more legroom, use of the Acela lounges (and preboarding if you use the lounge), and other amentities.

If you're starting from Penn Station anyway, you might as well hop over to the LIRR platforms and take the new AirTrain connection via Jamaica. It'll be cheaper, probably quicker, and possibly less hassle than coming up to the surface and finding a cab...

(JFK AirTrain opens next week, unless I'm much mistaken!)

I'd just like to add that in bad weather, while possibly delayed, at least most of the trains still run while the planes sit on the ground. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Hi,

Thanks for all the info. As much as I'd love to take Amtrak Acela Express in first class (after all, I'm flying CX in F, why not make the experience complete ;-) ), the cost of Amtrak and car service would be well over $200 more than flying to JFK.

And would Amtrak really be able to get through bad snowy weather better than RJs (which is what I'd have to fly on DCA-JFK)??

Thanks again!

Yes, it would. The trains may be slow and some trains will be cancelled, but on Amtrak you will not end up spending the night in the lounge. In bad weather, the train is always a more reliable option than any other form of transportation. I've had to take Amtrak home to PHL/Wilmington from Boston more than once, for this reason.

One more question--are Acela F tickets refundable/changeable?

Thanks!

Yes, they are both refundable and changeable. I do this all the time: buying tickets on the Internet, then using 800-USA-RAIL ("agent!") to change or refund them if necessary.

Thanks--I'll go buy a ticket now to have a backup. BTW, is this generally true for all Amtrak tickets, or only Acela F ticket? Do I need to read the fine print first like with airlines? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Be aware than the upgrade portion of Acela F tickets are NOT refundable if you do not cancel the reservation at least one hour prior to departure - unless there is a schedule delay, and then there is some exception. Also, some fares (I have yet to find one on the Acela that this applies to) have refund charges.

http://www.amtrak.com/plan/refundpol.html

"Metroliner/Acela Express First Class Accommodation Charges: Refundable if reservations are cancelled at least one hour prior to departure. If not cancelled in time, the amount of the First class service accommodation charge will not be refunded, but may be applied to Metroliner/Acela Express First class service travel on another train on the same date only."

Those are the refunding parameters.

I have been sucessful in missing Acela Express First and having to take the slow train in business.

I said I missed the XYZtime Acela, can I get on the XYZtime in Business. The person at the station (lounge agent in BOS ClubAcela) essentially cancelled and refunded my Acela Express First potion of my roundtrip and I then purchased a Business class fare slow train for that cancelled portion of my round-trip.

So this was not a schedule or weather thing, but I did miss my train (so my ticket was cancelled in full (accommodation section too) within one hour) You could do it that way, but it is risky, of course. Nevertheless the agent let me stay in the lounge even though I was not really supposed to because I was departing on slow train Business, but that Boston ClubAcela lounge always has lees then 10 people in it anyways.

Good Luck!