Amtrak Coach Class VS. Business Class Seat
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- Опубліковано 28 жов 2021
- Today we review the Amtrak coach class vs business class seat. We will discuss the Amtrak coach class seat and the Amtrak business class seat. We will also review what is included with a business class seat and what is included with a coach class seat. Coach class seating and business class seating are different.
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I like business because of the assigned seating. You can show up last minute without having to fight everybody in economy for the seat. That's when business is worth it.
Cannot appreciate this video enough. I spent 4 times the amount to try business class on the northeast regional. After watching this, cancelled my ticket & bought coach! Now i have some extra spending money to further enjoy my vacation. Appreciate you both from Canada!
I prefer business class any day on the Carolinian from NYC/Penn Station to Charlotte NC. It quieter (no screaming kids), you can choose your own seats, car is cleaner, and the bathrooms are bigger. The beverages I chose were unlimited bottles of orange and apple juice. I had enough to take back to the hotel, I couldn't drink all of the them on the train. I don't remembered drinks as in alcohol that you mentioned, but they offered coffee and tea too, gave free NY TIMES, and small white pillow to rest your head. The attendants was very attentive, and always checked on you in business class. This was 7 years ago though.
The big advantage I noticed with business class is that it is much quieter-usually no children or families. I had some serious thinking to do on one of the Illinois trains, so I upgraded to business class.For what I needed, it was really worth the upgrade.
I also recommend the Quiet Cars. Where peace and quiet are taken seriously.
DOSBoxMom I really think you’d enjoy the peacefulness of Business Class and as I
recall, the difference in price is not much.
That’s we’ll worth it in that case.
I was just thinking of taking my 5 year old to business class...and I read you review..maybe I shall not...lol
@@janeho2808 😂😂
I recently did a short trip, 3 hours, and I was in Coach. The seats were comfortable. I had a favorable experience.
Awesome video guys, I appreciate that someone is doing reviews of such an overlooked method of travel! Cheers from Miami!
Thank you
i want to thank you for your videos! i took my first train trip from Richmond,Va to Savannah, Ga ..because of you guys i had a stress-free coach trip and was able to offer snacks to other hungry travelers...lol
That is awesome!
I did business class going from Connecticut to Philly and back last year. I liked the assigned seating. Not having to awkwardly ask a stranger if i can sit next to them was awesome.
Great tips ! Just did the coast starlight in business. Was only an extra $30 to do business class. Thanks for the video.
I just enjoy your candid info you give to us. Continue your great work.
I found y'all's channel a few months ago and started watching your videos because during COVID i found that travel vlogs were an anxiety-reliever and I really like your content! Pre-COVID I took the train all the time to go see friends and I am getting ready to go on my first train trip since COVID began. I am so glad that I searched your channel and found this video because in a few months I am going on a longer train trip so I was thinking about buying a Business Class ticket for the first time in order to be more comfortable but y'all convinced me that it is worth the savings to stay in Coach so thank you for this comparison video and all of your content :D.
Thank you, have a great trip!
@@GroundedLifeTravel thank you! The train is my favorite way to travel so I'm really looking forward to 2 train trips after not traveling for nearly 3 years😄🙌.
I Appreciate all your Videos from CT to Charlotte took Coach, Roommate and taking Business Classes on way back
Love your videos. I’ve been watching for a couple of months and just booked my first long distance trip from DC to San Francisco this spring in sleeper cars. After spending a few days in San Francisco I’ll head to Seattle on Amtrak and will fly back from there after some time in Seattle. Prior to this upcoming trip, I’ve only ever taken the Acela. I’m really excited for this adventure.
Hello. When I traveled Amtrak back in the 80's I took the San Diegan from Los Angeles to San Diego and back . I did Coach then I discovered Custom Class and that was very nice. The seats had 3 inches more width than the regular coach seats and the car attendant was friendly too. So i took Custom class when I did not feel like driving.
@Grounded Life Travel I was fortunate to catch your Live today. I’m new to your channel. I’ll be watching a lot of your videos and checking out your website. Thank you for sharing your travel experiences.
Super helpful video. Thank you guys for making it. You just saved me almost 200 bucks in the Vermonter. Kudos and I owe both a drink! Cheers! ❤
Another benefit of Amtrak business class: On some routes, business class tickets come with reserved seats, while coach seats do not. Having a reserved seat can be of value, especially if you are joining a train in mid-route--no searching for open seats.
Have you took advantage of free shower if the station provides it?
This my 8th time following you. Wonderful and complete details. So very helpful! I am joining you!
Perfect timing. I needed this vid and I'm looking into amtrak tickets now from DC to GA. was thinking about business class this time bcus i did coach last time and it was soooo loud and annoying with all the kids and ppl with loud ring tones ,, smh ,, your right , there are some price gaps between coach and business but i dont mind i think bcus i need my peace. thx
As I saw in another comment or two, there is still a significant benefit of business class on the Northeast Regional: assigned seating. Boarding at a terminus (such as Roanoke) gave a large choice of seats. Boarding at Philadelphia in early afternoon required several minutes (while train is bouncing over all the switch points in Philadelphia area) just to find a single seat. It took significantly longer to locate two seats (travelling with spouse) in one car and any place to store two carryon bags in the same car. After several stops heading south, we were able to sit together for the remainder of the run back to Roanoke. So, if I ride the Northeast Regional again, I am likely to book Business class if I am boarding more than a couple stops from a terminus. In fairness, I should note that Coach class had very comfortable seating on both Northeast Regionals we rode in September.
Thank you for this review. I recently travelled Amtrak Vermonter and like that biz offers single seats vs 2-seats together. During COVID especially attractive.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this. I’ve only take the Carolinian once when I took business class, but it had free drinks, free headphones and if I remember correctly, outlets and TVs. However, the second time I took it, it was the same as the coach and none of the outlets were working, even one of the bathrooms was broken. Luckily, it was uncrowded and I met this cool older man who was a musician and willing to play dominoes with me. lol Sometimes it’s all in the company.
The Acela is my favorite train, overall. I’d say if you’re traveling with someone with sensory issues, because class is almost always quieter.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you for the info about the outlets, I'm taking a very long trip and will check first.
This was super helpful, and you guys are delightful 😄 Thank you!
I excitedly jumped on the business class as it was only about $31 each…can’t wait to get on board in 10 weeks.
Finding this when Google searching "trains from Indianapolis to Grand Rapids". Great video. Realistic view of inside train cars. Business vs. Coach.
Well I met y’all in Albany early yesterday morning, had no idea y’all were in the travel business. Enjoy your trip to Toronto! I enjoyed your video on comparing the coach to the business class.
On the Lakeshore Limited and Empire Service, business class is golden. It is super quiet vs coach class. I find on those two routes, the on board staff rarely enforce the quiet hours in coach (talking, loud phones, etc) so we always take business or get a roomette if we are going overnight.
You pay for the peace and quiet in business because there's rarely kids or loud college students.
Have you took free shower (where shower is available) (like Chicago Union Station, NYP, LAX)?
business class on empire service is usually great because it's usually smaller and consists of more normal people.
Exactly what I needed. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for all the good information! Safe travels!
Love the videos. I’m literally trying to decide between the two with this trip I have coming up. CT/FLA
Thank you for this advice. I am looking forward to a trip.
Since I am planning to travel, this video was very helpful. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for your informative post! I frequently take the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to Santa Barbara. I prefer business class as it’s only $20 more and, as you mentioned, you get some food with the BC ticket. In the morning they offer pastries, coffee, juice, bottled water and a newspaper. In the afternoons, they offer a decent snack box and soft drink or, a small bottle of red or white wine if you prefer. Seems a bit more quiet as well because their aren’t usually as many kids in BC. Stay safe! ✌🏻🙂✌🏻
From buffalo to nyc it's like $200 more otherwise I would have taken it
I was looking at this for a train from Irvine to San Diego, so thank you!
was there a difference in seating? as far as comfort?
@@elithluxe7568 $200?!? Yeah, that’s insane and not worth in IMHO. ✌🏻✌🏻
I don’t think their is a difference when it comes to seat comfort. Both business class and Coach offer similar type seats and tons of legroom in both.
✌🏻✌🏻
Thanks so much for this and your blog. Needed info and it will save me money.
Glad it was helpful!
Back in 2016 I rode the Cardinal for 7 hrs to DC. I decided to pay extra for business class as the coach seats on this train are usually filled close to capacity. It was worth the extra money for the peace and quiet. IMO. I’m not even sure Amtrak offers business class on the Cardinal anymore, but I thought it was worth the extra $$$ in this situation.
2019 was final year that Cardinals offered Business Class.
What a fun channel.. I'm happy to be a new subscriber 😁
Welcome aboard!
Business class ticket holders also get access to lounges at stations where they exist... like Chicago Union Station. You also get priority boarding. One of the downsides to biz class... I've found the biz cars don't have ample large luggage stowage... coach cars seem to have better large luggage stowage at the ends of the cars. Found this especially true on the Cascades service in the pacific northwest.
Did you sleep on the seat? If you had this experience, how was it? Thank you.
Thank you for a direct and to-the-point video, long on useful information, short on B.S. and frou·frou.
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Thanks guys so much for this review. I am lkg at going Chicago to LA, then San Luis Obispo to Seattle (w 10 days in California to visit relatives). I'm on a budget so, coach on 1st (wish I could afford a roomette) and bus class to Seattle and the cost was on $351 US. Phenomenal! Being Canadian, I can't get over the fact I can travel Chicago to LA for $150+ US. 🤣 I know coach is rough for sleeping but, budget travel and covering half the the US is worth the stiff joints!
Exactly, and don't forget as a coach or business passenger you can go to the observation car too!
So thanks to your channel, I am seriously contemplating booking a train trip this year. 😁
Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you very much! Very helpful information.
I almost always take business class on the Midwestern trains out of Chicago, because the ticket includes access to the Metropolitan Lounge. I'll often store my bag in the lounge during the day and then leave in business class at night. I've also used the lounge when taking business class out of Los Angeles.
Another advantage of business class on the Illinois trains is that the seating configuration is 2 - 1, meaning that people traveling by themselves can sit alone if they prefer to do so.
@@davidburrow5895 and you’ve named the only two advantages there are (at least with Michigan business class).
No reason to ever buy business class on trains INTO Chicago.
Wouldn’t know whether the lounge perk would be worth it for most anyone to buy business at all for Michigan services. Depends if you really want to use the lounge.
A lot of business class has assigned seating, that's the biggest draw for some. Especially on the Northeast Regional. Getting on a train in Philly can be tough for example, being midway between DC and NYC, it's usually full and hunting for a seat can be a pain. Also you can guarantee yourself a window or aisle seat.
Some business class has 2 × 1 seating configuration, so potentially getting that window seat by yourself is a perk too.
Very yuseful video! Thanks!
Thanks for your review, I was confused about a seat 💺 choice, now it’s clear which one to choose
Thanks for watching!
Helpful video, thank you.
Thanks, that was very helpful
I always take Business Class on the Pere Marqutte because you get to use the lounge in Chicago with it.
I agree Russell Franke. Because the Pere Marquette is one of the first trains to arrive in Chicago Union station, that lounge is the way to go. We traveled business class to Chicago and were able to wait out our 5 hr layover in the Metro lounge. A life saver!
I like the lounge in Chicago too @@midlifetravelers6151
Thanks for the heads up. I was curious if maybe considering getting a business ticket but if the only perk is free non-alcoholic🥤, it's definitely not worth it. I mean, how much soda would I need to drink during the 6hrs between Pittsburgh & Lancaster on the Pennsylvanian to recover the extra $30. Rather just either save the money, or spend it on some lunch onboard
Thank you for this video on the breakdown of the business class on Amtrak's trains in different areas of the country. I'm in Los Angeles so it was great to hear the Coast Starlight has a business class along with a second observation car, for any future rides I may take from L.A. up the coast to Washington. With all the various seating classes on trains - Executive, Business, Premium, Standard and/or Coach, I'm mildly curious as to why there isn't a seating car for people who wish to purchase a ticket with No Class ?
The Maple Leaf has the nice business car with the 2 and 1 seating and the café concession in the center. (No need to walk up 3 cars like on the Northeast Regionals). Also, at Buffalo, the entire train is (I guess leased to and) operated from there to Toronto by a VIA crew. They will often give the snacks complimentary in Business class
Thanks for your tips!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Sorry my mistake. The crew change and customs inspection happen at Niagara Falls, Not Buffalo
I have taken the Pennsylvanian in the business/cafe car because it held only 18 people. It was quiet, I was able to get work done and it was nice. I believe they have a full business class car now.
Great content 👌🏾
If the trip is scheduled to take more than eight hours we book roomettes if it is available. We ride both coach and business depending on the points/cash price difference from L.A. to San Diego and back.
We've only been once on the Surfliner, but we loved it
I only travel business class between Los Angeles and San Diego because, the fare difference between the two is very low (smile...smile).
I've heard good things about business on the Cascades.
The principal advantage of business on NE Regional is a specified seat. My preference, though, is the quiet car!
Howdy! Love your videos! Unfortunately, Amtrak has sold off the old Santa Fe High Level Lounge Cars they used as the First Class Lounge Car. Those were absolutely wonderful cars and I think it’s one of many shortsighted decisions Amtrak has made as they downgrade the services. I started as a Train Attendant in 1996-1997 when the Coast Starlight was THE BEST long distance train. My last trip trip on it earlier this year (as a regular passenger) was really disappointing as there was nothing more than basic transportation.
We've been told about those, we never got to see one! Thanks for sharing
This video helped me thank you
I'm so glad!
Thanks for the great information. Really enjoy your videos.
very helpful, thanks
New subscriber here. I found this video to be very useful. Especially the way you not only broke down the differences between the two classes, but also by the trains themselves. I have been trying to decide whether to book with coach or business. I'm going to be riding on the Coast Starlight heading up to Seattle from San Luis Obispo. In the past I've always gone with coach. Being that it is a long ride, I thought it might be worth it to go business class. I think I'm gonna try business this time. Ground Life Travel your videos are absolutely fascinating. That is because YOU are fascinating people.
Thanks so much, we appreciate it! Have a great trip!
As another option to business class, you might want to reserve a sleeper room because that is a very long train ride.
Very nice video. Thanks!!
Calif to Atlanta...what's your suggestion for sleeper class.
hey you 2... missed ya!!!
Perfect. I was wondering what the difference is on the northeast regional
Just got into Portland from LA. First time doing Amtrak long distance. I called today to upgrade to Business Class for the ride back home. I move my day back to Monday instead of Sunday and it cost an additional $81. I had 2 babies cry in my car that night I was to sleep and a loud older gentleman on the border of mental illness in my car. Call me a snob, but I will never ride coach again.
HI THIS IS AWESOME INFORMATION MY HUSBAND AND I WILL BE LEAVING ON AUGUST 31, 2022 WE GOT COACH WE GOING TO NIGARA FALLS, NY
Disagree with you on northeast corridor having done the ny/wash run 200 times to visit family. The distance to the seat in front of you is substantial in business class. And as usually being a solo traveler almost v always got my own double seat...never happened in coach.
Love you guys.
Thanks!
Unfortunately I watched this after buying my tickets. I'm going clear across country on the train, all alone for my first time! I was able to score business class on 2 of the trains but the main one going from Vancouver WA (I think? Can't remember. On second thought, might be portland OR) to Chicago for some reason it wouldn't let me select business even though it said they were available, so I got stuck with coach for the main stretch. But anyways I was just more so looking for a video to show me what to expect and this did just that! Thank you
Amtrak's Coast Starlight once had an additional lounge car (Pacific Parlour Car) exclusively for Sleeper Car passengers until 2016 when they decided to eliminate them from their consists altogether. Unlike Sightseer Lounge Cars, they were 1950's lounge cars from ATSF's all coach bi-level El Capitan trains which ran between L.A. & Chicago. They were refurbished & offered a pleasant experience with wine tasting & complimentary snacks & an exclusive dinner menu. I was disappointed when they took them off. Someone posted a short video on UA-cam on these cars as they were taken out of service & it was a sad day.
The Pacific Parlour car is gone?! Well, that sucks...
The "red" business class cars occupy one end of the amdinette/snack bar car. The red section used to be the full first class, am club section on northeast corridor trains before the institution of the Acelas. The red section had a galley where the attendant would prepare your full at seat meals. After the start of Acela service, this was discontinued and the only first class on northeast trains was that on the Acelas
California Zephyr is the one that I have taken from Nebraska to Denver, Colorado and I took coach and had the red seats
Awesome!
Never traveled on Amtrak, & visioning on a business coach
I'm thinking about taking a train from New Orleans to Detroit Michigan. But I was debating if I want to get a room at or go business or go coach. Shoot me some ideas if you like please
Great info. 💜💛💜💛
Thanks!
There is one other advantage that is not on the trains themselves; the lounges. Correct me though if I am wrong about part of it in the sense of when the lounge is available to passengers, but the lounge is very important to people like my husband and I... very high levels of stress and anxiety for us, so we need the quiet of the lounges if and when we travel by train, so for us at least the upgrade IS desireable.
I hear you. Even when traveling by plane, I am always looking for a United Airlines lounge were, I can relax as a Life-time member (smile...smile).
There is a big advantage in business class when that business class car is separate from coach as it is from Chicago to St Louis. It is much quieter w no families, or young people who pay no attention to the instruction to use ear pieces when gaming, watching videos, or phonecalls. And it is connected to the club car so none of those long shaky walks to get food and drink. Definitely worth it.
Hi. Can you speak to costs? I’m thinking about a bedroom from Boston to San Diego. I’ve seen your comparison of the roomette, family, and bedroom but I haven’t found general prices. I know that the trip is 3-4 days and that’s fine for me
I just took the train coach class from Milwaukee WI to Vancouver WA and was not happy with the confusion over “Checked baggage” and what that means. I was taking my son to school in WA and we decided to take the train because we could “check baggage” allowing more luggage than an air plan. We did this so we could pack more to save money on buying stuff for the apartment in WA. When we go to the station in Milwaukee they said No Checked baggage but we could take it on the train and store it in the areas for luggage. We had 4 large suitcases at 45lbs each and we each had 6 carry on 19lbs each staying with in the rules. 2 employees asked why we didn’t check the luggage and one that said we couldn’t “check” the luggage.
The ride was ok, but again confusion about the dining car and I didn’t realize that “coach” or as I called it steerage like the lower class on the titanic were not allowed to get food from the dining cars or eat with the rest of the privileged. We ate from the cafe and it was not bad, loved the hot dogs (Hebrew national) and the Mac n cheese(Marie calendars). I do wish they would have some cold beverages.
Over all was not bad, I did chat with some nice people and the employee that was in charge of our car was amazing, he was the only reason I did not flip my lid.
Very odd that you couldn't check baggage in Milwaukee. I'd suspect the problem is that there is no checked baggage service in Vancouver, WA, which meant they wouldn't be able to get your bags off the train there.
When I take the train, I always do business class. Much more room, snack/drink. It is so worth it.
next time I take the Lincoln service up to Chicago I'll be riding business just for the single seating.
Thanks guys
Our pleasure!
Thanks!
Yes that’s why I would choose business. It would be quieter. When she mentioned families I immediately decided coach. I love kids,bout I also love peace with a view
In defense of Northeast Regional business class, the legroom is actually noticeably better. The seats are slightly nicer, and there are curtains. Also, Northeast Regional business class isn’t usually crowded (compared to all Acela accommodations), so that’s nice in plague times.
I was looking for this comment. I agree completely on the legroom. A big improvement from coach on the northeast regional. And the assigned seat is a big plus also. No more worries about getting on quickly to find a seat.
My trip is very long Hartford CT to Rochrster NY I’ve been thinking of try the business class but I can’t find myself paying so much extra 🤔😄
Re: Downeaster: Amtrak used to run some coach cars with fewer seats that would lie almost flat. Did the Downeaster business seats do that?
So the Downeaster did have some Amfleet IIs on it and that wasn’t just my childhood imagination?
@@thefareplayer2254 The cars I remember were Heritage, and on the Lake Shore Limited.
Hello! I traveled from Kansas City to Los Angeles with a roommate, and my husband didn't like to sleep on the top bed. The bedroom should be better. But we love to travel more. Do you think one night or two in a business class can be minimally comfortable? I think the business class has fewer complicated situations with children or troubled people at night.
I think the Amtrak Maple Leaf should've added a few extra cars.
Like, maybe at least one sleeper and one baggage car since it's a long distance train and it takes about a whole day to get from New York to Toronto since you'll be stuck in Niagara Falls for maybe 3 to 5 hrs.
We love using a sleeper car for a 12-15 hour trip. We do it between LA and SF.
I am wondering which to do on Empire Builder.
If you are in coach are the trains generally FULL or would/could you find yourself in a coach seat with an empty seat by you? Big Tall guy, love a roomette but the cost is 4x the coach for zephyr 19 hr trip chicago to denver for me.
Assigned seating is the biggest advantage.
good review
For a post lung transplant patient traveling from NYC to Atlanta/Mapletree, would you recommend business, coach or roomette?
Will be riding on the Wolverine in June. Interested if business class is better for the 5 hour trip to Detriot
We haven't been on the Wolverine, even though Rob is from Michigan, so we aren't sure
Which train(s) have the 2-across/1 across configuration in business, or does it vary? Having that single seat would be worth extra to me.
That is on the Acela in First Class
Would you recommend someone working remotely from the business class? Which one has the most room for a computer set up?
For the Zephyr I will be almost 19 hours and roomette is 4x the price of coach so I am considering coach due to cost. Any tips to get a better rate on a roomette I was shocked at the price 1000+ vs coach at $250ish.
Hi, Gonna travel for the first time, does the train have extra space for Big baggage? Thanks!
The only coach class worth it on NE Regional is the Quiet Car. That said, it’s always crowded.
Hi guys, my husband and I will attend a family wedding in Missouri. We research by train sleeper cars, which cost around $660 per person. If we go by business class, you can get some sleep a little more comfortably. Can we pay an extra for a shower? We could go to Chicago first to spend two or three days.