Amtrak Offers Assigned Seating Option for Acela First Class Passengers
Picky about where you sit on the train?
Amtrak is now allowing First Class passengers on some high-speed Acela trains to choose their seat during the reservation process.
Assigned seating is now available on certain Acela departures, including the ability for passengers to choose window or aisle seats, single or double seats, or a two- or four-person conference table.
Seats will be assigned automatically at booking, but travellers can use the Amtrak website or app to pick the seat they want. Amtrak ticket agents also can change seat assignments. No fee will be charged for seat assignments or changes.
The capability will be added to additional departures later in 2018, after an evaluation period is completed.
“By reducing the anxiety and stress of boarding, we’re making the onboarding process easier, while continuing to ensure the safety of our customers,” said Amtrak chief marketing officer Tim Griffin.
“Customers have long requested assigned seats on trains, allowing families, friends and colleagues to sit together.”
Assigned seats will be opened to all passengers or made available for resale if travelers don’t occupy their chosen seat within two hoursof departure.
Acela trains operate in Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor, between Washington, DC, and Boston.
by Robert Curley
