- I traveled first class on Amtrak for the first time from Philadelphia to New York City.
- The Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge came with many perks including free snacks and comfy seating.
- I also enjoyed a complimentary meal and personalized service from a first-class attendant.
I’ve never flown in first class — the closest I’ve come was a free upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus because all the basic economy seats were full.
However, I got a taste of luxury with my first first-class Amtrak ride in February.
Amtrak ridership hit record highs in the fiscal year 2024 with 32.8 million trips, a 15% increase from 2023. In a statement, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said that the ridership record “shows that travelers throughout the US want efficient travel options, and we are committed to meeting that demand.”
I occasionally take Amtrak for medium-distance trips when I don’t have access to a car, but I’ve always sat in coach.
For my inaugural first-class trip, I paid $241 for a seat on an Acela train from Philadelphia to New York City, a journey that typically takes around 1 ½ hours.
An Amtrak representative told Business Insider that first-class passengers “enjoy priority boarding, premium amenities, complimentary onboard food and beverage services, and privileged access to station lounges” across the US.
Here are the most luxurious perks I enjoyed.
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