What hidden benefits does business class on Amtrak Cascades offer?
The Riders Guide describes the difference on board between Coach and Business but these seem marginal. Are there any more...?
Best Answer
- A business class ticket includes a voucher for $3 credit in the bistro.
- Business class passengers may use the Metropolitan Lounge at Portland, Oregon station (the only lounge on the Cascades route). This offers free coffee and chilled water, and is both less crowded and better air conditioned than the main station hall. Boarding is straight from the lounge. However, the lounge opening hours do not coincide with all Cascades services (we could not access it for the southbound 9:45AM departure).
- Business class carriages are arranged 1-2 rather than 2-2; thus you have better chances at a window seat, and if travelling alone you can do so without a seatmate.
- There are fewer seats in business class carriages anyway, and in my experience the load factor is also lower. On my most recent Cascades trip, my wife and I were the only passengers in the carriage! This means a more peaceful experience, better ratio of luggage racks to passengers etc.
Business class may offer better earning in Amtrak rewards; I am unfamiliar with the details of that scheme as it is not available to non-Americans.
Pictures about "What hidden benefits does business class on Amtrak Cascades offer?"
What are the benefits of business class on Amtrak?
What does Amtrak business class include?- Priority boarding.
- Seating in a private car.
- Extra legroom seating.
- Assigned seating you can select before you board.
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
- More points for Amtrak Guest Rewards members.
What is the difference in business class on Amtrak?
Coach class offers basic accommodations with comfortable reclining seats, tray tables and overhead reading lights. Amtrak business class seats are cushier with headrests, adjustable footrests, more legroom, tray tables and electrical outlets for laptops or DVD players. Seats usually face forward.What are Amtrak business class seats like?
These seats are larger and more comfortable than seats on an airplane, recline and have a power outlet, reading light and tray. Plus, there are no middle seats. There are only two coach seats together then the aisle and two more coach seats. You can sleep in these seats if desired.Can you sleep on Amtrak business class?
You can upgrade your accommodations from Coach Class to First Class and Business Class seats on Amtrak.com, through our mobile applications, at a staffed station or over the phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL. On trains with sleeping accommodations, you may be able to upgrade to a roomette or bedroom, availability permitting.Business Class on Amtrak review
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Pew Nguyen