Can anyone please provide the differences from reseved coach seating to business class on the empire service amtrak train. We will be taking it from Penn Station to Rochester NY and to upgrade the cost is $26.00. I have never travelled on amtrack before and was wondering if the the cost of the upgrade was worth it.
Thank you!

Here is their explanation of the differences:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conten...=1080080554437

"Reserved" coach seating isn't an actual assigned seat, it just means that they promise not to sell more tickets than they have seats.

it's always hard to answer whether something is "worth it" since it all depends on your priorities, and how much money $26 is to you.

I've taken amtrak a few times, most recently on part of the Lakeshore train (Chicago to Boston). I though the upgrade to business class was worth it. I had power for my laptop (so I could watch movies!). The seats are larger and more comfortable. The car is a little bit quieter, as there tend to be fewer children, and its at the front of the train so people don't walk through. Those things were worth a few bucks to me, perhaps they would not be to someone else.

I'd take it!

The one time we took Amtrak from Rochester to NYC it was awful. Hordes of people stuck standing int he aisles. Bathrooms overflowing. They ran out of food about an hour into the trip...

In addition to the above mentioned perks, business class passengers also get to board before everyone else in coach. Most of the ones I have been on also included drinks and some snacks at the cafe car. I think it is usually worth it for the extra charge.

It's worth it, if it is comparable to a regular business class seat on the Acela trains.

Go for it. I ALWAYS travel bsusiness class. You get a seat in a separate section of the cafe coach reserved only for business class customers.
Also there is a coach attendant that will give you free soda and water.
The seating is 2 seats wide on one side and across the aisle 1 seat wide. There should be electrical sockets near your seat if you want to charge your computer, cell phone, etc.
Also, if the rest of the train is sold out, no worry about hordes of people standing in your aisle.

Thank you to all that replied. I did the upgrade to business class and it WAS absolutely well worth it.
Less people, more room (3 seats across vs 6 seats) and a plug in for my lap top. It was much, much quieter too.
Thanks again!