leotrav

I'm planning to take Amtrak from Baltimore airport (BWI) to NYC Penn Station on a sunday in August in the late afternoon. The two of us will each have a 28" suitcase (Amtrak allowance) and carry on. I've read lots of messages re: Acela Express vs. NE Regional and also that seats are apparently not assigned. Since BWI is the third stop on the train, does anyone know if there is apt to be a problem getting seats together and loading luggage at that time on a sunday on that route? Would take a business class seat if necessary to guarantee this.

doug_stallings

Sundays in general and in the summer in particular are among the busiest days on Amtrak. That said, amtrak doesn't generally oversell their trains except on super busy holiday weekends. And people tend to come and go at every stop. But that doesn't mean you'll find two seats together. I wouldn't be overly worried. Obviously the later in the day the more chance the train will be full. Acela tends yo be a bit less hectic than regular Northeast corridor service, but the cost differential is so much that it rarely seems worth it to me. Business class never seems worth it. In fact, if you have to go for business class on Acela, you might as well fly. The size of your bags is pretty irrelevant.

The one thing that is irrefutable is that buying far in advance is worth it for the discount. If you do spring for Acela, it's usually fully refundable even if cancelled at the last minute. But read all the rules carefully. Amtrak is becoming mor like an airline and has tightened cancellation policies.

nytraveler

Yes, Sundays are busy. On Sunday late afternoon and evening many people who have gone to DC for the weekend will be taking the train home. You MAY get seats together but I certainly wouldn't count on it. I would not dither but get on a car quickly, dump your luggage (too big for overhead bins and you will have to leave at end of car) and concentrate on getting in the same car - so its' easier to coordinate when you get to NY.

You should buy tickets as far in advance as possible to get the best prices.

Dukey1

On the Acela you would need to buy a FIRST CLASS seat, not a Business Class seat.

I don't think it is worth the extra money. People will be getting on and off the train during the journey and the regionals stop in more places than the Acela services do.

flpab

You have a Wilmington and Philly stop. It is really not that long of a trip so would not worry about it.

tomfuller

It is almost certain that more than 2 people will be getting off the train at BWI when you are getting on.
This site is useful for getting the best fare if your plan is a bit flexible. http://amsnag.net/
If the car you are getting on is near capacity, the Conductor will ask someone sitting alone to sit with another solo rider so that you can sit together.
A NE corridor train was the first Amtrak train I ever rode in October 2001.
Even if the Acela is the next train coming into BWI, I would not pay the extra money to arrive 20 minutes earlier.
I encourage you to buy your tickets in advance (online if you have a printer) or have them sent by mail by calling 1800USARAIL. You can also use a Quiktrak machine at the station to get your paper ticket by putting in your credit card and your reservation#.

smetz1

I take that route several times a year, and I've rarely had a problem finding two seats together when getting on at BWI. Many of the trains running that route originate in DC, and while lots of of people get on there, the train doesn't usually get packed until Philly. I've ridden both Acela and the regional trains, and to me the extra money for Acela isn't worth it, especially if you buy early enough to get the $49 fares on the regular Amtrak train. Sometimes, though, the fares available on the regular trains get as high as the Acela trains, so if you find yourself in that situation, just take Acela.