- For the first time I traveled first class on Amtrak from Philadelphia to New York City.
- The Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge came with many benefits, including free snacks and comfortable seats.
- I also enjoyed a free meal and personalized service from a first -class supervisor.
I have never flown in the first class – the closest I came to Delta Comfort Plus closest because all the seats for basic economy were full.
However, I received a taste of luxury with my first first-class Amtrak ride in February.
Amtrak Ridership hit record highs in the tax year 2024 with 32.8 million journeys, an increase of 15% compared to 2023. In a statement, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said that the Ridership record “shows that travelers want efficient travel options through the US , and we are dedicated to meet that requirement. “
I occasionally take Amtrak for mid-distance travel if I don’t have access to a car, but I have always been in a coach.
For my inaugural first-class trip I paid $ 241 for a chair on an ACELA train from Philadelphia to New York City, a journey that usually takes about 1 ½ hours.
An Amtrak representative told Business Insider that first-class passengers “enjoy priority boarding, premium facilities, free food and drink services on board and privileged access to station lounges” in the US.
Here are the most luxurious benefits that I liked.