Amtrak trains offer you two basic seating options: Coach Class and Business Class. In addition to this, Acela Express also offers the special Premium Class which offers more amenities and comfort. It is important to know the differences in these classes in order to select the seating options that suits you the most. The key difference between Amtrak Coach and Business Class is that Business class is more costly and more comfortable than Coach Class. In addition, Business Class has to be reserved in advance whereas Coach Class has both reserved and unreserved options.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Amtrak Coach Class
3. What is Amtrak Business Class
4. Side by Side Comparison – Amtrak Coach vs Business Class
5. Summary
What is Amtrak Coach Class
Amtrak Coach is one of the three seating options available on Amtrak trains. Amtrak coach is available on all trains except Acela Express. Amtrak coach has both reserved and unreserved options.
Reserved Coach Seats
Reserved coach seating is available on long distance and most short and medium distance trains. The amenities offered, however, might depend on the type of train and destination.
Short / medium-distance trains offer wide reclining seats with sufficient legroom for the passengers’ comfort. They also consist of fold-down trays, individual reading lights and 120v electric outlets.
Coach seating on long distance trains have all these amenities, but they also provide extra leg room, leg rests, and foot rests.
The Superliner trains also offer bi-level sleeping cars; upper-level coach provides a panoramic view whereas lower level coach provides the convenience of being close to the restrooms.
Unreserved Coach Seats
These seats are usually found in short distance trains. Though seating is not guaranteed without prior reservation, unserved seats have most features of reserved coach seats including comfortable reclining seats. These seats also come with individual reading lights, 120v electric outlets and fold down trays.
Figure 1: Amtrak Superliner Coach Class
What is Amtrak Business Class
Amtrak Business class, available on most trains, offers exclusive amenities. Business class seats are typically located in a separate section of the train.While the services offered on Business coach may vary by train, this seating option typically includes extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks.
Business class seats have to be reserved in advance. For all trains except Acela express, business class seats can be reserved under Premium Fare. Business class seats on Acela Express can be found under Saver, Value and Flexible Fares.
Figure 2: Amfleet business class coach
What is the difference between Amtrak Coach and Business Class?
Amtrak Coach vs Business Class |
|
| Amtrak Coach is less expensive than Business Class. | Business Class is more expensive than Coach Class. |
| Comfort | |
| Amtrak Coach is comfortable, but not as comfortable as business class. | Business Class is more comfortable. |
| Reservation | |
| Amtrak Coach has both reserved and unreserved seat options. | Business Class has to be reserved in advance. |
| Amenities | |
| Amtrak Coach offers extra leg space, fold down trains, reading lights, 120v electric outlets, etc. | This offers many amenities including complimentary non-alcohol drinks. But amenities may differ by the train. |
Summary – Amtrak Coach vs Business Class
The main difference between Amtrak Coach and Business Class is that Business Class is more comfortable than the Coach Class. Furthermore, Business Class is more expensive and has to be reserved in advance. Once reserved, you can upgrade your seating option from Coach Class to Business Class through Amtrak official website (Amtrak.com) or through Amtrak mobile application.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Amtrak Superliner coachclass seating” By Ben Schumin – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Amfleet business class car for Northeast Regional” By Ben Schumin – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia