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richp_ny t1_j23j7sx wrote

There isn’t really anywhere to check luggage’s. You carry it on and store it in a luggage rack just like a train in the UK. There is also overhead storage for smaller carry-on sized bags. I think Amtrak asks about checked bags because they charge you if you try to take more than 2 each.

It’s totally fine to show up 5 minutes before as long as you have your tickets already. The train usually waits at South Station in Boston for 15-20 mins before it gets going though, so if you want better seats you might want to be there a bit earlier than 5 mins. Nothing like an hour or two though.

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nattarbox t1_j23uii5 wrote

Acela is assigned seating since the pandemic which makes it a little easier too.

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sit_ascha t1_j23y5u9 wrote

I thought not for coach though? I may be confusing Acela with the Northeast Regional but the last few times I've gone, first and business have been assigned but coach was not.

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nattarbox t1_j2410sv wrote

No coach on Acela, business and first, all assigned.

Regional is still open seating afaik.

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purplepineapple21 t1_j241ats wrote

Acela does not have coach. It's the faster, more expensive train and the whole thing is considered business class, with assigned seating on the whole train.

Northeast Regional is the slower version of the same route, with more stops. The majority of that train is coach with unassigned seats and then 1 car of business class with assigned seats.

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[deleted] t1_j2452bn wrote

[deleted]

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purplepineapple21 t1_j2466gy wrote

No, it doesn't. You must have taken the Northeast Regional. Acela is business and first class only, no coach. I've ridden it and there is no coach car. If you go on Amtrak's website to buy Acela tickets, they all say "unavailable" in the coach column and only list prices for business and first.

"Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela." -Amtrak website

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