2153: Acela Express First Class

So Thursday night as we were packing, someone (not me) started complaining about going to Boston before going back down to Philly. We hadn't yet printed our tickets out, so I checked out amtrak.com to see how much it would cost to switch to an earlier train. For those of you that don't know, right now there are no change fees when taking amtrak. If you change trains, the only amount that you pay is the fare differential. If you switch to a cheaper train, you get a refund, and if you take a more expensive train, you pay the difference.

I noticed that if we took the 2153, departing PVD at 6:45 am, that there would be no additional charge so off I went to the train station to swap out our tickets. In less than five minutes I was walking out of the station with two first class tickets for the 2153. Note that I kept my tickets as departing from BOS, even though we planned to board in PVD. This is so that we could receive the 750 points for the BOS - PHL segment (select city pairs). If I was just ticketed from PVD - PHL I would have saved $8 per person but I would have only received 2 points per dollar spent (so about 350 points each). It is well worth the $8 surcharge to get the city pair bonus.

Someone (not me!) insisted that we get up very early because the parking lot at the train station can fill up. By 5:45 am we left our house and were parked and at the train station in about 10 minutes. We waited in PVD until the train pulled up a few minutes early and boarded the FC car at the back of the train.

Strawberry Pancakes & Cereal and Bagel

The car was pretty empty and we were thrilled to be able to grab one of the tables with single seats facing each other on the left hand (east facing) side of the train. This is the side with the best views heading south. We had two very friendly attendants and we had our breakfast and coffee in about 10 minutes.

I had the strawberry pancakes with vegetarian sausage and T had the the cereal and bagel. We both got coffee and some melon with our breakfast.  We had an uneventful and peaceful ride down the coast, and before I knew it, we were pulling into NYP. The train cleared out and only us and one other person remained in the car.

The car filled up in NYP, and it looked like all of the single seats and many of the groups of two were filled as we continued south towards PHL. T got a bloody mary, and since it was now 10 AM, I joined him. The attendants came by offering a second round of food service, but they were still doing breakfast. I opted for just a bagel with cream cheese and so did T. They were great. The bloody's kept coming, and I ended up holding off since we weren't too far from our destination.

Bloody Mary - round 1!

The last hour went the quickest. I was nearing the end of my latest book (Dances with Dragons, book 5 in the Game of Thrones saga!) and couldn't tear myself away from it. Before I knew it, I saw the Philadelphia skyline to the left and then we were heading past the Schukyl River and the art museum and into the station. We detrained, and this was the first time in a few years that T had been to 30th Street Station. He marveled at the station and the big Solari board and then we headed out to the taxi line.

Later today T will be taking his first trip on SEPTA as we will take the Market Frankford line to the rehearsal dinner and wedding that we are attending. Our trip southbound was so comfortable and convenient. While at a barbecue last weekend I met a new woman who seemed surprised that I would take the train to Philadelphia instead of fly. The train comes out ahead when traveling from Providence to New York or Philly every time because it is just so convenient. The station is so close to our house, the parking is easy and inexpensive, and the acela is quick and comfortable. I can board the train without taking off my shoes and I enjoy the friendly staff.

Triple Points Run to Philly

I just got off the phone with amtrak to confirm my upgrade for my trip on Friday. My husband and I will be heading to Philadelphia for a wedding. Armed with my 48 hour upgrade coupons that my husband received in his Select+ packet this year, I called 1800-USA-RAIL 48 hours before the trip. The call was completed and my first class seats were obtained in less than 5 minutes on the phone, and I even received an email confirmation of the switch.

Friday morning we will get up early and take the 66 into Boston. Then we'll hang out in the Club Acela for about an hour before boarding our train to Philadelphia. The reason for this madness is a) it will ensure we can grab one of our favorite tables for two and b) its triple points this week!  National Train Day is this Saturday, and in honor of it, amtrak is offering triple points this entire week. With this trip on Friday I will receive 750 points (BOS - PHL select city pair) x 3 = 2250 + S bonus (187) + 300 (PVD - BOS) + S bonus (25) = 2,762 points. Not bad for a fun day of riding trains!

While I am super excited for this wedding, I am slightly bummed to be missing out on the train day festivities. Unfortunately I won't have time to head over to 30th Street Station to view the private varnish, sleepers and other train car displays. However, if you love trains, check out www.nationaltrainday.com  to see if there is an event in your area this Saturday, May 12, 2012.