Reviewing EVERY Amtrak Acela Lounge (in ONE DAY!)

[@MilesinTransit]

People more familiar with Amtrak's lounges - let me know if I missed anything or got anything wrong! I'll add any corrections to this comment and potentially update the scores spreadsheet here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RrbmmyCEjfvZXRB8CmUoyZuueW4ljaOFPgpSui8D1Aw/edit#gid=0

[@coolnewpants]

You don't like Doritos?!

[@Gokatgo]

fringlefrang

[@piemadd]

BTW on the outside food an beverages thing, I've found that if you ask the attendant if you can bring something in, they're completely fine with it. Specifically speaking off of my DC lounge experience.

[@nerdyandnatural]

I was just about to say this. I've gone into the DC and Philly lounges with food and drink and they were cool with it. I think they don't mind as long as it's not something smelly and messy

[@MilesinTransit]

Yeah, I figured the outside food rule was probably pretty lax! But it's still stupid that it's a rule in the first place...

[@Eng202Project]

As a frequent guest of the NYP lounge, there is a way to get down to the track and skip the line! Just continue straight after you get off the escalator to the main level, head down the steps to the mezzanine level, and you’ll have direct stairwell and elevator access to each track.

[@johnhawkinson]

Yes. That "mezzanine" is technically the West End Concourse.

[@MilesinTransit]

Right, but that's something anyone can do! It's not a feature exclusive to the lounge.

[@johnhawkinson]

@@MilesinTransit I think the idea is you combine them - you use the track information available only (?) to people in the lounge with the pathway through the West End Concourse, and the result is you have direct access to the track that others don't. Sure, if they knew the track number they could swarm down there, but they don't.

[@MilesinTransit]

Yeahhhh but for a true "priority boarding" experience they'd have to make that more clear. You shouldn't have to know the secret entrance just to be able to board early!

[@jonahturner6389]

Amtrak is eternally full of Chex mix. Gotta give Acela passengers the emergency snack experience in the comfort of the lounge

[@hoozthair6076]

My wife and I have been in a lot of the Amtrak lounges, including the one at STL, and I give every one of them a five because they are so much better than the lounges we get with Airlines with our first class ticket. Of the ones that you went into we have not been into BOS and we like WAS the best. But we were in nyp before they built the new Lounge. I'll have to say that we did like PHL because of the fact that it was just stuck in an old part of the station, at least that's what it looked like to me. So anyway, with all of the traveling we have done on Amtrak and Airlines I have always been thankful for any Amtrak Lounge that I've been able to use.

[@flyoma]

In being Amtrak Select Plus for several years of weekly NEC trips (and one year of Select Executive when me and a friend did a few named trains end to end in a bedroom), and flying a hundred times a year, the very best line ever delivered to me by a customer service agent was at the Acela lounge at South Station... entered in, had ticket/ID checked, and then hear from behind me in a very loud, very Boston accent: "There's free wifi, but I wouldn't do any banking over it!"

[@52_Pickup]

The editing on this video is insanely good! Glad to have met you recently and hope to see more amazing content in the future!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much, and it was a blast to meet you too! I promise I'll check out your channel soon, it's a busy time right now 😬

[@stephenkeever6029]

I would have given Philly an extra boarding point for the direct to the platform elevator. I know it just puts you on the platform with everyone else but at least you don't have to wait in the long snaking line to get to the stairs where lots of people are trying to bring massive amounts of luggage slowly on the stairs.

[@MilesinTransit]

Yeah, I think that might just be my most controversial opinion on here! I just remember getting a sleeper train from Philly in the middle of December and being really annoyed that I had to wait on the cold platform for LONGER than everyone else - plus, with the way the trains work in Philly, you don't have to wait in the line as a coach passenger! They board before the train arrives so you can just go down the stairs after the line has finished and still have a chance at a good seat.

[@rjones8508]

I've used the DC lounge to go straight to the regional track. Using the lounge exit, you essentially merge with the masses, but in front.

[@Dogod2]

9:10 The Moinyhan priority boarding process is to go down to the floor between the main concourse and the tracks. Watch the departure board there. And walk down the wide, unguraded staircases to the track while everyone else is stuck waiting for the narrow escalator. I do that every time, and I don't even have a first class ticket. 11:48 That's the peak Boston transit experience right there. It works, but it takes two tries and the result leaves you with a bit of a bad taste.

[@kingbibihabibi]

You don't even need to wait for the departure board if you listen carefully for the sound of a train pulling in, then ask the first person who gets off and comes up the stairs which train it is.

[@MilesinTransit]

But that's also why I can't factor in into a "priority boarding" score - sneaking in through the Cuomo Concourse is something anyone can do, it's not exclusive to the lounge!

[@JacksonBetz]

8:20 that capsule pretzel review gives me life

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Truly a Miles moment of all time

[@alexanderhitch5786]

what a fantastic 24-hour endavour, appreciate your work Miles, I will never use AMTRAK lounges unless I am in NY :D .... hope you collected tons of snacks.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much! I think I had, like, four of those Haaaaal's Pretzels that day - they were really good! (not as good as Snyder's though, of course)

[@eitanberechman2787]

I love the Ringo photo. In addition, I saw him at the Boch Centre Wang Theatre in Boston in 2018 and 2022 and I want to see him again in 2023

[@vtbiker7246]

Nobody cares.

[@MilesinTransit]

Man, I really hope I can see him or Paul over the next couple years - I've yet to see a Beatle live before! Plus I love how Ringo has a supergroup with him so you also get to hear songs from Toto, Men at Work, etc.!

[@eitanberechman2787]

Last time, he had Edgar Winter, Steve Lukather (Toto), Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), and Colin Hay (Men at Work)

[@jameswalker68]

I love the slow blinking tired Miles at the very end! 😂

[@paulallenk4830]

Very informative. Thank you for putting in a 24 hour day.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you!

[@hoozthair6076]

Try flying first class and check out those lounges. You get to be jammed into the waiting area with dozens of other people. I really enjoy the Amtrak first-class lounges as they are definitely much better.

[@javierreyes4803]

I remember taking the 7AM Amtrak from Penn Station to Boston and I thought it was gonna be less people, but then everyone came out of no where so my best is be the 1st person in line

[@edwardapier]

Pro tip at Moynahan: give a redcap a few bucks and he'll take you down to the train before the masses board.

[@MilesinTransit]

I tend to just wait in the West End Concourse because you don't have to line up there

[@curtiscuen7468]

Awesome review. Thank you

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks!

[@wittywiko]

Priority boarding should put you on the train last since seats are assigned and you are ensured the overhead above your seat. The only benefit to being first on the train would be if you were coach.

[@osurpless]

The interesting thing about the coffee area in Boston is that mine in January of 2023 specifically said to help yourself. So was grateful for the free La Colombe coffee throughout the day. And for later on the Acela as well!

[@MilesinTransit]

That sounds much better!

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

9:13 you could also just go to the west end concourse. Also the Boston lounge pre pandemic had someone at the door checking the tickets. I Took the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago with a sleeper roommette

[@RicksTravelogue]

The overall message of this video: Amtrak still has a lot of work to do if they want business travelers to take their mode of transportation more seriously over flying, especially on the Northeast Corridor.

[@ManuAgnihotri]

Yes, but not necessarily. Lounges are an accessory to the main experience. Acela is already immensely popular with business travelers, and Amtrak carries more travelers than any airline in the Northeast Corridor.

[@Metsfan30]

there’s so many entrances to tracks at penn, just go downstairs to the west concourse

[@kitchin2]

Lounge lizards are even close by West. Which is east.

[@MilesinTransit]

Sure, but "sneaking in through the Cuomo Concourse" isn't a feature of the lounge - anyone can do that!

[@johnrichards3666]

I've been busy all day just doing stuff. This episode made me laugh. Thanks - I'll be back.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@stephenartnermusic]

Thank you for this incredible public service good sir. This is the content we all need

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you!

[@Unmannedperson]

10:12: "First we have to make an obligatory trip" while focusing in on Auntie Anne's. My man! Team #AuntieAnnes for life! Those Wetzels losers can go kick rocks.

[@lyledal]

Are the 3 things like the 3 Shells?

[@timothyschollux]

fringlefrang When do I receive my complementary Pretzel?

[@idxluaviation]

bro went from Northeast Regional Economy to Acela First Class in Philly

[@trainandmore]

I feel like you have to have a suit to go on Acela, did anyone give you a look wearing a green line shirt when everyone else is wearing dress shirts? I know anyone can ride it, because they'll want money, but it feels like commoners take the regional, and the rich idiots take Acela. Taking it is on my bucket list though. The lounges themselves through seem fine, take advantage of the free drinks, and snacks, I don't care for priority boarding ( you're on first, doesn't mean you're leaving any sooner.), but being away from the homeless asking for money and the crowds sounds wonderful! No I don't have money, leave me alone I just want to play Pokemon Go. I like them.

[@nerdyandnatural]

Yeah Acela has that impression of it being for snobby business men because that's who Amtrak built them for and advertise to. But you'll be surprised at how many regular folks ride them frequently (plus most of the business men go to First Class now)

[@SeaBassTian]

Lol I like the fact that each lounge seemed completely empty. They should pay Miles to spice them up a bit!

[@Maunico0809]

NYP is the best obviously (No bias)

[@josiahdillard7428]

I wish the Acela nonstop would come back from NYC to Washington

[@LexJones207]

I've only ever been to the Chicago, Boston and DC lounges. The Chicago one gets some bonus because they have nice showers, but unless you got a free pass or a traveling sleeper class the lounges aren't really worth extra money. I mean, how many complimentary cups of coffee can I drink in an hour or two?

[@EcoScratcher]

omg fringlefrang plz miles!!!! 2:36 wow that's like the exact same monitor I have at home lol (but with HDMI???)

[@SmokiesDen]

1:33 I wonder what percentage of the "pixelation" can be attributed to the abhorrent state of his glasses vs what precent to amtrak just being amtrak.

[@williamerazo3921]

Amtrak needs to learned from United Club lounges. Seating and Food in those clubs are 5/5 but don’t try the Newark by gate C93 it’s ok but by C50 great

[@paulriv]

fringlefrang (cursed NEC upcharges smh)

[@Mergatroid]

oh my god those computers are so up to date, that's like a 3 year old version of chrome in philly and boston

[@MilesinTransit]

Perfect for first-class businesspeople!

[@bcampbelnd]

Your secret about Wilmingtons lounge is safe with me. LOL😅

[@MilesinTransit]

Phew, thanks a lot!

[@GaigeGrosskreutzGunClub]

new ad campaign I think, therefore I Amtrak

[@soundslikealotofhoopla2285]

Fringlefrang, I hope to visit New York one day!

[@AHMx1995]

Miles, please tell us you changed your Google password after this lol

[@abrandenburg10]

Miles seriously spent 30 minutes fixing the business center in DC for everyone. What a legend

[@Bloor25]

Fringlefrang!!!!!

[@karatransitfur]

Holy fringlefrang what an awesome video

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks Stormy!

[@jacorp7476]

fringlefrang

[@CMDRsomeone77]

7:30 ackshually....those are screws lol

[@crazoatmeal1854]

Do many people actually pay to use the lounges vs just getting in with their ticket? If it's mostly the latter, I don't see priority boarding being worth much on the NEC, since you'd already have an assigned seat/room anyways...

[@MilesinTransit]

It's probably mostly the latter, but priority boarding IS a selling point for the lounges on Amtrak's end regardless!

[@chicagolandrailfan143]

nice content

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks!

[@96GLpaljWth6]

Please make merch. Thank you.

[@MilesinTransit]

I've thought about it before! What kinds of designs would be good, do you think? Just a logo, or something else?

[@96GLpaljWth6]

@@MilesinTransit Honestly, that's a really good question, and I'm certainly no expert. That said, I could see either the logo or maybe a couple iconic channel symbols - something with Amtrak DiGiorno? Haha

[@MilesinTransit]

Haha, noted, thank you!

[@JustAnotherPoorSlob]

@7:27 Screws, not nails (joke about the difference between being nailed and screwed omitted)

[@MilesinTransit]

Hahahaha, duly noted

[@thatpersonsmusic]

Fringlefrang (If they don’t let me in now, I’ll be sad)

[@SirKenchalot]

No one anywhere has solved the 'how to print commenting quickly on a printer' problem since the early days of the PC.

[@hgraham93]

I'm a little upset how your camera is better at focusing on the background and not on your face. Otherwise, excellent video as always! Love seeing what you end up doing with your time

[@MilesinTransit]

The autofocus on my camera has a mind of its own :(

[@hgraham93]

@@MilesinTransit Love that you replied!! Keep up the great work, love your videos

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!!

[@phronsiekeys]

I wonder who decides on the snacks?

[@MilesinTransit]

Good question, I'm not sure!

[@Dr.ZoidbergPhD]

It sounds like you could have taken a mouse from one comp and plugged it into the comp with a working printer to make one functioning printer. To he fair, I'm being harsh on you, but there may be people that were relying on this and may not jave the know-how. Plz do a favor for someone

[@MilesinTransit]

Yeah, good point...if I ever go back into the lounge I'll remember to switch them!

[@Grahzzyhardcore]

new york lounge da best

[@johnhawkinson]

Hey Miles! I think the value of a lounge has to graded against the seating for the proletariat in the station. For instance, at Washington Union Station, it’s nearly impossible to find a power outlet in the regular station, so the lounge power is much more valuable (there’s like 2 receptacles in the MARC waiting area and also 2 by the Amtrak baggage carousel?). But at New York Penn Station, it’s easy to find an outlet in the Amtrak ticketed passenger waiting areas (esp. if you ignore Moynihan). Maybe this just means I think you should review non-lounge waiting areas. Obligatory carpentry note: screws are not nails. Screws are far more brittle in shear. @7:28 As for NYP priority boarding, I think you’re supposed to exit the lounge and go down to the West End Concourse via the SE corner stairs, and then from there down to the track-not to hang out in Moynihan Hall. But I dunno, I just wait at the Penn Station exit concourse and guess a track and then if I see the crew come down on another track, I switch tracks. I've gotten good at guessing. I consider it a win if I watch the train pull in past me. Also, at South Station, I think if you tip/pay a red cap, you can get escorted priority boarding before the line starts to move. And, I think, you can do that even if you're in coach.

[@MilesinTransit]

UH-OH, noted on the nail/screw dichotomy! At NYP they specifically tell you to wait at Moynihan - plus anyone can go to the West End Concourse! It's not a lounge-exclusive feature so it wouldn't count towards "priority boarding" anyway.

[@jacksonkuster3805]

Love spending 60% more to save 15 minutes over a 3 hour journey!!

[@MilesinTransit]

You know it!

[@straighft]

It’s so obvious lol nyp FTW!!!

[@Randomgen77]

Fringlefrang, let me into lounge plz.

[@MilesinTransit]

I'll do my best

[@LifeOnCoach]

✌🏾

[@DevonMopiedmont1143]

Fringlefrangle

[@kennethschlegel870]

New miles content, must consume!!!

[@Ethan93256]

hi miles 😘

[@MilesinTransit]

hi

[@Chappington]

fringlefrang - that hasn't expired yet, has it?

[@michaelimbesi2314]

I thought you needed a first class Acela ticket to even get into the lounge?

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

If you are Miles they just let you in ;-)

[@iamweave]

There's lounge upgrade passes you can get for points.

[@nerdyandnatural]

First Class ticket, Sleeper car ticket, and Amtrak Select Plus and Select Executive members get complimentary access.

[@MilesinTransit]

I used lounge passes for WAS and BOS, and a first class upgrade between PHL and NYP!

[@ctfpd09]

Of course the video is 13:37 nice.

[@MilesinTransit]

What's special about 13:37?

[@ctfpd09]

@@MilesinTransit it's leet. You've never heard of it?

[@MilesinTransit]

I suppose not!

[@williamerazo3921]

I’m with you miles . If Amtrak wants business first class passengers they need to up there luxury options pronto

[@williamerazo3921]

Lol

[@SwC3ATN]

DC is the worst one

[@ecstasyofgold888]

Haha! Business!!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

"So we're just gonna pretend it doesn't exist." Miles be like *"There is no Wilmington in Ba Sing Se."* The pre-Moynihan Club Acela used to be...pretty bad to say the least (symbolic of the pre-Moynihan modern Penn Station in general; the only thing good about it before Moynihan was it had the only Krispy Kreme in the entire state for a long time). So the Moynihan Metropolitan Lounge upgrade was much needed. Fun fact, DC's Union Station was designed by Daniel Burnham who also worked on the Flatiron Building and the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago! And while DC is famous for its cherry blossoms as shown on the walls at 1:23, *Newark's Branch Brook Park* actually has the most cherry blossoms in the US with over five thousand of them and 14 varieties!

[@CarlLevitt]

And you can take the Newark Light Rail to Branch Brook Park directly from Penn Station!

[@MilesinTransit]

Branch Brook Park, whoa! Now that's a fun fact.

[@Draco137YT]

fringlefrang

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

"Mom, can we go to a Pitbull concert?" "We have Pitbull at home" Pitbull at home: 8:45 Kudos to Aleena for sending quality pictures! Fringlefrang, this is some dedication! Says a lot about how much the DC lounge wants you out of there when they have advertisement for *TAMPA BAY* at 2:04. And of course Philadelphia has The Office on their TV because deep inside, they wish that they were the Electric City known as Scranton. On top of betraying our hearts with Rold Gold instead of holy Snyder's, Philadelphia's lounge is severely disappointing. Also, believe it or not, Philadelphia cream cheese doesn't ACTUALLY come from Philly! It originated in NEW YORK! So why is it called Philadelphia? Because Philly was once known for its quality dairy, so it was marketed Philadelphia to trick people into thinking it was a dairy product from Philly.

[@adnamamedia]

I love how this is a genuinely useful video in addition to being entertaining. are there any other videos or articles on the internet that review all four lounges at once in this kind of detail?

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you! I've never seen another one myself, but I've also never searched for one - they could be out there!

[@justagiraffe2868]

fringlefrang

[@davidjarvis2057]

The Metropolitan lounge in Portland, OR is pretty nice. No food but free drinks and good seating. There is a door that goes directly onto the tracks for early boarding.

[@LoopysLeftovers]

Update from the DC lounge: They took down the photos on the wall and they are looking to replace it. They replaced the soda fountain with soda cans in the fridge and got a new ice and water machine. The business center is the same as in the video. But, I didn’t get a chance to test the printer. Also, fringlefrang

[@RichardChonak]

I used the Washington lounge a few weeks ago, and you're right about its disappointing food offerings. That could have been acceptable when Union Station had a lot of food options, but since many of those are gone now, the lounge ought to step things up. As for the Business Centers, I don't think color printing would be important to business people. If they wanted to print presentation materials using color, they'd upload the file to FedEx Office, have it printed and bound on high-quality paper in the destination city, and pick it up. Thanks for the informatative video.

[@MilesinTransit]

Yeah, the color printing thing was a little arbitrary, but I thought it was fun to hope I would find one! Also I too lament the new lack of food at Union Station - although even if there were restaurants there, the "outside food" rule technically prevents anyone from bringing stuff into the lounge! (I'm sure they're lax about it though)

[@TalKessler]

fringlefrang

[@calbrady716]

I use the Philly lounge about once a month to go to BWI (I’m Select Plus anyway but I pay for Acela first class as a splurge). The priority boarding is nice for me because I get to sit and chill until they call me to the elevator instead of queueing in the main hall, but you’re right that you’re still waiting on the platform with everyone else. (Sometimes they even take us down AFTER the regular boarding starts!) DC and Boston are termini and I believe NYP normally has a long stopover / crew change, but Philly’s just a regular stop so they can’t wait until the train arrives to get people to the platform. Surprisingly, the lounge typically has ample seating on a Thursday or Friday afternoon when I usually am there even though it’s small. I’ll have to try taking over the TV when I’m there tomorrow!

[@emmettsmithjr3410]

I agree the Phil lounge is great board in the lounge as every one else starts a line

[@odess4sd4d]

This inspired me to give the boarding process in Chicago a 2/5 due to the nice advance announcement. But if i thought i was going to avoid the outer ring of hell gulag archipelago scene in the concourse with confused people being yelled at by wardens and herded into lines (which i did) i was wrong, very wrong. Down the ramp from the metropolitan lounge and into a scene from Dante. Or maybe Kafka.

[@davidknecht2054]

fringlefrang

[@patrickmartin3322]

The DC lounge looks like the lobby of a rural Hampton Inn

[@MilesinTransit]

Hahahaha, TRUE

[@cameron_o]

fringlefrang, also another banger, keep putting these out

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks Cameron!!

[@MassbyTrain]

Miles how can you let Boston down

[@GaigeGrosskreutzGunClub]

I think Boston let HIM down

[@ahuman9143]

fringlefrang... where is my lounge access you promised me it WHERE IS IT IVE BEEN TRICKED :(

[@MrJamieBattle]

My station got second place!!

[@noeonoohno4219]

America is just crazy the aestetic of the publicly funded stuff is just so weird

[@mikeymullins5305]

Oh the worst bit of the chex mix i think is called 'sweiback" though i forget how to spell it.

[@odess4sd4d]

Free nails!

[@lmpost99]

I remember seeing your Twitter thread in real time, so glad this turned into a full vid

[@tyleralberico9340]

fringlefrang 💞

[@wallacebrown7311]

Fringlefrang

[@Vtarngpb]

2:53 pc load letter?!? 🤬

[@piemadd]

Also one thing to note, the Pepsi soda fountain dispenses coke products.

[@hi55us2]

Haha, that's too funny