Sitting in Northeast Regional with extended knee?

[WBG Station 1935]

One of the most pleasant and enjoyable parts of my international journeys is Amtrak. I can walk the block from my house to the Williamsburg train station and take the morning train to Union Station then metro to IAD. Made the journey between WBG & WAS many times. So, I probably should be embarrassed not to know the answer myself, but, last summer I was hit by a car while cycling and broke up pretty good. My lasting reminder is that my left knee does not flex much anymore and when I sit my leg is extended.

As I begin to consider and plan to travel again, I have to think about the places I can sit comfortably. My question is, just how much space is there in coach seats? I've scoured enough YouTube videos to be confident that I can climb on the train and that there's plenty of space between seats in business class. In coach I know that I can sit in the first seats at the front of a car, but, if not available is there enough space between seats that I can sit with a row of seats in front of me with my extended leg and maybe even fit my foot under the seat in front of me? I probably should know, but ya know before last summer I just thought the seats spacious and settled in for each trip. Now I think about things a little differently.

Thanks

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

First of all, welcome! I am glad you have healed well enough to start traveling again. And what a lovely place to start and end your journeys!

I was in coach recently from Mystic, CT to New Haven and was pleasantly surprised at how much legroom there was. However, I am short (5’1”) and have short legs.

If you are tall, it might be more of a problem.

Since you’ll see the conductor as you board (I think just a door or two opens because they put down the steps?), you could briefly explain and ask if it would be possible for you to sit in one of those front seats where you can stretch your leg.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask the conductor for help getting up those steps—i can’t remember how it was when I was at Williamsburg, bit I’ve been in a couple of places where the train tilts a bit and the conductor has had to help me up or down the steps—especially that last one, where there can be a bit of distance between the step and the platform.

Let us know how your first train adventure goes as you return to traveling! Wishing you many good train trips ahead!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I would think you’d qualify as a PWD - passenger with disability. If you book your trip with that, and choose mobility you would most likely be allowed one of the accessible seats. Plus you’ll get a discount on your ticket.

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

As usual, AmtrakBlue gives excellent advice. Booking your trip with the PWD designation seems to be the most sensible plan.

 

[WBG Station 1935]

I understand y'all responded with only the best intentions, but please understand my frustration. I'm not asking about being accommodated or whether I qualify as a PWD, I can accommodate myself. I only asked about the available space between a row of seats and the row of seats in front and left open the opportunity to correct my assumptions regarding business class if that were the case.

 

[AG1]

Maybe this will help. I am 6ft 2in and I can't cross my legs in Amfleet Coach seats except the end seats set for the handicapped. I can cross my legs in Business Class. A relative on crutches with a lower leg cast could only use the end seats with the extra space.

 

[Henry Kisor]

As a person with disabilities myself, I think you qualify easily for the term PWD, even though it sounds as if you might rather classify yourself as a PWI (Person with an Inconvenience). I admire your gumption, though.

 

[WBG Station 1935]

Well, I just went ahead and bought a business class ticket from WBG to WAS and got assigned seat 1A. Happy with that and when I travel I can atleast check out legroom in coach and BC in general firsthand. Thanks

 

[WBG Station 1935]

Coming back to this thread all these months later. Sitting on NER 174 and seat 1A in business class is perfect. There's enough space in the other business class seat that I'd have plenty of room if I selected those. And walked up to coach seats and there's enough room that it would be tolerable.