Acela First Class car seat configuration

[mermaidofthenorth]

Because I have a pretty generous voucher from a trip gone awry last spring, I decided I would use it towards traveling First Class in Acela from Boston to NYP this December. I have booked and thought I’d opt for a single seat if possible and looked at the seating map. But many of the seats, both single and double, appear to be across from each other with a table in between, quite common in European trains. I’d rather have someone next to me that be facing someone I don’t know. 11D appears not to have a table in front of it, and while I prefer to ride forward, it isn’t a deal breaker. Has anyone here ridden on one of these trains who might advise me? Thanks very much!

 

[nhgeek]

I frequently ride this route. You'll find both options you describe there, all pretty clearly represented on the seatmap. I was in 11F recently, that row is what you want.

 

[mermaidofthenorth]

I frequently ride this route. You'll find both options you describe there, all pretty clearly represented on the seatmap. I was in 11F recently, that row is what you want.

Thank you.

 

[Steve4031]

Be careful of window alignment. Sitting at a table ensures a full window.

 

[MrsHuf]

Be careful of window alignment. Sitting at a table ensures a full window.

Thank you for that information. I've been contemplating changing our table seats that were preassigned over to the row behind us so we could just enjoy scenery without possibly feeling awkward. It is weird of me as I don't mind being seated next to a stranger but the thought facing them makes me feel anxious. Maybe reliving the nervousness of job interviews when I young? But since I don't know if those seats have a good window angle, I'll just stick to the table seating and just get over feeling awkward.

 

[MARC Rider]

I like to make sure that the seat behind me is facing in the same direction, as this means that I can get a full recline.

 

[mermaidofthenorth]

I very much enjoyed my ride in Acela first class a couple of weeks ago from Boston to NY even though we pulled out almost two hours late. I booked early enough to reserve a single, forward facing seat and the person in front of me was seated in the same direction though she had someone across from her in a table configuration (I overheard some of their conversation and could tell they were getting along). I would have happily ridden backwards, however, to be avoided placed at a table of four strangers, diagonally across from me. They were seated upright, their legs perfectly straight, not being able to stretch them in the list. The toes of their shoes were mere inches away from their opposite seat mates, and when their lunches were served they literally did not have much elbow room. I know that I personally would have opted for the regular Business class car with just one person adjacent and plenty of legroom and have forgone the meal! Speaking of food, I was very pleased with the lunch —chose chicken tandoori with a side of rice containing raisins and almonds. Ingredients and seasoning were on point. The warm roll and tiramisu cup followed by nuts were lovely touches; the one improvement could have been something green like a salad. Our car attendant was absolutely outstanding! I’m not sure I’d have booked this if it hadn’t been for a generous voucher for a trip with glitches last spring, but now I do have a 50.00 coupon for the late departure for a future Acela trip so we shall see.