Acela Upgrade Question

[DowneasterPassenger]

Hello, my apologies if this question has been asked before.

I'm booking a trip from PHL to POR (Maine) on July 21. The fare using the Regional is $104 but the fare with Acela is only $136.

Can I use my AGR points for a 3000-point Northeast zone trip, and then pay $32 to upgrade to Acela?

Seems like a better deal than 8000 for Acela + another 1000 for Downeaster.

 

[the_traveler]

The short answer - no!

The northeast zone awards levels are only for (in this case) Regionals and the Downeaster. They do not include Acela for the 3,000 point level. Even a roomette or bedroom award (such as ATL-BOS) allows you to ride BC on a train that does not offer a sleeper (Regionals) - but you can not get an AE, without paying another 8,000 points! (Or more, if you want AE First Class!)