Three Zone Business Class

[DowneasterPassenger]

My apologies if this has been asked and answered before.

The Rewards Chart says

THREE ZONES
TYPE OF SEAT POINTS

Coach 10,500

Business Class 12,500

Roomette/Accessible Bedroom 35,000

Bedroom 50,000

(and similar for one zone, two zones)

My question is, what is a three zone Business Class seat? The long distance trains I've taken (SC, CZ and EB) don't have "business class" as such, only coach and sleepers. Does that mean you ride coach and then maybe business class east of Chicago?

 

[the_traveler]

At first glance, it doesn't make sense. But if you think about it, it does.

Example, you could ride BC from NYP-WAS (non-AE), ride coach on the CL and SWC then ride BC on the Surfliner LAX-SAN. You would travel 3 zones and ride BC in zone 1 and zone 3. If you start from say RNO or FLG, the CZ and SWC don't offer BC, so you would spend extra for nothing.

 

[Long Train Runnin']

Good point I had wondered about this as well. So its like a when you book a sleeper reward and then ride a regional or surfliner they put you in BC because its the best they can do.

 

[the_traveler]

Good point I had wondered about this as well. So its like a when you book a sleeper reward and then ride a regional or surfliner they put you in BC because its the best they can do.

Correct - but you may have to ask. Most AGR agents will book you in BC automatically, but some do not automatically. But if you ask, they will!

 

[DowneasterPassenger]

Would 3 zone business class entitle you to use the 1st class lounge in Chicago?

 

[the_traveler]

Would 3 zone business class entitle you to use the 1st class lounge in Chicago?

No! You either have to arrive or depart in a sleeper to use the Metropolitan Lounge, unless you're Select+.