by SouthernRailway
I fly a lot, sometimes in paid first class and sometimes in first class due to frequent flyer upgrades. I have a lounge membership with my preferred airline. I also take Amtrak, usually in first or business class. I also like following railroad and aviation news, particularly news about product enhancements for premium-class customers.
It seems as though airlines and some railroads are focusing on enhancing their premium products:
* First and business class on American Airlines has gotten significantly better in the past few years, and even JetBlue and "discount" airlines are now offering premium classes.
* Other airlines seem to be doing more and more to offer a better product in first and business class.
* Via upgraded the Canadian train to offer a more lavish top-priced product.
* Some private operators are offering premium services on trains.
However, Amtrak is doing just the opposite:
* I took the Acela Express in first class recently. The onboard experience was nice, and I'll do it again. However, the ClubAcela and NY Penn Station is a crowded, dark dump. I am surprised that Amtrak offers that for high-fare customers.
* Long-distance trains seem to be having dining services cut back, and the onboard experience isn't luxurious. No on-board lounge (for now), no free alcohol, etc.
* Station amenities at a lot of smaller stops are being cut back. Many larger cities don't even have staffed stations or checked baggage.
Why in the world is Amtrak doing this?
If premium products don't generate sufficient revenue, it makes sense to pare them back, but first class on the Acela surely generates large above-the-rail profits, and subjecting people who pay $300 one-way between NYP and Boston to the dreadful experience of NY Penn Station and that ClubAcela is astounding. Same for people who pay premium fares between NYC and Chicago; they'll be given cold, pre-prepared entrees to eat, self-serve basically, in an unused dining car? Seriously? Amtrak can't boost fares by a few dollars to pay for an airline (and Acela)-style kitchen to permit heated food for first class passengers?
It seems as though airlines and some railroads are focusing on enhancing their premium products:
* First and business class on American Airlines has gotten significantly better in the past few years, and even JetBlue and "discount" airlines are now offering premium classes.
* Other airlines seem to be doing more and more to offer a better product in first and business class.
* Via upgraded the Canadian train to offer a more lavish top-priced product.
* Some private operators are offering premium services on trains.
However, Amtrak is doing just the opposite:
* I took the Acela Express in first class recently. The onboard experience was nice, and I'll do it again. However, the ClubAcela and NY Penn Station is a crowded, dark dump. I am surprised that Amtrak offers that for high-fare customers.
* Long-distance trains seem to be having dining services cut back, and the onboard experience isn't luxurious. No on-board lounge (for now), no free alcohol, etc.
* Station amenities at a lot of smaller stops are being cut back. Many larger cities don't even have staffed stations or checked baggage.
Why in the world is Amtrak doing this?
If premium products don't generate sufficient revenue, it makes sense to pare them back, but first class on the Acela surely generates large above-the-rail profits, and subjecting people who pay $300 one-way between NYP and Boston to the dreadful experience of NY Penn Station and that ClubAcela is astounding. Same for people who pay premium fares between NYC and Chicago; they'll be given cold, pre-prepared entrees to eat, self-serve basically, in an unused dining car? Seriously? Amtrak can't boost fares by a few dollars to pay for an airline (and Acela)-style kitchen to permit heated food for first class passengers?