5 Ways To Control the Amtrak Acela Table Seats and Score a Four Banger

I recently took a trip to NYC for work. I always enjoy this ride where you can usually relax, get decent wifi, and maybe snag a seat with a table. It beats the hell out of driving, flying, and the express buses. Book one today!

Those ones in the front are the table seats

During a recent trip when I jumped on a trip from Boston to NYC at a non-originating stop (Rte 128 vs South Station) — I learned how people spread out and claim 4 seats when they only pay for one. Amazing. A four-banger!

I haven’t yet tried these techniques yet — I just needed a seat and while I found someone to finally move, I noticed there are 5 common techniques starting with the most basic to the more advanced “empty-seat occupation strategies.”

1. Sit in aisle seat — and stick a bag on the opposite seat. Basic stuff.
2. Same as #1, but pretend to be sleeping.
3. Pretend to put away overhead luggage with headphones on. Also stick a bag on the aisle seat across you. Just keep moving around and people will think you are busy and will be moving in your seat the whole time.
4. Advanced variation: Same as #3, but talk loudly to someone on your phone.
5. Spill Something or Eat Tuna (or something equally malodorous). While this may damage your short-term social capital, it does not require a bag on the opposite seat depending on severity of spill.

Next time — how you can ride on top of the train for free.