coachseats said:
Does anyone know if the overnight Federal #66/67 has an entire car dedicated to Business Class? I am taking it next week WAS-BOS and wondered if the upgrade would be worth it, but don't want to pay $30 to sit next to the cafe and its noise and bright lights! Also-are there storage lockers in Union Station in DC? Thanks!
Unless they've changed things since last April, the Federal uses one of the former Metroliner Club Class cars for business class. This means that you will get the nicer, wider seats since you will have 2 & 1 seating. These seats come with foot rests, calf rests, and they recline a bit further than the normal seats.
The car does have a food service area inside, but that service area serves only the business class car and the sleeper. There is a seperate cafe for the coach section of the train. Additionally there is a curtain that seperates the seating area from the counter area.
As for lockers, at one time there were some lockers off of the seating area if I recall correctly. However I'm not sure if they are still there or available if they are still there. There have been major security concerns with lockers in the bigger terminals. You can however check your bags for the day at the regular baggage counter. Expect them to charge you a few bucks for the priviledge.
You should also note however, that if you go business class then you may have another option for your luggage. On the Federal only, a business class ticket entitles you to use the Club Acela lounge. They have a storage area within the lounge. It is unlocked, but I've never heard of any bags disappearing from the lounge.
The lounge of course provides you with a nice quiet waiting area, along with free refreshments, TV's, and internet access so that you can tell us how your trip is going so far. :lol:
Additionally a few other perks come with a business class ticket on the Federal, you get a pillow and a blanket. You can board the train as early as 9:00 PM, plus of course you get the usual complimentary non-alcoholic drinks from the lounge car