Dovecote
OBS Chief
On May 11, my wife and I completed an Acela first class trip from NYP to WAS with continuing coach service on the Capitol Limited to HFY. The timing of the trip could not have been any better with the recent start of the AGR triple bonus point promotion. Unless my math is bad, I calculate earning 2,438 AGR points with this promotion which includes the 25% extra points as a Select status member. To this date, I am still waiting for my points to post. Looks like a Missing Points Request will soon be made as it is nearly three weeks since the trip transpired.
Prior to the start of our travel we took advantage of the first class perks by staying in the NYP Club Acela lounge. Actually the first class trip was made possible with the use of a AGR upgrade coupon that I received earlier this year when reaching AGR Select status. I upgraded to first class the day before at the Amtrak NYP ticket counter. It was a process that was as simple as it gets. The Club Acela lounge had the typical complimentary beverages for the guests. We watched television until our Red Cap escorted us to the track. As we were leaving the lounge a familiar face was entering into the lounge. It was U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel. As it turned out, Congressman Rangel was on our train as well and shortly afterwards he sat behind us in our car. I had a nice non-political discussion with the Congressman prior to the start of the trip.
Shortly after the train departed from the station one of our two car attendants welcomed us on the train and offered us a complimentary beverage. The beverage list consisted of spirits, cordials, beer, wine, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, and bottled water. We ordered a mixed drink and were quickly served. Accompanying our drinks was a snack mix primarily containing mixed nuts. About a half-hour into the trip we placed our lunch order. The menu choice consisted of either a chicken, meat, or vegetarian selection. There was also a “small plate” selection for those preferring a lighter meal. After the meal we ordered an after dinner cordial and proceeded have another one later. Toward the end of the trip we both had a cup of coffee.
As we were entering into the station yard, I began another conversation with Mr. Rangel until another familiar face approached the two us. The gentlemen was former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn. He had a brief conversation with the Congressman and shortly afterwards I introduced myself to Mr. Nunn. It was an honor to meet my former Senator who served in the Senate during the years I resided in Georgia. We had a nice conversation about Mr. Nunn's hometown of Perry and my winter home (and soon to be my year round home) in Thomasville.
We arrived in WAS on time and proceeded directly to the Club Acela lounge to wait for our connecting train, the Capitol Limited, to HFY. The lounge was near full with most waiting for the Cap. We participated in the early boarding procedure and proceed to our usual lower level seat in the coach car. The train lost time in route and we arrived about a hour late.
Prior to the start of our travel we took advantage of the first class perks by staying in the NYP Club Acela lounge. Actually the first class trip was made possible with the use of a AGR upgrade coupon that I received earlier this year when reaching AGR Select status. I upgraded to first class the day before at the Amtrak NYP ticket counter. It was a process that was as simple as it gets. The Club Acela lounge had the typical complimentary beverages for the guests. We watched television until our Red Cap escorted us to the track. As we were leaving the lounge a familiar face was entering into the lounge. It was U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel. As it turned out, Congressman Rangel was on our train as well and shortly afterwards he sat behind us in our car. I had a nice non-political discussion with the Congressman prior to the start of the trip.
Shortly after the train departed from the station one of our two car attendants welcomed us on the train and offered us a complimentary beverage. The beverage list consisted of spirits, cordials, beer, wine, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, and bottled water. We ordered a mixed drink and were quickly served. Accompanying our drinks was a snack mix primarily containing mixed nuts. About a half-hour into the trip we placed our lunch order. The menu choice consisted of either a chicken, meat, or vegetarian selection. There was also a “small plate” selection for those preferring a lighter meal. After the meal we ordered an after dinner cordial and proceeded have another one later. Toward the end of the trip we both had a cup of coffee.
As we were entering into the station yard, I began another conversation with Mr. Rangel until another familiar face approached the two us. The gentlemen was former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn. He had a brief conversation with the Congressman and shortly afterwards I introduced myself to Mr. Nunn. It was an honor to meet my former Senator who served in the Senate during the years I resided in Georgia. We had a nice conversation about Mr. Nunn's hometown of Perry and my winter home (and soon to be my year round home) in Thomasville.
We arrived in WAS on time and proceeded directly to the Club Acela lounge to wait for our connecting train, the Capitol Limited, to HFY. The lounge was near full with most waiting for the Cap. We participated in the early boarding procedure and proceed to our usual lower level seat in the coach car. The train lost time in route and we arrived about a hour late.
