Is there power outlets in the "coach" class of Amtrak?

August 29, 2008 5:03 AM

Is there power outlets in the "coach" class of Amtrak? Specifically for a trip from Montreal to New York City.
posted by Idiot Mittens to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

It depends on the seat configuration and the type of car used (and if I am not mistaken, there is sometimes car migration from one route to another, though I also understand Amtrak tries to minimize this as it irritates mechanics).

I've sat in "coach" class of Amtrak (I think it's called Reserved, but not Business Class) and usually these days there are outlets, yes, usually 1 per 2 seats, though sometimes 2, depending on the kind of power outlets they installed.

On one frustrating trip, the seat I was sitting in actually obscured its power outlet, but a conductor was helpful enough to reconfigure my seat so it spun a little away from the outlet so I could use it (though I then worried about accident involving shearing my plug apart or something with the seat).

The cafe cars almost always have outlets, so you could potentially sit in there and plug in and also have a table. Also, Business Class almost always has outlets too.
posted by kalessin at 5:11 AM on August 29, 2008

Yes-- though not necessarily at every seat, if I recall correctly.
posted by availablelight at 5:12 AM on August 29, 2008

Every Amtrak I've been on has outlets, not necessarily at every seat, but spaced closely enough you should be able to get at one. I've only ever ridden coach (and a couple business-class), but you should be able to find one unless it's a full train when you get on.
posted by pupdog at 5:13 AM on August 29, 2008

I have ridden the Adirondack (Amtrak's NYC-Montreal line) several times in coach (I don't believe business class seats are even sold on this route) and there has always been a rail with power outlets running along each side of the train car. Unless they've started using different cars since the last time I rode this line (fall 2007) I think you're set for AC power.
posted by letourneau at 6:03 AM on August 29, 2008

Yes, but watch out: I had kalessin's problem, and couldn't get the seat reconfigured. I ended up sitting in the snack car for most of my trip, because the outlets are accessible there.
posted by ubersturm at 8:43 AM on August 29, 2008

Every time I've gone coach (which is only about three times total), power has been available.
posted by knave at 9:37 AM on August 29, 2008

some newer trains have them at every seat. dont bet on it though. almost every car has at least one outlet somewhere. i have seen it by the water dispenser/garbage can. otherwise, i have also seen an outlet at one or two random seats in the car.
posted by Nillocsoc at 9:50 AM on August 29, 2008

My experience is that there is always an outlet. I ride it around 10 times a year.
posted by Ironmouth at 10:38 AM on August 29, 2008

The café car always has outlets, but some conductors are total dicks about letting people use laptops at the tables.
posted by nicwolff at 12:32 PM on August 29, 2008