Haven't been able to find anything on Amtrak website regarding boarding procedures. Is there any type of priority or early boarding process for seniors in NYP? I have traveled from NYP to WAS often in years past before I qualified as a "senior" passenger and can't recall if there was any type of early boarding process.
Does Amtrak offer priority boarding for seniors in NYP?
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Never been to NYP but at WAS I have seen seniors, families with children & persons with disabilities line up in front of the rope that separates the passengers from the doors to the gate. They were allowed to head out to the trains before general boarding.
On our last trip from NYP, there did not seem to be any priority boarding from the line in the lobby. You might wish to use a Red Cap who will carry any luggage you have and get you to the train ahead of the other regular passengers.
Orie
Service Attendant
Some stations like PHI and WA have priority boarding for business/first, the elderly or the disabled, but unfortunately I've never seen any sort of priority boarding at NYP.
neroden
Engineer
NYP is a zoo and there seems to be no priority boarding. As far as I can tell, you're on your own. If you have a disability, find the elevator, barge your way through to it, and tell 'em you have a disability. Invest in a wheelchair with spikes in front. It's New York City. :angry2:
The attitude towards people with disabilities is generally unacceptable in every type of government-run institution in New York City. I don't know why it's so much worse than every other city in the US.
The attitude towards people with disabilities is generally unacceptable in every type of government-run institution in New York City. I don't know why it's so much worse than every other city in the US.
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the_traveler
Engineer
NYP does not post the gate/track until boarding time - then it's a free-for-all. 
I would use a Red Cap to get to the train earlier.
I would use a Red Cap to get to the train earlier.Having been born, raised and lived my entire life in NYC I am used to the hectic pace of life in this city.I am sure that it can intimidate those who are not used to that type of pace.Just thought that I might use my newly attained "senior" status to some type of boarding advantage. However, after having done some more internet searching, I may have found a way to avoid the long queues and pushing and elbowing for position that does occur in NYP. A travel blogger who frequents NYP for rail travel discovered this little hidden gem to avoid the boarding crowds.While everyone else is standing around and waiting in the "holding pen" near the train status board waiting for a track announcement all you have to day is descend a staircase that is right in the middle of the waiting area(sort of like hiding in plain sight). That will bring you to an intermediate level between the main waiting area and the station platform. In that area there are a few very old but still functional CRT display terminals that will show you the track for any particular train as soon as it is announced. You then simply descend a second, little known and little used, staircase from that intermediate level to the station platform and avoid the crowds to board your train. This travel blogger has used this "hidden gem secret" several times with great success! I will try it out when I depart for CHI in late October and report back as to whether or not this actually works.
Acela150
Super Buff
PHL doesn't have any priority boarding calls. Only station within the NEC that I know of that has a priority boarding is WAS. That mostly depends on Gate Agent. Only reason PHL doesn't have a Priority call is the train pulls in passengers detrain and then board, then the train is off. Except for Keystone Trains. Folks detrain, a boarding announcement is made then folks are sent down to the platform to board.
Orie
Service Attendant
I was taking an Acela from PHI to NYP on New Years and they asked First class passengers to line up and head down the stairs before the rest. I assumed that included the elderly and disabled but I don't remember. But they definitely had first class priority. Although thinking about it you are right about the train arriving after they let people down the stairs. Makes the whole process kind of stupid... so in the end you are right. I guess they have... first class stair priority? :wacko:
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the_traveler
Engineer
If you were First Class on Acela, why did you not use the Club Acela? :huh: In PHL, there are elevators that go directly from the CA to the platforms.
Orie
Service Attendant
I wasn't first myself, I just remember them asking first to get in line first. But, good question! Perhaps some people that don't ride Amtrak often don't know about CA.
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Acela150
Super Buff
PHL's CA lounge is lightly used. It's nothing like NYP or WAS...
But it sure is nice being on the Mezzanine overlooking the Waiting Room with comfortable furniture, and having the Elevator to get down to the Platform is a plus! Good snacks and friendly Attendants, Clean Restrooms and Cabinets for Luggage Storage! Its my favorite Amtrak Eastern Lounge!☺
Acela150
Super Buff
I agree with this 100% Jim! I try to use the CA for as many of my trips as I can.. Simply cause the restrooms in PHL are simply gross. The lounge bathrooms are always clean! Matter of fact IF I was Select Plus I would use the Lounge perk for the clean bathrooms..
NW cannonball
Conductor
Yup - I remember that CHI and WAS pre-board seniors, persons with small children, and those requiring assistance - so do many small-town places like MSP ABQ.
I can totally believe that at NYP there is no such procedure. It's hire a redcap and run for the track. Has been and probably will be. Remember 20 years back some Acela - (or was it Metroliner then ) pax running down the escalator - yelling please-please -- Crazy place NYP. And the orsters will never ever measure up to the overpriced ones at GCT.
I can totally believe that at NYP there is no such procedure. It's hire a redcap and run for the track. Has been and probably will be. Remember 20 years back some Acela - (or was it Metroliner then ) pax running down the escalator - yelling please-please -- Crazy place NYP. And the orsters will never ever measure up to the overpriced ones at GCT.
SubwayNut
Conductor
Living in NYC, being Select+ one of the biggest reasons I enjoy being Select+ is knowing I have access to a clean bathroom when I'm in Midtown.
Acela150
Super Buff
I wouldn't even think of using the public restrooms at NYP...
NW cannonball
Conductor
Not even if you ate some of the food on offer? You might have to use whatever public facilities, after eating the cockroach - infested food on site at NYP.
If you eat the food - you will have to use the "restrooms". Natural consequence.
Bring your own wet-wipes. Thank you.
Acela150
Super Buff
LOL!!
Would the boarding process be any better if I decided to upgrade to a roomette on 49/LSL? I believe sleeper car pax get priority boarding in CHI via their Metropolitan lounge.Is there any such perks for sleeper car pax in NYP that would make boarding easier?
Is it really worth that much $$ to not board with the masses?
If you have a sleeper you can use the Club Acela. You should be escorted down ahead of the others. Best bet is to get a red cap either way.
If you are in a Sleeper the CA attendant will announce the train and you will be accompanied to the escelator or elevator (slower) if nreded! Since you have a reserved room once you get to the platform you can just board your sleeper!
Redcaps are available whether in Sleeper or Coach to assist you to the train, just let the CA Attendant know if you want one! Good investment if you have Luggage or are not familiar with NYP!!!
Redcaps are available whether in Sleeper or Coach to assist you to the train, just let the CA Attendant know if you want one! Good investment if you have Luggage or are not familiar with NYP!!!
Thanks for the advice. I will definitely make use of a Red Cap when I get to NYP. As far as avoiding the masses, being a lifelong NYC resident for over 65 years now, the masses don't intimidate me. After you have been on NYC Subways during rush hour the masses at NYP would be considered just a walk in the park. Only difference being I don't carry baggage with me when I ride the subways. The Red cap advice is certainly the most cost effective answer.
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