When Amtrak introduced the NextGen Acela, a new high-speed train, many travelers were excited. Long-distance train travel is often considered one of the best forms of transportation in the United States. However, with the arrival of America’s fastest new passenger trains, some riders have raised concerns about the comfort of the seats, even in first class.
There are several positive aspects to the NextGen Acela. It can reach speeds of up to 160 mph and includes 82 more seats per train than the original Acela, allowing for more passengers. The train also features amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, personal power outlets, reading lights, and a winged headrest for added privacy. When the NextGen Acela began service on August 27, 2025, Amtrak President Roger Harris stated, “Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service,” adding, “The future of high-speed rail starts now.”
Despite these features, some early riders have expressed dissatisfaction with the seats. A Reddit user, who is a train enthusiast, wrote, “The seats are horrible… It’s as if they were never actually tested by real people.”
What Redditors are saying about NextGen Acela’s seats
Early reviews from both journalists and social media users show mixed opinions on the NextGen Acela’s seats. Some find them awkward and uncomfortable, while others appreciate the firmer seat and extra legroom. One Reddit user expanded on his issues, stating that his head frequently hit the reading light, the seats got stuck in the recline position, and the footrest didn’t fold up properly, which caused it to catch on his belongings.
“If first class was that bad I am scared to sit in business class,” he wrote. Other riders agreed with his complaints, noting that the seats often get stuck and feel “hard as a rock.” However, some disagreed, saying they found the reclining mechanism easy to adjust and preferred the firmer seat.
Another Reddit user mentioned issues with the reclining mechanism, as well as a lack of lumbar support when the seats are in a reclined position. Despite these problems, they noted that the seats were comfortable when not reclined and preferred them to the older seating. A comment pointed out that the seats are lower to the ground, making them uncomfortable for taller individuals.
What travel writers are saying about NextGen Acela’s seats
Outside of Reddit, reviews have also been mixed. Washington Post travel reporter Natalie Compton filmed a review of her experience for TikTok and commented on the seats. “The seats felt much more firm and narrow than even the seats on a Northeast Regional coach,” she said, but praised the “great legroom and enough space to work comfortably on a laptop without T. rex arms.”
Daily Drop content director Benji Stawski explained the frequently cited reclining mechanism: Instead of the seats moving backward, the bottom cushion moves forward. “It’s fine for a short ride, but not ideal if you’re hoping to nap,” he writes. (If you’re taking a long-haul train ride, don’t miss this one simple tip that can dramatically transform your experience.)
Substacker Hayden Clarkin, who runs the popular newsletter The Transit Guy, also pointed out the uncomfortable seats in his review. “The seats are… not the best. They’re stiff, and the recline is clunky,” he wrote, but added that they may become comfortable after the trains have been in use for a while: “My charitable opinion is that maybe they’re not broken in yet?” Only time will tell.
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