Amtrak’s seating is known for being relatively spacious compared with most commercial airplanes, but that could change as the company explores new options.
The railroad is considering introducing a new economy class with smaller seats and reduced legroom, more similar to the footprint of airline coach seating. The proposal would involve changes such as a reduced seat pitch — the distance between rows — which would allow more seats per car but offer less personal space.
“We are looking at doing some creative things in terms of creating an economy class,” said Wick Moorman, Amtrak’s departing co-chairman, during a speech at the National Press Club. He added that some of the changes “just don’t make it quite as comfortable,” referring to potential trade-offs involved in increasing capacity.
At present, Amtrak coach cars do not include middle seats and provide seat space that in many cases rivals the comfort of airline first-class cabins. Any move to a denser layout would mark a significant shift in the onboard experience for many passengers.
Moorman emphasized that the idea remains under consideration and that no final decisions have been made. Leadership at Amtrak recently changed when Richard Anderson, formerly with Delta Air Lines, joined the company as president and co-CEO. Anderson and Moorman will share responsibilities until Moorman’s planned departure in September.
Officials say that any redesign would require careful evaluation of customer comfort, operational efficiency, and the implications for different routes and services. If implemented, a slimmer economy option could help Amtrak increase capacity on popular corridors and manage costs, but it would also likely prompt debate about passenger expectations and the balance between affordability and comfort.
For now, Amtrak customers can continue to expect the relatively generous seating that the railroad currently provides while executives study whether a new, denser class of service makes sense for the future of U.S. passenger rail.