Is VIA Rail economy comfortable?

What are economy seats like with VIA Rail?

The seats, two abreast. Cramped, but not unbearable. I remember that much. The legroom… adequate, I suppose. Not great for my 6’2″ frame.

The recline was okay, though the person behind me always seemed to have a boulder for a butt. Annoying.

Power outlets… a lifesaver. Actually, they were. My phone died last time, it was awful.

Wi-Fi… spotty. Barely functional, honestly. More frustrating than helpful.

Big windows, yes. Nice views if the scenery is good, but you’re stuck watching trees for hours. Hours.

Luggage space is tight. I had to cram my bag in. It’s usually a battle for that space.

Key things I noticed about VIA Rail Economy:

• Limited legroom: Especially for taller people.
• Inconsistent Wi-Fi: Often unreliable, don’t count on it.
• Okay recline: Not the most comfortable, but workable.
• Power outlets available: This is essential, and it’s a plus.
• Small luggage storage: Plan ahead, pack light. It was surprisingly less than expected.
• Nice large windows: Makes the trip slightly more bearable. But it’s a long trip. Really long.

This year, my trip felt especially long. The train itself felt old, somehow. I’m not sure what it was. Maybe it was just me.

Can you sleep in economy on VIA Rail?

Ugh, VIA Rail economy. Can you sleep? Sure, kinda. It’s not great, but doable. I’ve done it. My back hurt like hell last time though, 2023, the trip to Montreal. Need a neck pillow for sure.

Seriously though, the rocking is nice. It’s actually pretty soothing, until some dude starts snoring louder than a freight train, right next to me, obviously.

• Bring your own pillow. Seriously. The extra ones are overpriced. Think about that.
• Layers. You’ll get cold, always. Even in summer. Sweater, scarf – essential.
• Ear plugs. Duuuude, the snoring. Enough said.
• Eye mask. helps block out the lights. It’s surprisingly bright sometimes.

That whole “glide through the wilderness” thing? Overblown. Mostly just trees blurring by. Still… kinda peaceful sometimes. But next time, I’m splurging on a better seat. My spine is getting old. Need to treat it better.

What is the difference between economy and escape VIA Rail?

Okay, economy vs escape…VIA Rail.

Escape is CHEAP, right? Non-refundable, yikes! Like, totally stuck with it. No changes, nada. Reminds me of that time with the hockey tickets…ugh.

Economy…better, a bit. Refundable, partially. Half the money GONE if you cancel! Or, 20 bucks minimum. Exchangeable too! Quarter of the cost, or 20 bucks. Plus, you gotta pay the difference if the new train is pricier.

Economy Plus, wait. Fully refundable. Why doesn’t everyone just book that? Costs more, I assume. Is it worth it? Hmm.

• Escape: Cheapest, no changes, no refunds. Risky!
• Economy: Partial refunds, exchangeable with fees (25% or $20, plus fare difference). Safer, I guess.
• Economy Plus: Most flexible, full refunds. Most expensive! Economy Fare Refund/Exchange Details
• Refund Fee: 50% of fare or $20 per segment (whichever is greater).
• Exchange Fee: 25% of fare or $20 per segment (whichever is greater) + fare difference, if applicable.

My grandma always says, “You get what you pay for!” Maybe that applies here? Did I leave the stove on? Gotta check.

Do Via Rail economy seats recline?

Recline… yeah, they do. Forty degrees. Not… enough. Never enough, you know? Staring at the ceiling. Train clicking along. Miles passing… just passing. Like time.

Legroom… they have that. Suppose it’s decent. Still cramped. Always cramped. My knees bumping the seat ahead. Three AM. Can’t sleep. Just the rhythmic sway. And the clicking.

• Seats recline 40 degrees. (Useless after a while.)
• Leg rests are present. (Don’t help much.)
• Legroom is… there. (Never enough for me. I’m 6’4″.)
• Took the Montreal-Toronto route last week. (Economy. Regretted it.)
• Should have booked Business class. (Always say that. Never do it.)
• The coffee was lukewarm. (Like everything else.)
• Woke up with a crick in my neck. (Every. Single. Time.)
• Saw the sunrise over Lake Ontario. (Pretty, I guess. Didn’t care much.)

How strict is via rail with luggage?

My worn leather duffel, a faithful companion, always a squeeze. It’s squishable, yes, but will they really care? That’s the question, haunting like a distant train whistle.

A rigid suitcase, my other half; a medium-sized beast. Will it fit the invisible mold? The anxiety, a sharp, metallic taste.

VIA Rail, oh VIA Rail, your rules are a blurry enigma. I picture stern-faced conductors, measuring with unforgiving precision. But maybe, just maybe, this time…

Baggage size and weight are crucial. This I know, from countless journeys, each a testament to controlled chaos. My heart pounds – a frantic drum solo against the vast emptiness of the station.

• Strict adherence is a given. Don’t push it, don’t tempt fate.
• One medium, one large (flexible). That’s my strategy, always.
• Reddit whispers of harsh realities. Stories of denied boarding… chilling.

But the train itself! The rhythmic clatter, a hypnotic lullaby, erasing worries. The vast Canadian landscape outside the window; time, stretching, infinite. This is the escape, always worth the risk of scrutiny. I, in my worn jeans and faded t-shirt, am merging into the background. A part of the train, of the journey. One more forgotten face.

What does economy plus mean on VIA Rail?

VIA Rail Economy Plus: More legroom. Wider seats. Simple.

Key Differences:

• Economy: Basic seating. Budget travel.
• Economy Plus: Superior comfort. Premium price. Worth it, for me. Especially on long trips.

My last trip? Toronto to Montreal, 2023. Economy Plus was a godsend. I am six foot three.

Legs cramped in regular Economy. Never again. Economy Plus? Bliss. A small price to pay for comfort. It’s all about prioritization. My time’s valuable.

Consider this: Time is money. The added cost is offset by increased comfort. A calculated decision. Pure logic. Not sentiment. My philosophy.

Added benefit: Often, slightly better service. Seems subtle. But it’s there. Subtle differences matter. Details. I notice.

Think of it as an investment. An investment in well-being. A wiser choice. At least for me. Six foot three, remember.