I booked a first-class ride on the Amtrak Acela train. It wasn't worth the $450 price tag.

Business Insider's reporter rode in first class on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

• I spent $450 to ride in first class from Washington, DC, to NYC on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train.
• The Amtrak NextGen Acela is the fastest train in the US and has business and first-class seating.
• Perks of first class included lunch, lounge access, and a large seat, but it wasn't worth the cost.

I've spent 100 hours on Amtrak trains. No seat has been more comfortable...