The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter

Hello Reader,

This week, only one topic: the new Airo trainsets and an overview of my last Amtrak trip.

Amtrak’s Airo Trainsets: What You Need to Know

Amtrak's new Airo trainsets begin rolling out in 2026, starting with Cascades service. These new Airo trainsets will gradually replace aging equipment on most of the system’s corridor routes. The first trainsets will be deployed on Amtrak Cascades in the Pacific Northwest.

The Airo Basics

Amtrak ordered 83 Airo trainsets, manufactured by Siemens in Sacramento, as part of its funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These trainsets are semi-permanently coupled, meaning you cannot swap cars out; you need to swap the whole trainset.

Cascades receives them first, followed by Northeast Regional and other key routes. The full list includes Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Service, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, and Adirondack.

On most of these routes, Airo will replace the 1970s-era Amfleet cars, a long-overdue upgrade.

What’s Actually Different

The improvements fall into three categories: comfort, connectivity, and accessibility.

For comfort: panoramic windows, ergonomic seats with cushioned headrests, larger tray tables, and dedicated cup holders, plus tablet holders built into the seatback. Trainsets seat 300+ passengers in a two-class configuration (Coach and Business). Additionally, the semi-permanently coupled cars should help provide smoother departures and arrivals.

For connectivity: individual power outlets, USB ports (including USB-C), and upgraded Wi-Fi.

For accessibility: automated boarding steps, touchless restroom controls, and inductive hearing technology for onboard announcements. Digital screens throughout the train will display origin/destination information, coach numbers, the next station, and arrival times.

The café cars are undergoing a complete redesign featuring self-service options and regional food and beverage offerings. On the Cascades, this includes Northwest beers, wines, and local foods. This is a model Amtrak could expand to other routes.

Speed and Environmental Impact

These trainsets can reach the same track speeds as the old Amfleets, 125 mph. However, track conditions and host railroad agreements limit actual operating speeds. On Cascades, for example, trains still operate at 79 mph due to freight train interference and track limitations, while the Northeast Corridor will reach those upper speeds.

The trains are more fuel-efficient and produce 90% fewer particulate emissions during diesel operations than current equipment.

When Will You See Them?

The first trainset completed testing in Pueblo, Colorado, last fall and is now undergoing testing on the Northeast Corridor before heading to the Pacific Northwest. Eight trainsets will arrive for Cascades service over several months in 2026.

For other routes, Amtrak hasn’t announced specific timelines beyond “starting in 2026” for Cascades, Northeast Regional, and others. Given Amtrak’s typical rollout pace, expect this to be a multi-year process.

Wrap-up

Beyond replacing aging equipment, these trainsets give Amtrak flexibility. Freed-up Amfleet cars could add capacity elsewhere, though Amtrak hasn't announced specific plans for redeployment or retirement.

What is Kev Up To?

I am back home. I flew in on Tuesday, but last week I had a great trip out to my sister's, so I could hang out with family and bring my folks back to the frozen cheder state.

A Surprisingly Smooth Trip to Florida’s Panhandle

Last week, I made the journey from Milwaukee to Navarre, FL, and I’m happy to report it went better than expected. The biggest delays? A handful of minutes on my first train and last bus. Nothing that threw off the trip.

Last Minute Changes

The day before departure, I checked my ticket prices one more time. My Chicago-to-New Orleans roomette price had dropped, so I rebooked and pocketed a $29 voucher. Easy money.

I also pushed back my Milwaukee-to-Chicago train to spend more time with a friend, which cost me $2. The mistake? I changed this train first. If I'd rebooked the roomette first, that $2 could have come from my voucher instead of my debit card. No big deal.

A word of caution: there are risks in rebooking. If you have a room location you like, you might not get it back when you make changes online. I was originally on the lower level and was moved upstairs when I made the switch. For me, it wasn't a big deal, but it's worth considering. If you're the buy-and-forget type, you're fine!

Milwaukee to Chicago

After parking at Milwaukee Airport and taking a bus downtown, I caught up with a friend for lunch and coffee before hopping on the Hiawatha to Chicago. The only delay came right outside Union Station while we waited for Metra to clear.

One surreal moment: two northbound trains flanked our southbound train as we waited to reach Chicago Union Station. They were moving at about the same speed as we stood still. My eyes made it feel like we were moving, but we were standing still. It threw me for a second.

The Chicago Layover

I killed time at the Metropolitan Lounge upstairs, working on the website. They’ve swapped out furniture since my last visit: fewer sofas, which I think is smart. Too many people were sprawling across them during peak hours, hogging space others could use.

Overnight aboard the City of New Orleans

Before I knew it, it was time to board Amtrak's City of New Orleans. To my surprise and delight, my roommette was already set up for sleeping when I boarded. As an early-to-bed person, I appreciated that.

The minor inconvenience was dinner. In the past, I remember boarding early, and we were often eating before or as the train left Chicago. Sleeper passengers can’t grab there flex dining dinner before departure, so I had to wait until after 9 pm for my meal. When your usual bedtime is 9:30, that’s less than ideal. But that’s travel for you. Going with the flow is a good way to go.

I ended up ordering dinner and breakfast that night. I had dinner in the room and breakfast in the sleeper passenger lounge.

New Orleans Interlude

I rolled into New Orleans early the next afternoon with time to spare, so I grabbed a few brews at a brewery near the station.

Naturally, I sent photos to my brewery friends’ group chat, only to learn the place was closing soon. The burger joint I liked near the station had already shuttered. Nothing lasts forever, but come on, I want a few favorites to stick around!

The Mardi Gras Service

I was excited to ride Amtrak's newest route: the Mardi Gras Service! The downside? I took it at night, so I missed the scenery. Still a nice trip, though.

They split passengers into separate cars: Mississippi-bound folks in one car, Mobile-bound passengers like me in another. It's a smart system because the platforms along the route are small, which eliminates some confusion.

I grabbed a muffuletta on board. It was an amazing sandwich, though by then I was hungry enough to wish it were larger.

I took the train from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama.

Mobile to Navarre

After an overnight stay in Mobile (shoutout to the Holiday Inn Express breakfast), I caught the 8:30 am Greyhound to Navarre. This was not part of an Amtrak connections service; I booked it directly with Greyhound for about $15. There's an earlier departure, but I value sleep over saving a few bucks on a hotel.

Taking the bus meant my sister didn't have to pick me up in Mobile; the route drops me off right in her community. It was convenient for both of us.

The Mobile Greyhound station could use some TLC, but the service was reliable. As it turned out, I caught one of the last buses that stopped there. Some neighbors didn't like having "bus passengers" around, so they pushed to close or relocate the bus stop.

If I take this trip again, I'll probably take the bus to Pensacola Airport instead, unless or until they add a new Nevarre stop. It's still close to my sister, and it's where I'd fly into anyway if I chose to fly, which makes the routing more flexible.

Trip Wrap-up

I had a great time on this trip. Not much I would change, though I wish the Memphis-to-New Orleans stretch had been sunnier. That's out of Amtrak's control. It was great to see my two nieces, nephew, my sister, my brother-in-law, and the folks for a few days.

One pleasant surprise: CN has made track improvements and improved scheduling on this route. This train was notorious for being bumpy and late, but those much-needed upgrades are paying off.

If you're trying to reach Pensacola or other Florida Panhandle destinations from the Midwest, this train-to-Greyhound combo is worth considering. It's affordable, runs smoothly, and might be a better option than connecting from the east via Greyhound after taking the Silver Meteor or the Floridian. There are advantages and disadvantages to doing what I did.

Want the full story? Check out the full story on Patreon! Join today to get the rest of the story and see photos from the trip!

Bringing things to a close

Your messages and encouragement keep this website and newsletter running. I appreciate it. It is nice to know I am achieving my goal of helping others become better travelers.

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Until Next Week!

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith

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