A first look at this new U.S. train

🫶 Good morning from Indonesia, where the long weekend was anything but restful – marked by riots, fires, and tragic losses.

I’m safe for now, though my passport is currently being held against its will at the Chinese embassy (it’s a long story).

So, since I can’t physically leave, let’s escape into the world of travel instead:

• 🌎 Travel Trivia Tuesday

• 🚄 First Look: Onboard Amtrak’s Brand-New Acela

• 😬 Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy (again)

• 🏈 Delta + football = free SkyMiles

• 🎥 Taking a newbie to Europe on points

🌎 Travel Trivia Tuesday

The answer will be revealed in tomorrow’s newsletter, so don’t forget to tune in. 😉

🚄 First Look: Onboard Amtrak’s brand-new Acela

Last week, Daily Drop’s very own Benji scored a seat on the inaugural journey of Amtrak’s long-awaited NextGen Acela — the new train finally giving East Coast travelers the upgrade they’ve been waiting for.

The sendoff at Moynihan Train Hall drew Amtrak execs, rail superfans, and media alike.

Benji started in the Metropolitan Lounge (think airport lounge vibes — coffee, snacks, and a cash bar) before heading to the platform.

When the shiny new train rolled in, its sleek European-style design instantly made the old Acela on the next track look… well, ancient.

Onboard, the first thing Benji noticed was space. Even with 27% more seats, the cabins feel more open thanks to bigger windows, brighter lighting, and open luggage racks.

The ride itself? Smooth, quiet, and a big upgrade over any cramped regional jet. Business Class features a 2-2 layout, gray leather seating, and even some four-seat table setups for groups.

First Class switches to a 1-2 layout, with red accents, wider seats, and at-seat dining curated by a James Beard Award–winning chef (!!).

Tech upgrades are another game-changer: 5G Wi-Fi that actually works (Benji clocked 91 Mbps 😲), outlets and USB ports at every seat, digital displays, and touchless bathrooms. The café car also got a major glow-up with grab-and-go fridges, sleek counters, and digital menus.

While the NextGen Acela tops out at 160 mph, the real improvements come in comfort and reliability. The new fleet should help reduce the mechanical issues that plagued the aging Acelas.

Bottom line: The NextGen Acela isn’t Japan-level high-speed rail yet, but it’s a giant leap forward. Benji’s verdict? It’s more comfortable, more connected, and the kind of train ride you may actually choose over flying.

😬 Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy (again)

Spirit Airlines has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection… again… for the second time in less than a year.

So what’s happening? Chapter 11 doesn’t mean the airline is dead — it’s more like rehab for companies.

Spirit gets a chance to restructure its debt, renegotiate contracts, and basically Marie Kondo its balance sheet while flights keep chugging along.

In fact, in an open letter to passengers, Spirit reassured flyers that everything is still business as usual: planes are flying, Free Spirit points still work, and Saver$ Club members aren’t about to lose their perks overnight.

Here’s the quick version of what this means for you:

• Flights are still operating: Your tickets, credits, and miles are safe for now. Spirit is reassuring travelers that nothing changes immediately.

• Cuts are coming: Expect Spirit to shrink its fleet, trim routes, and generally pull back in the coming months as it tries to stay alive.

• Competitors are circling: JetBlue and Frontier are already looking to scoop up market share. So if Spirit disappears from your city, odds are one of those two (or both) will be there to catch you.

This move also highlights just how rough the low-cost carrier game has gotten in the U.S.

Spirit made its brand on ultra-cheap tickets with à-la-carte everything — pay for your seat, pay for your bag, pay for the privilege of blinking twice on board.

That model worked when they were expanding like crazy, but with higher fuel and labor costs and passengers expecting a little more comfort (thanks, JetBlue), the math has stopped math-ing.

Bottom line: You don’t need to panic-book a goodbye flight on Spirit just yet, but if you’re a regular flyer, keep an eye on your local routes and have a Plan B airline in mind.

🏈 Delta + football = free SkyMiles

If you live in Washington state, Delta just turned every Seahawks game into a mileage-earning opportunity.

The airline is teaming up with the Seattle Seahawks to give residents one Delta SkyMile for every passing yard the team throws this season — home and away, regular and postseason.

To put that in perspective: last season, the Seahawks racked up over 4,000 passing yards. If they hit a similar number this year, you’d be looking at 4,000 free Delta SkyMiles for doing literally nothing.

Here’s how it works:

• You need to be a Washington state resident, be at least 18, and have a Delta account address that reflects that.

• You’ll also have to register at 12status.com (though the site might only load if you’re physically in Washington — though I was able to access it with a VPN 👀).

• Once you’re in, you’ll also get Group 5 boarding on all Delta flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) during the Seahawks season.

Bottom line: It’s a bummer this is limited to Washington residents, but it’s still a sweet promo and nice win for West Coasters.

Fingers crossed Delta decides to roll out similar partnerships in other hub cities — because who wouldn’t want free miles just for watching (or not watching) football?

🎥 Taking a newbie to Europe on points

Ever wonder what it’s like to bring someone on their very first international trip — completely on miles and points?

In this week’s Daily Drop YouTube video, our very own Brendan did just that, flying his sister to Europe to see the world beyond U.S. borders for the first time.

It’s part redemption breakdown, part first-timer perspective… and a reminder of why points and miles are way more than just a hobby.

Check out the full video below. 👇

That’s all for today, folks! I hope you enjoyed this Monday edition of Daily Drop, and I look forward to another fun day of travel goodies tomorrow.

Ciao ✌️

6.9175° S, 107.6191° E

With contributions by Tiffany Eastham, McKay Moffitt, and Benji Stawski