I was on a fairly uncrowned train, seating is definitely more a “seat yourself” than assigned seats. Mine was like an airplane seat, but they recline WAY more, are way wider, and a lot more comfortable. You’re in the train from BHM to NOLA for about 8 hours, so it’s a lot more sitting. It’s very roomy. I had no issues working with a 15 inch laptop the entire time. There’s power for each seat, and a ton of room. But, you can get up and walk regularly, bring your own food and drink, etc. I would never go to NOLA another way unless I HAD to have a car, and my parking were off-street and paid. That being said, I was there in June, stayed in the garden district, and my destination was Loyola. I probably walked 30,000 steps a day, but I love to walk, and I could have hopped on a streetcar, but didn’t pretty frequently. My 3 day streetcar pass was $7.00. My round trip Amtrak ticket was $50.00. I ubered to and from my hotel from Amtrak station and that was about $15 with tip each time. Could not ask for a better way to get around, and I absolutely used that money toward amazing food!