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Across the Fence:  Amtrak and baggage?  |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 07:26:24 AM
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We're getting ready to take a trip on the train, the first time for all of us, in about two weeks and I had a question about Amtrak and baggage. According to the website the station we're leaving out of doesn't do checked baggage so how does one take their luggage that's larger than the carry-on limit on the train? I don't expect we'll have large suit cases as it's just a weekend trip but I'm not sure what the size of everyone's rolling carry-on type bags are and I don't want us to get there and then have a problem with them.
Does anyone know anything about this? I've got the number to call Amtrak to ask but I thought I'd see if anyone here had first hand experience with this issue.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 08:12:54 AM
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In our area the train doesn't offer the luggage car either. As you enter the train on the lower level, just to the left or right of the entrance there is a luggage holding rack. It is two levels and about 6 feet wide. It doesn't hold an awful lot, and lots of time there is overflow into the aisle space. Travel light, with one small-mediumish bag per person will lessen the stress of the whole situation. There is room for a small carry on by your seat. Have fun! 
Humor is the prelude to faith and Laughter is the beginning of prayer. -- Reinhold Niebuhr
I want to be an "outrageous" old woman who never gets called an old lady. I want to be wiser, resonate love & peace and be earth-colored, till I fade away from pure joy!
http://farmstyle.blogspot.com
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
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Tracey
True Blue Farmgirl
766 Posts
Tracey
State of Confusion
USA
766 Posts |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 06:37:05 AM
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We're going to Chicago, it's about a 3 hour train ride from here. :) I'm really looking forward to it as none of us have ever taken a trip on a train like this.
Thanks for all the tips ladies! I think we'll each maybe have just one of those rolling carry ons like you can take on an airplane, I'll have to measure them to see how they measure up to what Amtrak says you can carry on and also give them a call to see what procedure is for that kind of thing. Also about how it works when the station you're leaving from has baggage check but the station you're going to doesn't.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
Edited by - Leezard on Apr 29 2007 06:39:04 AM |
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akcowgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Valerie
Homer
Alaska
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 11:06:19 PM
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From what i can tell from when we rode the train they don't really check that your carry on bag is to the size that they have posted on the website. They did not tell us till we got there that we could not check frozen fish(i called and asked and the person said we could GRRR) and we had to carry it on and just use the bag area next to the door. It worked out fine and this was a 60 pound box of frozen salmon. you shold be fine just stowing it in the baggage area next to the door. I would not check it when you come back because if you station does not have baggage service then that means they won't take it off, and that would really stink. Have a great trip!!!!!!
Valerie
Yes, I live in my own little world. But that's ok they know me here.
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2007 : 04:02:57 AM
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I've gone cross country a few times. Chicago - California. They might be more lenient on long trips in regards to luggage on long trips. I've taken soft sided coolers with and kept them on the floor by my feet. (Traveling with 2 small children you need lots of snacks  )
There is enough room in the overhead compartment for your bag, but I would suggest brining something small to get your toiletries out of easily. It's not easy to get down a bag to go through unless you're in the aisle seat or the train is not full. There is no where to put your suitcase to go through it on a full train - unless you're in the aisle seat and can place the bag on your own seat.
My suggestion is to keep your personal items in a small tote bag to keep near you and put your suitcase in the luggage compartment downstairs by the doors. The bathroom is down there as well.
When I last traveled I had 2 big bags, a cooler and a carseat strapped to one of my bags.  Plus a small childrens size wheelie type suitcase with games and activities for the girls. Luckily they're older now and I don't have to pack as much. We'll be going the same route this June via Amtrak.
Have a great trip!
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The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,--
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
Dorothy Frances Gurney |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
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Across the Fence: Amtrak and baggage? |
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Amtrak and baggage?
