How rigorous are Amtrak in enforcing luggage rules?
Looking at Amtrak trains between NY and Boston, I found that all had "no checked luggage" save for a midnight train (less than ideal for a relaxing vacation).
Looking at this reference, it's not really that restrictive as you can take bags on to the train. My question is on the size restrictions of 28" x 22" x 14" (70cm x 55cm x 35cm in my parlance). We'll be travelling with a backpack taller than this, albeit not much (maybe four to eight inches/10 to 20 cms), so I was wondering how much effort Amtrak puts into enforcing this? Has anyone else travelled with an oversized baggage as "carry on"?
Best Answer
I have never had my luggage inspected or measured on an Amtrak train in any way. In general, I suspect that they only enforce these regulations in situations in which cargo space is at a premium (very rare), in cases where they are being conspicuously flaunted (trying to haul several large trunks aboard the train), or in response to complaints from other passengers.
I wouldn't worry about it.
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Do they check your bags on Amtrak?
Checked baggage service is available at a number of our stations and on many trains and Thruway Services. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Before you travel, make sure to check and see if your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.What does it mean when Amtrak says no checked baggage?
It means they are not going to stow your luggage for you. Whatever you have, you take it on the train and find a secure place for it in the overhead bins or under your seat. You will be fine with a carry on and a suitcase each.What if my bag is too big on Amtrak?
1, passengers who exceed the limit of two carry-on bags and two personal items will have to pay $20 for each bag that is in excess. Travelers will also have to pay the fee if a bag is overweight. Carry-on bags cannot exceed 50 pounds, while personal items such as purses and laptops will have to weigh 25 pounds or less.Amtrak Baggage Policy
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Answer 2
We were queueing to board the train from San Antonio to Normal in January 2015. Between the two of us, we had, I think, three large pieces and a few small pieces of luggage. An Amtrak employee commented that we could not take so much onto the train, but when she learned we were sleeping car passengers, she said something like "no problem then" (sleeping cars have more space for luggage per passenger).
I don't know how we would have resolved it if we had not been sleeping car passengers. At the time we could not check our luggage because, IIRC, we had an Thruway ticket with a connecting bus, and despite the station where we got off the train having checked luggage, they wouldn't check our luggage for the train part only as it wasn't the full trip written on our ticket (insert rant here).
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