31 replies to this topic

[lteak]

I have quite a large suitcase and I plan to put it in the downstairs luggage rack rather than check it so I can access it. Is there a change that there wouldn't be room? Would I be asked to check it? I don't think it would fit in the rack above the coach seats.

[the_traveler]

It is available to you at all time, but is available to everyone else in the car too! There should be no problem, but still use common sense. Don't leave valuables like purses, wallets, cameras or computers there! I've never had any problem with bags left there, and I leave bags there every trip!

[Sorcha]

Where are you boarding? If you're boarding near the beginning of the route, there may be room. It's impossible to predict, though.

How large is this suitcase? If it's really large, you may consider packing a small bag (like a backpack) with your toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes and then checking the large bag.

[gregoryla]

There are limits for the size of carry-on bags; they are avaiable at the Amtrak website. The limits are rarely enforced, but you might be required to check if the bag is way way way over the limits.

[Ispolkom]

I've boarded any number of western long-distance trains where the lower-level luggage rack was overflowing. If I were traveling from an intermediate stop, I would not expect there to be space on the rack. There might be, there might not be.

[fillyjonk]

What lspolkom said. I've been on some LD SLEEPERS where the attendant asked me, "Hey, is it OK if we put your bag somewhere else?" (Apparently they have some kind of storage compartment on the sleeper cars that can be accessed from outside the train?) and they stuck it in there and pulled it off for me at my stop. I get on at a stop with no baggage service or else I'd check my suitcase...

Also, on one occasion I was told to take my big suitcase into my roomette as there was no room for it elsewhere. It made things a little bit tight....

[Swadian Hardcore]

I've boarded any number of western long-distance trains where the lower-level luggage rack was overflowing. If I were traveling from an intermediate stop, I would not expect there to be space on the rack. There might be, there might not be.

On my last trip a few days ago, there was absolutely NO space in the lower level racks, and I was even in a sleeper.
If the OP finds space in there, he could put a lock on his bag so that stuff does not get stolen, which is more likely in coach than sleeper.

(Apparently they have some kind of storage compartment on the sleeper cars that can be accessed from outside the train?)

Yes, there is. I saw it on my aforementioned trip, it was just above one of the trucks and was labeled Equipment Room. At a smoke stop, I got off and saw an attendant taking bags out of the room and passing them to some detraining passengers.

[printman2000]

(Apparently they have some kind of storage compartment on the sleeper cars that can be accessed from outside the train?)

Yes, there is. I saw it on my aforementioned trip, it was just above one of the trucks and was labeled Equipment Room. At a smoke stop, I got off and saw an attendant taking bags out of the room and passing them to some detraining passengers.

I am pretty sure that is not what those rooms were intended for. That is where the equipment for the car is located like the plumbing.

[Swadian Hardcore]

I am pretty sure that is not what those rooms were intended for. That is where the equipment for the car is located like the plumbing.

They may not have been intended for it, but that's what the attendant did.

[printman2000]

I am pretty sure that is not what those rooms were intended for. That is where the equipment for the car is located like the plumbing.

They may not have been intended for it, but that's what the attendant did.

Oh I believe you. I find it very interesting that they resorted to it!

[Dovecote]

I have quite a large suitcase and I plan to put it in the downstairs luggage rack rather than check it so I can access it. Is there a change that there wouldn't be room? Would I be asked to check it? I don't think it would fit in the rack above the coach seats.

As other posters have stated it will be a crap shoot whether there is available space on the coach luggage rack. If starting your trip at the beginning of the train route then you should be able to use a Redcap for early boarding and have no problem with finding luggage space.

If you happpen to start your trip midway of the route don't overlook the luggage rack inside the area where coach lower level seating is. Before the seating area there is a luggage rack along the wall. If all else fails, ask the Conductor or the Coach Attendant where you can put your suitcase.

I personally would check the luggage (you indicate that is an option) and have a carry-on bag with your essentials. Be sure to meet the requirements of checked luggage found HERE

[jb64]

When traveling through the Rockies in March, I noticed a family getting on in Glenwood Springs with skis and they stored them in a storage area accessible from the outside of the sleeper car. Never knew they were there until this trip. Are they only used for oversized objects or are they used for excess baggage, too?

[the_traveler]

Mainly for items like skis.

[AlanB]

That outside compartment is largely for oversized items like skis or golf clubs, and that is what that compartment was intended for. It was built/included in the plans for just that purpose.

Now I suppose that in a pinch, an attendant could well make use of it just to store excess luggage.

[printman2000]

That outside compartment is largely for oversized items like skis or golf clubs, and that is what that compartment was intended for. It was built/included in the plans for just that purpose.

Now I suppose that in a pinch, an attendant could well make use of it just to store excess luggage.

You sure that is the same thing? He said it was labeled equip room. I thought there was another door for oversized stuff.

[fillyjonk]

That outside compartment is largely for oversized items like skis or golf clubs, and that is what that compartment was intended for. It was built/included in the plans for just that purpose.

Now I suppose that in a pinch, an attendant could well make use of it just to store excess luggage.

You sure that is the same thing? He said it was labeled equip room. I thought there was another door for oversized stuff.

It's been a few years since my suitcase rode "on the outside" (so to speak), but I'm pretty sure this was a dedicated storage compartment for oversize stuff (like someone suggested, golf clubs) and not the "equipment room."

[Casinocim]

In Raton, they don't have checked baggage, so I always have to use the luggage racks downstairs.
Sometimes there is room, sometimes not. When the rack is full the attendant has had me put it in the lower level seating area.
A few times I have had to lift my large bag onto the top rack, not easy when it's heavy and only once had a man help me, never an attendant(coach).

[Swadian Hardcore]

That outside compartment is largely for oversized items like skis or golf clubs, and that is what that compartment was intended for. It was built/included in the plans for just that purpose.

Now I suppose that in a pinch, an attendant could well make use of it just to store excess luggage.

You sure that is the same thing? He said it was labeled equip room. I thought there was another door for oversized stuff.

Yeah, it was Equipment Room, I'm sure of it, and the bags included a very large red roller and some others.

[printman2000]

I was not questioning what you saw. I was questioning Alan about if there is another compartment meant for oversized items that is not labeled equipment room.

[AlanB]

I have no idea what the door was labeled. Only saw that compartment opened once on the CZ in Reno. Never really paid that much attention to what the label says. Besides, it's probably not a good idea to actually advertise what's behind the door.