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Baggage
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I will have a large suitcase with me and the destination station does not handle baggages, so is there enough room in the car? Does it matter if I book coach or sleeper? It will be a viewliner train.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Unless one likes to play the role of shipping agent right around the time of a trip, a better solution is to transport via a company which specializes in such affairs, like Luggage Forward. For a flat fee based on weight and size, they will pick up and deliver from your home/office/etc to your destination (hotel, relative, etc). Discounts are offered if you drop off yourself and for a less speedy delivery (eg, ground vs air). Depending on who the current contract is with, the actual carrier will usually be FedEx or UPS. In most cases, delivery is timed to your choice of arrival dates, with limited guarantees (subject to carrier delays, etc). Since they perform their own internal logistics, this is often better than you can do on your own with the carriers (unless you are shipping through a company with a contract they wish not to lose), and gives an additional layer of assistance. Rates are usually less than excess baggage fees through the airlines, though sometimes can be more, though the trade-off is that luggage transport companies will usually move items the airlines won't so long as the items meet the carriers' guidelines.Another option, though it may not apply to your situation, is to send your large bag via UPS to arrive at your destination around the time you arrive.
It's under the 75" linear inches for checking in. I doubt you'll have any problems getting it to fit in a rack and really surprised if they whipped out a tape measure. There are of course the sizers at some stations, but that's really for the passenger to use. I'd be surprised if they did anything as long as that's all you have.It is a large rolling luggage case about 30' x 20' x 14' but it won't be too heavy. Lifting and handling it myself is not an issue as long as there is space for it. Unfortunately sending through UPS won't be an option for this particular trip.
What does Amtrak normally do with larger luggage cases of passengers traveling to or from stations that do not handle baggage?
It really depends on the station. A lot of the smaller staffed stations basically have one employee at a time to do everything. It may get somewhat quiet for a while, but then everything is heaped on that one employee at the same time. I was at one of those stations and asked her how they're scheduled. Apparently it's two employees per station with staggered dates and times. A lot of these stations will have one train in each direction per day, and depending on the schedule, the employees will work one long or two two short shifts per day, which may include early morning hours. If it's a long shift there may or may not be a lunch break listed in the hours. Once the train arrives, the single employee will need to leave the ticket window and handle the baggage.Appreciate all your inputs.
There will be two people traveling. Was hoping to book a roomette but if there is no room for luggage we will have to settle for coach or just fly. Wish Amtrak had more luggage options for smaller stations.
Again, thank you all.
I do the same, UPS. I mail about a week ahead and the boxes arrive when I do. I take a lightweight carry on and my laptop case. Dislike dealing with a lot of luggage on the train. I really dislike paying airlines to handle my luggage. To me its the same amount of trouble going to UPS as checking in bags. If one plans a head the procedure works really well.Another option, though it may not apply to your situation, is to send your large bag via UPS to arrive at your destination around the time you arrive.
Short - checking can work out if it's reasonable for you to drive or get a ride to the station your bags are checked to after you arrive at your "real" destination... but don't plan on claiming your bags and then re-boarding the train! If you ever do short-check, be sure to check station hours... many staffed stations close immediately after the arrival of the last (only!) train of the day. You could try to come get them during business hours the next day, but a storage fee may apply if you wait more than 24 hours.If you are considering short checking it to a previous stop, don't. That is probably a good way to lose your bag, even if they accepted it. Often the bags aren't available until right around or after the train leaves. After all, people who are getting off at that stop have no need to be on the departing train.
Might be possible depending on the station and the personnel. I wouldn't count on your plan working though. Some employees might be required to take it to the baggage room. At some stations the baggage cart is taken to a bus loading area where bus transfers are made, are claimed on the spot, or go to the baggage room if they're unclaimed there.OP here.
Not sure how the viewliner baggage car is set up or if it is conducive to some creative solution that does not involve station employees or even SCAs. For example, can I grab the luggage one stop earlier and stay in the next coach for the last stop?
You said that your bag was 30"x20"x14". If that's correct, it is technically oversized as Amtrak carry-on is limited to 28"x22"x14" where it theoretically has to fit in a sizer like this one:No, the primary concern is since the destination does not handle luggage I cannot check it in for the trip, therefore I will have to keep it with me for the ride but there is no room to put the luggage if I book a roomette for me and the mrs. We also have carry ons and an overnight bag so the roomette will be fairly full. The luggage itself is a standard large piece and would be just a routine check in with an airline if we are to fly.
I don't mind paying a $20 fee (though i don't think the luggage is oversize) but I don't think it solves the storage problem, unless I am missing something.
Worst case scenario I will buy a separate coach ticket for myself so the wife and the luggage can have the roomette. lol
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