Question about Baggage?

[SrLdy]

I am planning on moving to Virginia in a few months,, so was planning on taking 3 checked bags on the Chicago to Washinton train and 2 carry ons.. So when I checked the schedules I noticed the train from Wasington to Newport News Va.. was a regional one with no checked baggage,, so I called the 800 # and asked how I would get my 3 checked bags to Newport News I Was informed I couldn't, I could only take my 2 carry ons on the train,, she suggested I only travel with the carry on's ,, I find it hard to believe that I could have gotten as far as Washington with all 5 pieces and then be told I could only continue on with 2.

I was looking forward to this trip, as I haven't taken a train in many years.

I know you can't help me with this problem, but thought I might be able to warn others of this policy..

Disappointed SrLdy

 

[Guest]

Amtrak pretty much canceled checked lugage after 9/11, a publicly published change in policy

 

[Trogdor]

Amtrak pretty much canceled checked lugage after 9/11, a publicly published change in policy

Not true. While Amtrak offers considerably fewer opportunities to check baggage now than they did a few years ago, 9/11 has absolutely nothing to do with it (otherwise, they wouldn't offer baggage service at all).

The real reasons are:

1) Budget cuts forced them to eliminate agent positions at many stations across the country. Since agents are required if checked baggage is to be available, many stations thus lost their ability to handle checked baggage.

2) Amtrak's baggage car fleet is, on average, older than the sun. The cars are falling apart (with no replacements in sight), and availability is extremely low. Therefore, many trains lost checked baggage simply because Amtrak had no baggage cars to put on the trains.

As to the original poster, I might suggest, if you're really interested in making the train trip, shipping your luggage by UPS or FedEx ground. That way you don't have to worry about which stations offer checked baggage, and you can get it when you get to your new home.

Just an option. Sorry there isn't a better answer.

 

[AlanB]

I find it hard to believe that I could have gotten as far as Washington with all 5 pieces and then be told I could only continue on with 2.

While it probably doesn't help much, you can get checked bags as far as Richmond Va, but thats it. Amtrak will hold your bags for 2 days with no extra charge. But I don't know that you want to trek back to Richmond on one of the following days to claim your bags. So you might want to consider Rmadisonwi's idea of shipping the extra bags via another means.

 

[SrLdy]

Thank You for all of your imput,, I will be staying in a hotel till my other things are shipped so will need my suitcases.. I will look into going as far as Richmond then transfer to the Greyound for the rest of the trip.

Now have question about the trip itself,, on the Chi to Was trip I will be in a roomette, what is the policy on tipping for services such as preparing the bed, etc: do you tip as services are done or at the end of the trip,, and any suggestions on amount for this service will be appreciated, as you can tell this type of travel is new to me.. also are there locks on the bedroom doors? ( My kids and Grandkids wanted to know this) they worry about me traveling alone..

Thank You

SrLdy

 

[battalion51]

I'm not sure whether this is possible, but IIRC NPN does get checked baggage service via 66/67. I don't know if it's possible to get them transferred over to the next day's 67, but anything's possible with this company.

 

[Trogdor]

According to amtrak.com, NPN does not have any checked baggage service.

 

[AlanB]

I'm not sure whether this is possible, but IIRC NPN does get checked baggage service via 66/67. I don't know if it's possible to get them transferred over to the next day's 67, but anything's possible with this company.

Yeah, I checked that out too just to be sure. NPN (Newport News) used to have checked baggage, so while 66/67 does still offer checked bags, it does not carry checked bags to NPN.

 

[AlanB]

Thank You for all of your imput,, I will be staying in a hotel till my other things are shipped so will need my suitcases.. I will look into going as far as Richmond then transfer to the Greyound for the rest of the trip.  

Look at connecting to train #91 the Silver Star, as it leaves Washington at 3:05 and it does carry checked baggage to Richmond. Not all trains do, but the Silver Star does. If the cost is higher than a regional train, you can still ride the regional train, but you'll have to wait in Richmond for the Silver Star anyhow to get your bags as they'll end up on that train. Most regional trains don't offer checked baggage.

Now have question about the trip itself,, on the Chi to Was trip I will be in a roomette, what is the policy on tipping for services such as preparing the bed, etc:  do you tip as services are done or at the end of the trip,, and any suggestions on amount for this service will be appreciated, as you can tell this type of travel is new to me.. also are there locks on the bedroom doors?  ( My kids and Grandkids wanted to know this) they worry about me traveling alone..

Your room can only be locked when you are in the room. When you leave for meals or to sit in the lounge, the room cannot be locked from the outside. However, you should be very safe in the sleeper anyhow, as the car attendants don't allow passengers from the coach section of the train to just wander through.

That said, always take your purse with you when you leave the room and never leave anything of real value sitting out in the open when you are not in the room. Never leave money in the room, even if it's burried in your suitcase.

As for tipping, normal is 5 bucks at the end of the trip. You don't need to tip for each thing. If you ask the attendant for special help (like bringing your meals to the room), or he/she is very good, then you may wish to tip extra.

You should also tip the waiter for your meals in the dinning car, as tips are not included, even though the meal is free to you.

 

[AlanB]

One other thought:

Your sleeper tickets qualify you as a First Class passenger on Amtrak. As a first class passenger you are entitled to utilize Amtrak's first class lounge in Chicago. These lounges are a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, newspapers, TV's, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.

In Chicago the lounge is called the "Metropolitan Lounge". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign, unless they've changed the entrance in the last few months. Again, just show your tickets and relax. Note the Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding.

 

[Trogdor]

One other thought:
Your sleeper tickets qualify you as a First Class passenger on Amtrak. As a first class passenger you are entitled to utilize Amtrak's first class lounge in Chicago.

And Washington, DC.

 

[AlanB]

One other thought:
Your sleeper tickets qualify you as a First Class passenger on Amtrak.   As a first class passenger you are entitled to utilize Amtrak's first class lounge in Chicago.

And Washington, DC.

Quite right Robert, I can't believe that I forgot about that.

Here's the directions for that lounge:

In DC the Club Acela Lounge is located behind the information kiosk, which is in the center of the waiting areas between gates D & E. There are two large wooden doors there, ring the bell to the right of the door and the attendant will let you in. Show your tickets and you’re in. They will escort you to your train when it’s time.