Red Cap Service

[OTownDog]

In a few weeks I'll be departing on my first LD train trip from Orlando to San Francisco. While I plan on checking my luggage in Orlando, I have a question about my carry on bags. I see that WAS and CHI have "Red Cap" luggage service. Will they hold my carry on bags while I sight see in DC and Chicago for a few hours? Are they like a hotel belhop and will "hold" your bags for a few hours? I am booked in a sleeper the whole way. Just womdering as I'd really had to lug my stuff around all day. Thanks!

 

[frugalist]

You don't need to worry about using a RedCap. You can store your carry-on bags for the day at the first class lounges in WAS and CHI.

As a sleeping car passenger, you can use the ClubAcela lounge in WAS and the Metropolitan Lounge in CHI. These are quiet comfortable places to relax while you're waiting to board your next train. They also provide free light snacks and soft drinks. Just show the lounge attendant your sleeping car ticket and they'll let you in. In WAS, you have to ring the bell to the right of the door to be buzzed in. In WAS, there's a place right behind the attendant's desk to store your bags for the day while you wander around town all day. Don't know the actual arrangement in CHI, but it's the same basic idea.

I took the Silver Meteor up to Washington just last month on my first LD train trip. Since it was just me, I took a roomette. I really enjoyed having a private compartment. Overall, the trip was very enjoyable. I'm sure you'll have fun. Post a trip report when you get back!

 

[Rail Freak]

WAS - You'll put your bags in a room behind the Agent Desk. It's not manned but safe.

CHI - You ck your bags in a manned room. The Red Cap will give you a claim stub to retrieve your luggage. Tip is customary.

So, yes you can go sight seeing without lugging your bags around.

Have Fun

 

[OTownDog]

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated!

 

[AlanB]

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.

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.

They'll also give you a card that contains the time that you need to return to the lounge by, in order to board the train and not miss it. If you do leave the lounge, take this card with you as it is also your pass for reentering the lounge. Just wave it at the attendants as you walk in and one will usually look up and acknowledge you and the card. 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.