Can you bring oversized luggage on Amtrak?

Oversized Baggage (76-100 linear inches*) Luggage must be checked prior to your train's scheduled train departure. Check-in times vary by station, so check the station detail page for the stations served by your train for specific times.



Amtrak has a generous but strict luggage policy regarding size and weight. Most passengers can carry on two personal items (25 lbs each) and two carry-on bags (50 lbs each), which must not exceed 28 x 22 x 14 inches. If an item exceeds these dimensions, it is considered "oversized" and may incur a $20 excess baggage fee. However, there is a hard limit: items cannot exceed 75 lbs or a total linear dimension of 75 inches. For truly large items like bicycles or certain sporting equipment, you often need to reserve space in advance for a specialized fee (usually $20) or use checked baggage service if available at your specific stations. If an instrument or piece of equipment is too large for the overhead racks or designated luggage areas, Amtrak may require you to purchase an additional full revenue seat to transport it safely. Always check if your specific train route offers checked baggage, as many regional trains are carry-on only.

People Also Ask

Fees and seasonal limitations vary by destination. Contact Reservations for help and to make sure your oversize bags will fit on the plane. Also, more than one fee may apply to a bag.

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They do random bag checks sometimes, but they don't make everything go through security like at the airport.

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What kind of security do you go through on Amtrak? None! The train stops, you get on, and you go! They have the option of asking for ID, but rarely do.

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If your carry-on is too big, you will either have to pay penalty fees or check your luggage. Checking your luggage means that your carry-on won't be traveling with you but will instead be sent to the airplane cargo, and you will be able to claim it once the plane lands.

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Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.

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If your checked bag is over 62 linear inches (157 cm), it will be marked as oversized. This is a rule set by airline regulators to protect baggage handlers from any potential injuries.

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On the newer high-speed trains there are storage areas at one end of each train car, often across from the toilet, which are available for anyone in that car to use for their larger bags. On the older trains, the only real storage areas are overhead shelves above the seats.

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If you bring oversized baggage aboard a train without a reservation, you will have to pay the carry-on fee and store the baggage in a space designated by the conductor.

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There are luggage racks at the ends of each car for large luggage pieces, and smaller hand luggage and backpacker packs easily fit in the overhead racks above the seating. As the overhead luggage racks are the easier option, don't underestimate the weight of your luggage.

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Typically, a 23kg suitcase size will have the following measurements: Length: 71-81 cm (28-32 inches ) Width: 43-51 cm (17-20 inches) Depth: 26-30 cm (10-12 inches)

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Arriving at the Station Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).

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Conclusion: What's the Largest Luggage Size for Check-In? All checked suitcases need to be below 62 linear inches in size (height + width + depth). If you're looking for a checked suitcase that isn't oversized, look for 24, 25, 26, or 27-inch checked luggage.

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If the baggage size, be it check in bag or cabin bag, is higher than usual, you may need to pay additional sum if required. If the baggage is too big or too heavy, the airline may send it separately by cargo plane. You may need to pay additional sum if required.

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Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines. 2.

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You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

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Purchasing Tickets Onboard In those limited circumstances when you are permitted to purchase your tickets onboard, you may pay with cash. Customers boarding at unstaffed stations can buy tickets with their credit card on Amtrak.com or on the Amtrak app prior to boarding.

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We've added free onboard WiFi to a lot of our trains and stations! You can check if your favorite train or nearest station has WiFi here. If you're reading this while on one of our trains, wait before setting off to do your surfing.

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