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Does a purse count as a carry-on Amtrak?

Originally Answered: How much luggage can you take on Amtrak? Each passenger is allowed two carry on bags each not exceeding 50 pounds each. Laptop bags, handbags and medical equipment do not count toward the two bag limit.



On Amtrak, a standard purse does not count as one of your two allotted "carry-on" bags; instead, it is classified as a personal item. Amtrak’s generous baggage policy allows each passenger to bring two personal items and two carry-on bags free of charge. Personal items, which include purses, small backpacks, laptop bags, or briefcases, must not exceed 25 lbs (12 kg) and dimensions of 14 x 11 x 7 inches. Carry-on bags can be much larger, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches. Because a purse is considered a personal item, you still have your full "two carry-on" allowance available for larger suitcases or duffel bags. This makes Amtrak one of the most flexible travel options in the United States, as you can technically board with four separate pieces of luggage (two small, two large) without incurring any additional fees, provided you can safely carry them yourself.

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Checked baggage service is available at a number of our stations and on many trains and Thruway Services. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Before you travel, make sure to check and see if your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.

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The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.

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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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Just like a hotel, Amtrak provides shampoo, soap and bottled water in all rooms. Pro Tip: The best part about traveling by train? No liquids restrictions! Make sure you don't leave home without bringing the necessities!

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Carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

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Can I choose a specific seat? Not while you're making a reservation. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat at any time after your booking is complete using interactive seat maps on the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com.

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Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.

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When you travel with us, you can bring:
  • one personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches.
  • two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each (Pacific Surfliner: up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each)
  • two additional bags for $20 each.


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thank you for reaching out to us. Sharp objects, including but not limited to axes, ice picks, knives, spears, and swords, are not allowed in carry-on baggage. For more information, please visit our website at amtrak.com/onboard/baggag….

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Why isn't there TSA security for train travel? Amtrak has own service, which makes the security check on the big stations, but it isn't the precise check like on the airport.

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Amtrak offers Wi-Fi onboard 29 of its 39 trains, which accounts for the vast majority of annual ridership. Most service is concentrated on the East Coast, Great Lakes, and some parts of California.

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It means they are not going to stow your luggage for you. Whatever you have, you take it on the train and find a secure place for it in the overhead bins or under your seat. You will be fine with a carry on and a suitcase each.

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Seating Accommodation Policies Each passenger paying a fare will be entitled to a seat, to the extent coach seats are available. Passengers are entitled to one seat per fare, to ensure other paying passengers are not excluded. Unless specific seats are assigned, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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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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In almost all cases, Amtrak seats are not assigned. The exception is Acela Express route seats and business class seating on the Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto, and Vermonter. Otherwise, Amtrak has a first-come, first-serve seating policy for coach seats.

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A carry-on is a piece of luggage you can bring onto the aeroplane with you. It's typically a small suitcase or backpack that fits in the overhead bin. Different airlines have different rules regarding carry-on luggage, but most airlines allow one carry-on bag per passenger.

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What size should your carry-on luggage be? On domestic flights within the United States, a carry-on bag that's smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), including handles and wheels will meet the size restrictions of all major airlines, such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

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Bags are weighed at check-in and many airlines have placed bag sizers at their gates. If your carry-on bags are too big, you will have to check them. This might cause them to be classified as extra bags which usually carries an extra charge. Be sure to check your airline's website prior to travel.

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Similar to cruise ships, most trains do allow you to bring aerosol products onboard. So, thankfully, there is no need to worry about the possibility of hindering your daily beauty regimen on your long overnight train ride. Traveling with small personal aerosol products on a train is safe and simple.

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Are meals included? Yes, most trains offer one or more dining options ranging from casual dining to full sit-down meals. If you have a private sleeper all meals in the dining car are included in your price (gratuities...

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Trains consume less energy and produce less harmful pollutants than either car or air travel. Hopping on an Amtrak train will save you gas and daily wear and tear on your car. It also reduces the ever-increasing traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies.

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On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view. On long-distance journeys, you will find extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.

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