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Is Amtrak strict with luggage?

You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can bring: one personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches.



Compared to most airlines, Amtrak is remarkably generous and less "strict" regarding luggage, though they do enforce specific weight and size limits for safety. In 2026, passengers are typically allowed two personal items (25 lbs each) and two carry-on bags (50 lbs each) free of charge, which is a massive amount of storage for a standard ticket. However, "strictness" comes into play with the 50 lb weight limit per bag; Amtrak staff generally will not assist with bags over this weight, and you may be required to move items to a different bag to comply. For checked baggage (available at staffed stations), the same 50 lb limit applies, and items larger than 75 linear inches may incur an oversized fee. While they rarely break out a measuring tape for a standard backpack, they are strict about prohibited items like certain "hoverboards" or unbagged greasy gear. As long as you can physically carry your own bags and stay under the 50 lb mark, you'll find Amtrak’s luggage policy to be one of the most relaxed in the travel industry.

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You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.

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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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Excess Bags A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger. Fees will be collected at the station or onboard the train if the station is unstaffed.

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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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It typically means that you have to collect your baggage after your first flight and then recheck in for your next one. If you are travelling on a low-cost airline with a connecting flight then this is fairly typical. It also happens where you have separate tickets for your flights.

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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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Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.

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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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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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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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No one may smoke anything in any area on trains, on Thruway services, in stations or in any other location where smoking is prohibited. This includes: Electronic smoking devices, such as electronic cigarettes.

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If you want to get up and stretch your legs, there's plenty of room to walk around, with restrooms conveniently located in every car. On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view.

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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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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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Most Amtrak routes offer Café service, with a variety of meals, snacks and beverages for sale. Customers in all classes of service are invited to the Café and service is available from early morning until late at night.

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It depends on what your main purpose is. For the smoothest ride, get a seat equidistant between the trucks (wheels). This way a hard bump will be only half as bad. If you want to watch the train ahead going through curves, get a window seat near the rear of the coach.

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A final piece of advice: When you're packing for a flight, think through your most crucial items. While the odds that your checked bag will be mishandled is very small, it's never zero.

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While skiplagging isn't illegal, American Airlines filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month against Skiplagged.com, accusing the company of unauthorized and deceptive ticketing practices and tricking customers into believing they've gained access to a secret loophole.

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Yes, customs officials have the authority to open and inspect luggage when you are entering a country. Customs officials have the right to search your luggage, bags, and personal items to ensure that you are not carrying any prohibited or restricted items.

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If you're traveling by train and a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent asks to search your bags, you have the right to refuse.

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