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What if my bag is too big on Amtrak?

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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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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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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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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Pro Tip: The best part about traveling by train? No liquids restrictions! Make sure you don't leave home without bringing the necessities! Each traveler may bring 2 personal and 2 carry-on items plus check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag).

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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 overhead luggage racks in all Amtrak cars, as well as a big luggage rack either at one end of the car on single level cars or downstairs by the entry doors on the bi-level cars. The overhead racks will take a pretty big suitcase, larger in fact that what you're officially allowed to carry onto the train.

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Likewise, on American Airlines flights, a single piece exceeding a combined length + width + height of 62 inches (158 cm) is deemed oversized. Odd-sized items like sport equipment and musical instruments are also labeled as oversized.

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

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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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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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Parcel shipping (UPS or FedEx) Like USPS, shipping your luggage through parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx enables you to ship your bags directly to your destination, whether they're headed for a hotel or a new home.

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Especially on a packed train, if you have your backpack on your back, it will prevent people from coming in. So the rule is to put it down on the floor between your legs, put it on the top compartment, or carry your backpack in front of you.

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Why isn't there TSA security for train travel? There is sometimes, TSA does random TSA level Security from time to time on AMTRAK stations. But you really can not HiJack a train, and take it somewhere, you could disable the driver and ram the train into the station at the end of a platform.

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Roomette. For customers seeking both privacy and savings in First Class, Roomettes feature two comfortable seats by day transformed to upper and lower beds by night. Each room includes a big picture window, newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens and access to a restroom and shower in your car.

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