An Amtrak tip that I mentioned earlier, if you're traveling solo in a roomette, you can bring your carry-on luggage in the sleeping room with you. With the top bunk empty, you can stow your smaller bags and carry-ons “upstairs” on the upper bunk or the hard-to-reach shelf.

Managing luggage in an Amtrak Roomette requires a bit of "vertical thinking" due to the compact nature of the space. Each Roomette features a dedicated luggage storage cubby located above the seats/steps near the sliding door. This space is typically large enough to hold two "carry-on" sized suitcases or several smaller duffel bags. However, it will not accommodate large, full-sized checked suitcases. For larger items, Amtrak offers a "luggage rack" at the end of each Viewliner or Superliner car, where you can leave big bags for the duration of the trip. Additionally, most Roomettes have small "nooks" under the seats and a few hooks for coats or laptop bags. In 2026, the best strategy for Amtrak sleeper car travel is to "pack light" for the room itself—bringing only a small overnight bag with your essentials—and leaving your larger suitcases in the car's general luggage area or checking them through to your final destination. This keeps your Roomette uncluttered and ensures you have maximum legroom during the day and a comfortable sleeping area when the seats are converted into bunks at night.