Big camping backpack??

[subarurally]

So my first time rail trip will be next week from Chicago to Rockville MD on the Capitol Limited. Going with my wife and two young kids. Since we are stopping at Rockville it seems that we cannot check baggage. Could I carry on a pretty big camping backpack with a sleeping bag attached and numerous other items such as booster seats for kids and other normal wheeled luggage? Im not sure after checking the official baggage rules on Amtraks site. Any advice would be great. I dont want to show up and not be able to carry this stuff on...

(P.S.) Have two roomettes for the trip to MD and a family suite on the return trip.

 

[bretton88]

The answer is yes, having brought such a thing on the California zephyr before from Hastings-Omaha as a carry-on. I took some teasing (good natured) from the station attendant at Hastings. He was a great guy, one of the best Amtrak staffers I've ever run into, btw.

 

[subarurally]

Great! Thanks!

 

[coachseats]

If you end up not being able to take the big backpack w/you on the train, just check it in Chicago to Washington Union Station, then ride on the Metro to go get it.

 

[subarurally]

If you end up not being able to take the big backpack w/you on the train, just check it in Chicago to Washington Union Station, then ride on the Metro to go get it.

So even though I am scheduled to arrive at Rockville, MD I could check it and pick it up in DC? If that happens (they wont let me take it to my roomette at Chicago) could I just extend my tickets to the DC stop and then check baggage? I'd have a hard time believing that my roomettes would be occupied from Rockville to DC. Is this possible to just upgrade my tickets right there at Chicago if this happens?

/First time Amtrak Rider

Also, another curious question.... How early can you board the train at Chicago with Sleeper arrangements.. Traveling with two little ones and my son is autistic and has a limited attention span.. I want to arrive early in Chicago but not early enough to have to sit in Union Station forever waiting to board..

This forum is great and a big thanks to everyone who is helping with these beginner questions..

 

[AlanB]

subarurally,

Your sleeper tickets allow you to use the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago. This lounge is a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, conference rooms, computer terminals, newspapers, TV's, luggage storage, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.

". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign, unless they've changed the entrance in the last few months. Again, just show your tickets and relax.

They'll also give you a card that contains the time that you need to return to the lounge by, in order to board the train and not miss it. If you do leave the lounge, take this card with you as it is also your pass for reentering the lounge. Just wave it at the attendants as you walk in and one will usually look up and acknowledge you and the card. Note the Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding.

Note: They may make you leave your carry-on bags in the luggage room inside the lounge, if the lounge is very crowded. There is a redcap manning this room who will give you a claim check for your bags, such that you can claim them shortly before you board the train. One nice advantage of this is the fact that you can park your carryon bags here, while you wander around Chicago and do lunch, assuming that your trains arrive on time.

Typically they board the train from the lounge between 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure. You also make your dinner reservation when you check into the lounge. Get there too late and you may find all the earlier time filled up. So you may want to consider arriving a bit earlier, checking your checked bags first. Then head to the Metro Lounge where as I mentioned above you can day check your carry-on's for free, make your dinner reservation, and then find something that will help distract your son.

Not knowing your son and his level, I don't know if simply taking a walk is enough of a distraction, but hopefully there is something that you can do besides just sitting in the lounge that will distract him for some of the time.

 

[subarurally]

subarurally,

Your sleeper tickets allow you to use the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago. This lounge is a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, conference rooms, computer terminals, newspapers, TV's, luggage storage, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.

". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign, unless they've changed the entrance in the last few months. Again, just show your tickets and relax.

They'll also give you a card that contains the time that you need to return to the lounge by, in order to board the train and not miss it. If you do leave the lounge, take this card with you as it is also your pass for reentering the lounge. Just wave it at the attendants as you walk in and one will usually look up and acknowledge you and the card. Note the Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding.

Note: They may make you leave your carry-on bags in the luggage room inside the lounge, if the lounge is very crowded. There is a redcap manning this room who will give you a claim check for your bags, such that you can claim them shortly before you board the train. One nice advantage of this is the fact that you can park your carryon bags here, while you wander around Chicago and do lunch, assuming that your trains arrive on time.

Typically they board the train from the lounge between 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure. You also make your dinner reservation when you check into the lounge. Get there too late and you may find all the earlier time filled up. So you may want to consider arriving a bit earlier, checking your checked bags first. Then head to the Metro Lounge where as I mentioned above you can day check your carry-on's for free, make your dinner reservation, and then find something that will help distract your son.

Not knowing your son and his level, I don't know if simply taking a walk is enough of a distraction, but hopefully there is something that you can do besides just sitting in the lounge that will distract him for some of the time.

AlanB

Thanks for the detailed info. It sounds like we should be good, my son is not too fidgety and assuming there is wifi etc he can just watch some cartoons on the phone or laptop. Looking forward to our first Amtrak trip!

Thanks everyone!