Clarify Luggage Max.

[denmarks]

Is the following true about the maximum luggage? Amtrak site does not make it clear if weight is per item or total.

2 personal items 25 lbs EACH

2 carry on bags 50 lbs EACH

2 checked bags 50 lbs EACH

2 Additional bags $20 EACH

There are also size restrictions.

So it seems you can bring 250 lbs free assuming there is checked baggage.

 

[ehbowen]

350 lbs. if you're willing to pay the 40 bucks!

 

[PVD]

Keep in mind that no bag can exceed 50 lbs. If you go to check 2 bags and one is 60 and one is 40, it is 100 lbs, but you will likely be asked to redistribute items.

 

[BCL]

It's unlikely that anyone is going to weigh your carry-on items.

 

[PVD]

That is much more likely to occur when checking luggage, I have seen that occur a few times. . I have seen sizing boxes and portable scales on platforms at stations, but have never seen them used, or seen anyone stopped from bringing bags on as long as they were dragging them themselves. Carry-on is probably only an issue during peak periods, or on very crowded trains, where space is an issue.

 

[the_traveler]

Likewise, if 1 checked bag weights 55 pounds but the other only weights 27 pounds, you will most likely be asked to redistribute the items until both bags are under 50 pounds each. (I have seen this happen.)

In theory, there is a weight and size limit for carry on baggage. However, if it is not obviously too big (like 6'x4') or you can't carry it by yourself (it takes 3 people to carry it), there should be no problem! There is no tape measure or scale used for carry on bags.

 

[PVD]

Staffed stations even sell boxes for you to redistribute items to get under the 50 lb mark for checked bags. They are usually pretty lenient on carry on.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

According to Amtrak's own rules overweight and oversized carryon luggage represent money Amtrak is simply leaving on the table. The more their funding is at risk the greater the motivation to stop ignoring it and find ways to collect. Bring whatever you want but I'd also advise setting aside some extra money for any extra fees that may occur.

 

[Lonestar648]

If Amtrak looks at some of the Airlines that really limit carry on to one and charge big for checked bags to increase revenue for the cheap Coach seats sold, they could consider in the future if this is a revenue policy they wish to step into.

 

[pennyk]

I was in the Seattle station earlier today and in line behind two women with gigantic suitcases that they wanted to check. The agent weighed them. One weighed 65 pounds and the other weighed 58 pounds. The agent provided a box to the women so they could empty some of the contents of each suitcase. I do not know if they were successful. (all I wanted to do was to store my luggage for a few hours so I could have lunch with Charlie Hamilton and Caravanman. The storage fee is $10 in Seattle, but lunch with those 2 was worth it!)