Flaws with this plan for luggage?

[Dakota 400]

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago, booked in a bottom level Roomette

My large bag will be checked. I will carry on an over-the-shoulder carry on bag, but it is not large enough to handle what I may need for this journey. I have a soft-sided one suiter with wheels that I can easily manage that will contain those items that I specifically may need for my Amtrak trip. I plan on storing this bag in the luggage storage area of the Sleeper near my Roomette with the idea that when I need something from this bag I can easily obtain it. Lugging luggage up and down those narrow stairs is something that I don't want to do anymore! (That is the prime reason why I specifically booked a lower level accommodation.)

I would appreciate reactions to this plan. Have I not considered something that I should have? Positive and negative comments to my plan are truly welcome!

Thank you!

 

[Bob Dylan]

Sounds like you're all set, hopefully the Builder will run, tough Winter on the Hi-Line and in the NW!!

 

[TinCan782]

Certainly workable. Even with an upper level roomette/bedroom, that is how we do it. Once a day, I head down to exchange clothes, etc. Only the essentials in our room.

 

[the_traveler]

I don't check any bags myself.

I store both my large bag (and 2nd bag if needed) and my carry-on bags in the storage area on the lower level. Then on the way to the shower or rest room, I grab my cloths/supplies I need. Upon coming out, I return the dirty clothes/supplies to my bag(s) and return the bags to the storage area. I use the floor by the door to open my bags (if needed).

I hardly ever bring any bags to my room on the upper level.

 

[amamba]

I do the opposite. I travel with a rolling suitcase (that is small enough to carry on a plane) and a laptop messenger bag. I can fit them both in my roomette- and do so. I prefer to have everything with me at all times.

But, your plan sounds like it will work well for you. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[Austruck]

I'm traveling for two weeks (PGH to SEA to LA and back) in early May and decided to make do with a 50L backpack and a large messenger-type bag, and that's it. One hotel I'm staying in out west has coin-op laundry so I'll get out there, wash everything, and then head back with the same clothes. I too decided I'd just rather have everything in my room with me.

 

[anuenue]

If you're not bringing your suitcase into your room anyway, is there still a reason to stay in a lower level roomette?

I'm still undecided between a lightweight backpack and a wheeled carry-on for my upcoming springtime trip cris-crossing the country by train. I'm alternating between upstairs roomettes (8 nights) and hotels/hostels (7 nights). I expect I'll keep my luggage with me in the roomette, but may change my mind after gaining experience. At the moment, the idea of leaving my bag unattended doesn't sit right with me.

 

[PVD]

Traveling solo vs pairs (or more) changes the picture for many travelers. The ability to use the upper as a shelf (especially in a VL) goes away. If you are nervous about the bag being unattended on the rack, bring a cable lock, that should do it. Remember, some people like the "solitude and proximity to restrooms and the shower" that the lower level offers. And as some have noted before, noisy kids in the family room can foil that plan on occasion.

 

[Dakota 400]

I do appreciate the comments posted. I am glad that my plans seem to be OK.

The Amtrak trip follows a 14 day Alaska cruise and the challenge will be packing in such a way that only the checked bag has mostly the cruise "stuff" which will allow me to better use the smaller bag for my Amtrak journey.

I did decide to reserve a lower level Roomette because of the proximity of the shower as well as the luggage storage area that is available. It will be much easier for me to use the shower at that location than up/down those narrow steps so early in the morning. I'm aware of the potential noise issue from the Family Bedroom nearby. It will be what it is and I will deal with it then. I expect to spend a significant amount of time in the Sightseer Lounge Car once it is put on in Spokane.

I hope that the Sleeping Car Attendant will be sure to let the Diner/Lounge staff member out of Seattle and the Dining Car Staff member out of Spokane responsible for taking dinner reservations that they need to find me and allow me to make a dining car reservation.

 

[Maglev]

At the moment, the idea of leaving my bag unattended doesn't sit right with me.

I spent twelve days on trains recently, and never felt as if there were any trespassers in the sleepers or Business Class. I felt safe leaving my luggage downstairs on the Superliners, and left my camera and laptop unattended in my room or at my seat on all trains.

As far as the OP's luggage plans, I leave most of my luggage on the downstairs rack but also have a backpack that I take to my room with toiletries (in a removable bag), camera (also in its own bag), and some other stuff like eyeglasses and my laptop. I also find this pack useful in Viewliners (even though all my luggage fits in my room) and during layovers (where I might leave the rest of my luggage in the storage area).

 

[Asher]

There is quite a bit of hanging room in a roomette if you have clothing on hangers. Like others have said,its easy to remove a suitcase from the downstairs storage area to exchange items as needed. I find the trash can makes a good table to put the bag on while rummaging through it.

 

[gatelouse]

A hanging garment bag travels exceptionally well in roomettes. Roomettes in some sleepers offer a narrow (about 6" across) closet. Roomettes in other sleepers lack the closet but provide a coat hook and strap instead.

 

[PVD]

I believe SL-1 is the closet, SL-2 is the coat hook and strap but if I'm wrong, someone will be sure to advise.....

 

[chakk]

Roomette 14 on the lower level of the Superliners lacks the extra window to the hallway. IMO, I find this preferable when riding downstairs as the roon is darker at night.

 

[Don Newcomb]

I try to follow the advice on onebag.com. If you are physically able, a soft-sided shoulder carry-on is most practical. If you are going to check a rolling bag, you can haul the carry-on as cargo as far as the luggage counter. You only have to tote the carry-on from there to the train car.

 

[RalphCT]

I do this most of the time I ride Amtrak. I check my big suitcase and carryon a bag and backpack. The small backpack will fit on the step in the roomette and the carryon bag sits I the luggage bin downstairs. When I need something from that bag I have always Benn able to get to it.

 

[Dakota 400]

Roomette 14 on the lower level of the Superliners lacks the extra window to the hallway. IMO, I find this preferable when riding downstairs as the roon is darker at night.

I have reserved Roomette 11 because it is one more room further from the Family Room in case of a noisy group, closer to the middle of the car and closer to the luggage storage/shower/restroom area.

 

[Dakota 400]

No one has made any comment about my "small potatoes" concern about will the Dining Car's Lead Service Attendant know that I am down on the lower level so that Dining Car reservations can be made by me when I want them.

Is this not a problem and I am concerned about something that is a non-issue?

I worry about "being out of sight, out of mind" for such personnel.

 

[districtRich]

I've been on the lower level on the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr and never had any problems with dinner reservations.

 

[Dakota 400]

I've been on the lower level on the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr and never had any problems with dinner reservations.

Thank you. Your post is re-assuring.