Red caps and baggage assistance in philly

[erinch13]

Hi all, on June 29 we will be boarding the Keystone in Lancaster, Pa, to go to Philly, where we will pick up the Acela to Was, where we will catch the CL to Chi, to catch the SWC to Albuquerque. It will be a 3 week trip, so we need to manage our carryons for the 3 day train trip, plus the big suitcases we will be checking when we get to WAS. Never used a red cap at Philly. Can they help get luggage from the platform to the Acela lounge, and then on to the Acela?

Thank you!

 

[Acela150]

Yes they can. Just make sure you inform the conductor that you will need a red cap upon arrival of Philly. And then let the red cap know you'll be on Acela 21** or 22** to D.C. And you'll like to use the lounge. Enjoy your trip!

 

[erinch13]

Thanks so much!

 

[Oreius]

The Keystone has cubbyholes in the coaches where you can stow bigger bags. Might I suggest boarding at Elizabethtown instead of Lancaster? E-Town has free long-term parking, has a nice station building and is completely ADA accessible. I'm not sure if you've ever boarded at Lancaster; but it is a very busy station. It can be difficult to find two empty seats together. If I remember correctly, Lancaster also does not have free parking, unless this has changed. It's your choice, but I highly recommend boarding at Elizabethtown. It may be 15 minutes out of the way, but you'll get two seats together and there won't be that many people aboard the train so it will be easier to stow your luggage. Did I mention free long-term parking?

 

[Oreius]

I know 30th Street has Red Cap Service. I am trying to find out more about that because I am taking the train from Florida to Elizabethtown in March. I'm not sure how they'll handle my checked luggage given that I am changing trains in PHL.

 

[erinch13]

Thanks for the info on boarding at E town. We live a few miles from the Lancaster station, so the daughter will drop us off. You are correct that parking is paid, $5 a day at the Lancaster station. The lot is small and incredibly crowded. So E town is a great option.

 

[the_traveler]

I know 30th Street has Red Cap Service. I am trying to find out more about that because I am taking the train from Florida to Elizabethtown in March. I'm not sure how they'll handle my checked luggage given that I am changing trains in PHL.

There is no checked baggage on the Ketstones. You will either have to hand carry them from Florida, or check them just to PHL and reclaim them there. But be certain there's enough time between trains to claim your bag(s)!