Amtrak luggage check in

Question

Does Amtrak offer luggage check-in on all its trains? Specifically, for the Northeast Regional train traveling from Washington, DC to New York, is there a luggage check-in option? If not, what alternatives are available for storing luggage during the journey? Additionally, how challenging would it be to store two large bags if there is no luggage check-in service?

Answer

Amtrak does not offer traditional luggage check-in on all its trains. For most regional trains, including the Northeast Regional service from Washington, DC to New York City, passengers are responsible for handling and storing their own luggage throughout the journey.

Specifically, the Northeast Regional does not provide a checked baggage service like you would find on airlines. Instead, passengers are allowed to bring luggage onboard under Amtrak’s carry-on rules. The standard allowance is typically two personal items and two larger carry-on bags per passenger, as long as they meet size and weight restrictions.

Here are some practical options for handling luggage on the Northeast Regional:

Overhead racks: Small to medium suitcases can fit in the overhead storage above the seats.
Luggage racks at the car ends: Each car usually has a designated luggage area where larger bags can be placed, though space may be limited during peak travel times.
Under-seat storage: Smaller personal items can fit under the seats in front of you.

Regarding the challenge of storing two large bags without checked baggage:

It is generally manageable but depends on train occupancy. On busy trains, finding space in the luggage racks can be tight, and you may need to stand near your bags or use available end-of-car storage.
Lifting heavy suitcases onto overhead racks can be physically demanding, so having a rolling suitcase with manageable weight is helpful.
If space is limited, consider staggering luggage between travelers or using soft-sided bags that can be more easily maneuvered into the storage areas.

As an alternative, if you prefer not to manage large luggage onboard, some travelers use luggage shipping services that can deliver their bags to their destination in advance, though this is an additional expense. Otherwise, planning to store your bags in the car’s designated areas and keeping essential items in a smaller personal bag is the standard approach for the Northeast Regional.

Amtrak luggage check in

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