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I know this is a banal question but the older you get the more you like to have things well-planned! Our previous Amtrak experiences have all been with checked baggage joining at the stations of departure. This year the final leg of our Montral/Toronto/NY/Boston trip is by the mid-day Acela service from NY to Boston. Presumably we can use Redcaps to get our two suitcases, each conforms to Amtrak's 28" x 22" x 14" from the Club Acela lounge to the train. Do we contact them in the Lounge itself or at some other point in the station? Will they stack the cases on the train? Is there always luggage space available on the Acela trains? Thank-you in advance!
MDRR Member # 2992
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If you have a red cap meet you upon your arrival at NYP, ie taxi stand or whatever, he will take you to Club Acela and then come and get to to preboard your train. If you arrive at Club Acela on your own, when you check in, just let the attendant at the desk know you need red cap assistance when boarding.
There are luggage racks, as well as a large open area by handicap seat, for storing luggage. The red caps are very familiar with these areas and will get you cruared away with no problem. Enjoy your trip.
sojourner Member # 3134
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MDRR's advice is spot on--really, the Red Cap Service in NYC (and Boston) for me has always been excellent. Tell the Red Cap you want to sit on the right side facing forward out of NYC. This side has the best views of the LI Sound from before New London to before Providence, the prettiest part of the trip, IMO. OTOH, when you first depart NYC, crossing the Hellgate and going thru Queens, the best view (nice sweeping view of Manhattan) is from the left side of the train, so if you can get over that side (in the lounge perhaps) for just that one part of the trip, try to do so.
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