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First two checked bags free. Next two $20 each. Up to four bags in all. There's a weight limit to each bag (50 lbs, I think). Just like the airlines.
This of course applies only to baggage checked between stations that handle checked baggage.
palmland Member # 4344
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Sounds reasonable to me, at least for 95% of those traveling. But, I was on the Sunset/TE and talked with a passenger who was one of the 5%.
She and her daughter were going from New Orleans to LA. The reason she was taking the train was an eye opener. She and her young daughter were starting a new life in CA (apparently a bad divorce). By taking the train she and her daughter could each have 3 large suitcases. They were packed with the essentials of starting a new life.
I wonder have this affects those with oversize baggage, like skis or bikes. But then those going for a skiing trip could probably afford the $20, and those with bikes probably only have a backpack. I suspect most of us 'regulars' have learned to travel with one suitcase and a carry on and won't be affected.
DeeCT Member # 3241
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Henry, As I read it you can check through 2 suitcases at no charge ($20 for an additional 2 suitcased). You are also allowed to carry on 2 suitcases. So seems that would total 4 free and 2 additional charge. How this works when no checked baggage available at either end of trip I could not determine from the Amtrak website. In addition the following things are also "freebies" according to the website ---
Personal Items
Small items needed for the duration of the trip may be carried on the train and will not count toward the carry-on baggage limit. Required medical devices and medication Pillows, blankets and outer garments Coolers, purses or small bags no larger than 12β x 12β x 12β Small electronic devices with protective cases
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So does not seem that most people should have a problem. (For me 1 suitcase a laptop and handbag and I am good for up to two weeks. Most hotels have washers and dryers on site and relatives do also).
Dee
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Makes sense, Dee. I pack one camera bag (two bodies, four lenses) and one Rollaboard with 5 days' worth of clothes. Works for trips of any length.
I do think about emulating Lee Child's Jack Reacher, who travels with just a folding toothbrush, an expired passport, and a wad of cash. He buys new cheap clothes at mall outlets every three days. He does get shot at a lot, however.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Seems reasonable to me too. The vast majority of cases (sorry) will be unaffected. Those with significantly more baggage have to understand that anything beyond reasonable is going to be charged for. The average Disney vacation doesn't require that much baggage; moving house maybe so, but moving house costs money and Amtrak should be no exemption.
Judy McFarland Member # 4435
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What to do about the lady boarding the LSL in Chicago with 17 pieces of luggage (including bags, boxes and hockey sticks) traveling to a station with no baggage service. She was in a bedroom with 2 teenage boys. I thought the car attendant would have a coronary!
DeeCT Member # 3241
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Judy, I suspect all of us have at some point have witnessed the family that is "moving by Amtrak" or the family that packs as if they were traveling to some far outpost at the end of the earth. What has amazed me is that in every case they have been accomodated. Room has been found, things juggled around and while the Train Attendant may have rolled his eyes a tad, he made it all work. Since these folk have never been turned away that I have seen, I suspect that there is no set policy on how to handle such. Perhaps there should be. Dee
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