large suitcase as carry-on on amtrak train

Old May 23rd, 2015, 09:10 AM
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large suitcase as carry-on on amtrak train

Hi,

I want to travel with the 42 Pennsylvanian from Pittsburgh to New York. I'm from Europe and stayed for 2 months in the United States which is the reason why I have a large suitcase with me. The Train doesn't offer checked baggage. Can I bring my suitcase with me as a carry-on on the Train? Even though, it will definitely not fit into the space above the seats? Will the conductor let me get on the Train with such a big suitcase?
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 09:13 AM
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I don't know about that train specifically so can't help you there. But a long trip doesn't mean you have to schlepp a huge suitcase.

Taking more 'stuff' doesn't make traveling easier -- and it can really complicate things. Don't pack for 2 months -- back for a week or 10 days and do a little laundry now and then.
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 09:15 AM
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You can bring onto the train anything that you can carry. There is room at the end of each car for bags too large for overheads - anything more than 24".

But be aware that you may have to carry the bag up a couple of flights of stairs - or at a minimum haul it up and down escalators (have never seen elevators used except for wheelchairs) to get form the platform to the two levels of concourses and then up to the street (Penn Station is several levels deep).
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 11:03 AM
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Even though the restrictions say no carry-on luggage bigger than 24?
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 11:28 AM
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Yes. Not "checking" it means that it will not be transferred for you if you go from train to train etc. You have to schlepp it yourself. And when that train arrives at your stop, you have very little time to hop off the train WITH your bag so you'd better have it in hand and be already down the stairs.
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 11:38 AM
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The limit is 28X22X14. with a maximum weight of 50 lb. 23kg.
There is space for a few larger bags at the end of the Amfleet car (single level). As long as you can carry the bag on your own up the steps, no one will measure it or weigh it.
If the bag is any thicker than 14" it will not fit in the overhead bin. I have on occasion helped ladies lift bags to the overhead that were close to the 50 lb. limit.
You are allowed 2 bags up to 50 lb.
My advice to you if you are close to 50 lb. would be to get a backpack that will hold about 15 pounds to put above the seat and limit the large bag to no more than 35 pounds.
Carry the backpack on your back when carrying the big bag.
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 11:44 AM
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I'm just worried that they won't let me board with a big suitcase but if there is space for big suitcase at the end of the cars it's probably okay? The carrying itself is not the Problem.. I just want to make sure that the conductor will let me go on the Train with it
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 02:33 PM
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There is a luggage rack for bags that will not fit in the overhead rack. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/sho...spx?id=2525155
Since you are getting on in Pittsburgh where the train starts you should have no problem getting on board and putting the big bag there instead of over your seat.
The space between the bar you see in the photo and the ceiling is about 14.5".
The luggage rack is between the restrooms and the rear seats of the car. Don't worry about being denied boarding if you can handle your own bag.
The single level Amfleet cars are used since they can go through the tunnels and under the electrified catenary wires on the Northeast Corridor.
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Old May 23rd, 2015, 05:10 PM
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There is no one watching every person board the train - only 1 or 2 conductors for the whole train. So they have no idea which luggage belongs to who.

But when you get to Penn Station you need to be ready to get of the train right away - meaning standing with your luggage at the door when it pulls in. (But since everyone else will be doing the same thing it will be crowded.)
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