kimmos

As we will be using the Amtrak at least once during our trip, I wonder if anyone has any suggestion as to suitable type of luggage? We were in Italy once before when we had to take a train from Rome to Naples and we could not hold our luggage next to us while boarding the train! There was just not enough room and we are not big. My husband had to get into the train first and I then pushed the bag up a few steps to him! We also found (I think it was Naples again) that there was no elevator only stairs in the station and needed a bit of manipulation there again. Guess your stations are more passenger friendly?

CHOCOLATE_WATER_ICE

I'm going to say look for a rolling bag that has an enforced plastic area on the bottom of the back side.

The idea being if it is liftable onto the bottom step of the train then one person will be able to drag it to the next step, etc. The top priority is to be able to lift it somewhat easily onto that first step.

I have done a similar type motion rolling my carry on over small steps or raised sidewalks. If there are two people together, one will be able to steady the bag so it doesn't tip off the train.

I remember having bag areas at the end of the seating areas (like those on vans that go to airport rental vehicle areas) and limited overhead bag space.

I kept an eye on that bag area when the train stopped so my bag did not leave with someone else.

I don't remember the stations not being friendly - (like I vividly remember in Britain when I was dragging/lifting my bags and an older relative's bags over those "bridges" of stairs). Not complaining, it was interesting at the time.

Best to get info directly from Amtrak for the stations that will be on the trip.

nytraveler

Trains are similar to europe. You need to deal with your own luggage - which means lifting it onto an overhead rack. Some trains have room at the end for very large bags - but you need to be sure they're not removed by anyone else at intermediate stops.

Your best bet is to pack light - or rely on the kindness of strangers.

dmlove

You need to deal with your own luggage

At least in Europe (not sure about Amtrak), there are bellhops who will deal with your luggage if you're willing to pay.

kimmos

Travel light would be the best idea but as our trip will be in Nov, it is rather impossible to keep the weight down. Backpacks would be the way to go if we were younger. It is the getting onto the train from the platform that I am more concerned with.

FainaAgain

There is always a storage area on the lower level of all trains before going up the steps. While the seats are for disabled only, the storage is for everybody.

kimmos

Fainagain, I gather that one cannot see the luggage in this storage area that you mentioned? Can be picked up by the wrong person then, right?

janisj

dmlove: "At least in Europe (not sure about Amtrak), there are bellhops who will deal with your luggage if you're willing to pay."

Sorry but you could not be further from the truth w/ that statement. Almost nowhere in Europe are thare ANY sort of bellhops/porters on the trains. Even 1st class train travelers must schlepp their own bags up and down, on and off the trains.

FainaAgain

Kimmos, if there would be theft, it would be known. I haven't heard from anybody a suitcase was picked up (in the US I mean, not in Europe )