Amtrak is widely celebrated for offering a liberal baggage policy. Moreover, the travellers can not only bring two carry-on baggage but also a personal item onboard for no extra cost. Along with this luggage criteria, the passengers can also bring two more baggages on the Amtrak train for an additional cost. However, there are several underlying restrictions attached to the company’s baggage policy, as outlined below.
Thus, the information below clearly provides an in-depth breakdown of the company’s luggage rules, restricted items, and other related services.
How much luggage can be taken on Amtrak?
Above all, on average, Amtrak allows passengers to bring two carry-on bags to the train accompanied by one personal item. The travellers must align with the size criteria given below:
- Carry-on Bags: 50lbs (23 kg), and the accurate size must align within 28 x 22 x 14 inches.
- Personal Items: 25 lbs (12 kg), and the precise size dimensions must align within 14 x 11 x 7 inches only.
- Exceptions: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Trains have reduced the size dimensions to 28 x 22 x 11 inches for 2 bags.
Amtrak expects the passengers to ensure that their carry-on luggage fits in the overhead bins. Whereas, the passengers must adjust their personal items below their dedicated seats. Furthermore, the travellers can also carry two additional baggage for a fee of $20 for each bag.
Amtrak has strictly prohibited the overweight bags; in case of such luggage, the boxes are provided at the station for repacking.
Quite importantly, the customers who are travelling with infants. Therefore, Amtrak allows passengers to carry infant items such as diaper bags, strollers, and similar essentials at no extra cost.
Does Amtrak provide Checked Baggage?
Similarly, Amtrak also offers checked baggage services at several train stations. Moreover, this section also states the required size dimensions and quantity for better clarity.
- Quantity: Amtrak Trains allow only 2 checked bags.
- Size: Also, the luggage must be of 50lbs each and 75 linear inches. However, passengers have to pay $20 for oversized baggage that is more than 75 inches.
- Additional Baggage: On the other hand, the additional luggage will cost $20 each.
Besides, Amtrak suggests that customers must reach their designated station before the scheduled departure to clear the check-in procedure on time. Alternatively, if Amtrak does not load the checked baggage onto the passenger’s train. Henceforth, Amtrak will load it on another train or bus going to the scheduled destination.
Additionally, attach a name and address tag outside the checked baggage to avoid any loss.
Special Items and their Fees
Equally important, Amtrak has specified several items that it accepts under its Special Items policy. Further, passengers can bring these products onboard as carry-on or checked baggage. Even passengers have to pay a certain fee.
| Name of the Special Item | Carry-on Bags | Checked Baggage | Additional Fees | Prior Reservation |
| Archery Equipment | Not Allowed | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 75 linear inches) | Not Applicable | Not Required |
| Infant Items | Allowed | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 100 linear inches) | Not Applicable | Not Required |
| Bicycle and Bicycle Trains | Allowed (Standard Bicycle Size, up to 50 lbs) | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and Size Dimensions of 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″) | Applicable | Required |
| Electric Bikes and Scooters | Allowed (Up to 50lbs) Capital Corridor and Gold Runner Trains: Tyre Size can be up to 2.5.” Pacific Surfliner: Tyre Size can be 4.” | Folding Scooters are Not Allowed Only Bikes are Allowed (Up to 50lbs) Size Dimensions of 70″ x 41″ x 8.5″ | Applicable | Required |
| Firearms and Ammunition | Not Allowed | Allowed ( Up to 50lbs and Size Dimensions up to 62″ x 17″ x 7″) Stringent Policies have to be followed by the owners | Not Applicable | Required |
| General Sporting Equipment | Allowed (Up to 50lbs) Size Dimensions of 28″ x 22″ x 14″ | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 75 linear inches only) | Not Applicable | Not Required |
| Golfing Equipment | Allowed (Up to 50lbs, 75” inches in height only) | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 100 linear inches) | Handling Fee is Applicable | Required |
| Required Medical Devices | Allowed (Up to 50 lbs., 30″ wide x 48″ long and 2″ Ground clearance) | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 100 linear inches) | Not Applicable | Required for Certain Items |
| Musical Instruments | Allowed ( Up to 50 lbs. and 28″ x 22″ x 14″) Oversized ones shouldn’t be more than 72” in height | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 100 linear inches) | Service Fee is Applicable for Medium-Sized Instruments | Not Required |
| Skis and Snowboards | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 72” in height) | Allowed (Up to 50lbs and 75 linear inches) Oversized ones should be between 76 to 100 linear inches only | A Service Fee is required for Oversized Items | Not Required |
| Safeboards, Wakeboards and Skegs | Allowed only on Pacific Surfliner (Up to 50lbs and 72” in height) | Allowed Up to (50 lbs. and 120″ in height)On Pacific Surfliner, the Height must be 72” inches only | Applicable | Not Required |
Prohibited Items
Along with the baggage policy mentioned above, passengers must also be aware of the items they cannot bring onboard. From dangerous chemicals and canisters to illegal products and sharp objects. This section presents all the necessary information:
- Batteries with acid that can spill or leak
- Canisters, tanks or other devices Containing Propellants
- Corrosive or dangerous chemicals or materials
- Controlled or illegal substances
- Dumbbells and Hand Weights
- Gas-powered Motorized Vehicles
- Kayaks and Canoes
- Amtrak strictly prohibits seafood.
- Amtrak does not allow sharp objects such as axes, ice picks, knives, spears, and similar items on its trains.
On Station Baggage Services
In addition, Amtrak offers several baggage-oriented facilities to its customers waiting at the station for the train. Also, baggage handling and loading assistance are provided to the travellers in certain situations. The following is a holistic list of such facilities:
Free Red Cap Baggage Handling
Whether the passenger has a hefty amount of bags and other equipment, and needs assistance in luggage loading. Subsequently, Amtrak has appointed Red Cap Baggage Service Handlers at various stations for enhanced customer experience. These basic services are provided free of cost by uniformed supporters. Amtrak compensates passengers if Red Cap officials lose their luggage.
Temporary Bag Storage
Moreover, the passengers who have reached the station quite early before the departure time or are willing to go sightseeing. Therefore, they can store their bags under the supervision of Amtrak’s staff members. Thus, the customers have to make the following payment for temporary storage.
- Amtrak Passengers: $20 per item for 24 hours
- General Public: $30 per item for 24 hours.
Travelers also receive free boxes to repack oversized bags.
Conclusion
To sum up, it can be said that Amtrak’s Baggage Policies can be regarded as quite generous. Moreover, passengers can take more than enough luggage on the Amtrak train without incurring any extra charges. Additionally, customers can bring several special items on board without any prior reservation or additional charges. Thus, this blog clearly outlines all the important information and detailed aspects of Amtrak’s Baggage Policy.
FAQs
Yes, Amtrak has a lenient Baggage policy for its customers.
Yes, Amtrak allows scooters and bikes onboard, but passengers must pay an additional fee and make a prior reservation.
Yes, Amtrak allow pets and service animals on its trains.
The cost of storing bags in the Amtrak station is $20 per item for 24 hours.
Amtrak allows passengers to check only two bags on its trains.
