I’m thinking of taking a very late train from NYC to Boston next. I’m sure I’ll fall asleep on the train. I’m assuming that my baggage is safe, but was wondering if anyone has any info - personal experience or stats to share.
Second question: Any other problems to anticipate or suggestions?
Thanks
What do you think is going to happen to it?
If it’s baggage-baggage, it goes under the train in the storage compartments.
Or are you talking about carry-on types of items? There are usually racks above and below the seat, but if you’re really worried, intertwine a foot (or a hand, if you’ve got an empty seat next to you) with the item and it shouldn’t be a big deal at all.
Since you are leaving out of the city you should be able to check you baggage in the luggage car. If you are referring to carry on luggage, however, then I would just do what ArchiveGuy said and either rest your feet on top or tuck it between your arms. I take the train to and from school (Pittsburgh to New Jersey) all the time and I am usually asleep for the duration of the trip. I have also done the Pittsburgh to Chicago and Pittsburgh to DC run which are both overnight trips. I have never had or witnessed a problem with luggage security on the train even when I have carried on multiple pieces of large luggage.
Another thing to keep in mind is that every over night trip I have taken on the train has been very cold. I am not sure why but the temperature inside the passenger cars was very low each time. This problem was easily solved with a hooded sweatshirt and the blankets that the train provides.
Food prices are not that outrageous but I would recommend bringing your own if possible because whatever you bring will definitely taste better than what is offered in the Lounge Car. I am not sure about Dining Car prices because the last time I ate there the cost of meals was already included in the price of my Cross-Country ticket. I can tell you that the food in the Dining Car was quite good.
Thanks for the suggestions; just what I was looking for
I travel in Business Class and either put my suitcase on the rack at the back of the car or else lift it into the overhead compartment if it isn’t too heavy. I mentioned BC only because I like the fact that the seats are reserved and there are other amenities as well.
I’ll quickly chime in with my experience.
About 5 years ago, I took the train from Vermont back home to D.C. My mom and I had stowed our carry-on rolling suitcases in the luggage area at the end of the car, literally 5 seats away from us.
When we were stopped in NYC, I noticed an elderly couple get up, get their luggage from the luggage area, and get off the train. A few minutes later, I got a sudden urge to check the area and make sure our luggage was still there. Of course, it wasn’t. Without thinking, I jumped off the train and went running after the elderly couple, who were just about to the escalator. Sure enough, they had (accidentally) taken our luggage. I quickly explained the situation and pointed to the tags as proof that it was indeed our luggage. I got the luggage and got on the first open door of the train. Thirty seconds later the train pulled out of the station.
What surprised me most about the whole experience was how unapologetic the couple was. If I wouldn’t happened to have checked the area right when I did, and if I wouldn’t have intuitively guessed that the elderly couple might have taken it, and I hadn’t found them as quickly as I did, I can almost guarantee that I would have never seen my luggage again.
I’m sure this is not a typical experience, of course, but apparently it does happen every so often. I recommend keeping your luggage close to you or at least putting it somewhere where you can keep an eye on it easily.
Get a carry-on bag. With the handle/wheels. That’s the preferred luggage of most Amtrak passengers. Stow it overhead.
Get used to unexplained delays. Amtrak does not tell customers that freight trains have the right of way, as Amtrak does not own the train tracks.
Do not dawdle at a stop. When they say all aboard, they really mean it.
My own experience with Amtrak was very disappointing for the most part, so I’ll shut my pie hole, so as not to offend any Amtrak employees.
How big a bag are we talking? NYC to Boston I would keep a reasonable-sized bag near me with a foot or arm on it.
Makes sense to me. If they were unaware enough to take your bag it makes sense they’d be unaware enough of social graces, like apologizing for screwing someone else. Also, maybe they were traumatized by the combination of shame and the realization that their luggage was now DC bound and they weren’t.
Is it easier to sleep in BC? Are seats bigger, more comfortable, recline further?
I ended up in business class once on an overbooked train (it was Thanksgiving, Providence to New York). The car I was in was incredibly comfortable. There was tons of space and a large foot rest. I don’t know if all trains are like this though.
Depends on the train; some on that route don’t have a luggage car.
In law, not true.
In practice, very true.
This thread discusses the issue with respect to Union Pacific’s lines.