Originally Posted by
uchicagoalum
Yet, as a follow up, what are the carry on baggage offerings like for Acela and regional service? I have a mini-carry on (the smallest they make that you can still pull, which holds about two days worth of clothes tops), but I am wondering if I will still have to check it underneath. I used to ride regional service up from DC to Baltimore a lot without any luggage, and really liked the fact that I could arrive 15 minutes before my train, print my ticket at a kiosk, and then hop on board. Arriving early to check my bags would be a major kink in my schedule.
Amtrak does not offer checked baggage service on Acela at all, and the only regional train that offers checked baggage is the overnight train between DC & Boston. So if you want to actually travel on the same train as your bag, you have no choice but to carry it onto the train.
Here's Amtrak's policy on carry on luggage:
Two-Piece Limit: Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as briefcases, purses, laptops, and infant paraphernalia such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats.
50-Pound Limit: Each carry-on bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs.
Size Limit: Each carry-on bag may not exceed 28x22x14 inches in size.
Visible Tag Required: Each carry-on bag must be visibly tagged with the name and address of the passenger. Passengers may use their own personal identification tags, or may obtain Amtrak baggage identification tags at station ticket offices, or onboard trains from a member of the train crew.
Regardless of whether you board an Acela or a Regional, you should find sufficent room in the overhead luggage racks for your bags, if they conform to the above standards. Each car also has a luggage rack at the end of the car for larger bags, and may people do exceed the standards so that can quickly fill the end racks. Others are just too lazy to use the overheads too, which helps to fill the end rack.