Questions about booking/traveling coach
May 4, 2017, 1:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Questions about booking/traveling coach
I am doing 2 separate legs using points, one from Chicago to Minn, and then a week later Lees Summit (KC area) to Chicago via St. Louis. I will have one large suitcase and a carry-on. 2 questions:
1. I see there is no checked baggage on a couple of those legs. Is there room for my suitcase and a carry-on in coach?
2. Is there a reason to wait for maybe a better deal or am I better off booking now? Do these trains fill up? I will be using points I think.
1. I see there is no checked baggage on a couple of those legs. Is there room for my suitcase and a carry-on in coach?
2. Is there a reason to wait for maybe a better deal or am I better off booking now? Do these trains fill up? I will be using points I think.
May 4, 2017, 4:01 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: WAS
Posts: 339
I am doing 2 separate legs using points, one from Chicago to Minn, and then a week later Lees Summit (KC area) to Chicago via St. Louis. I will have one large suitcase and a carry-on. 2 questions:
1. I see there is no checked baggage on a couple of those legs. Is there room for my suitcase and a carry-on in coach?
1. I see there is no checked baggage on a couple of those legs. Is there room for my suitcase and a carry-on in coach?
Book today. With extremely rare exceptions, prices on Amtrak only ever go up with time.
May 4, 2017, 4:01 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 114
1. you'll have more than enough room on both trains.
2. all things being equal, it's likely to be cheaper if you book sooner rather than later, and since point values are now tied to the cost of the fare, there's not a good reason to wait if you're sure you will take the trip.
2. all things being equal, it's likely to be cheaper if you book sooner rather than later, and since point values are now tied to the cost of the fare, there's not a good reason to wait if you're sure you will take the trip.
May 5, 2017, 12:51 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ATL
Programs: AA, AGR, DL, MR, WoH, UA
Posts: 951
If "Minn"=Minnesota, then that should be the Empire Builder, which has a baggage car and checked luggage.
Neither the Missouri River Runner from Lee's Summit to St. Louis, nor the Lincoln Service onward to Chicago have baggage cars. In both cases, if there's room, your large bag may end up behind a seat or in a vestibule.
When riding the River Runner, I've never had any problems getting even my very large hardside a spot (although it was sometimes work to get up the stairs). However, I've always ridden in business class.
If you can make the early-morning departure of the Southwest Chief in Kansas City, that might be easier, as it has a baggage car and is a straight shot into Chicago (no connection).
Neither the Missouri River Runner from Lee's Summit to St. Louis, nor the Lincoln Service onward to Chicago have baggage cars. In both cases, if there's room, your large bag may end up behind a seat or in a vestibule.
When riding the River Runner, I've never had any problems getting even my very large hardside a spot (although it was sometimes work to get up the stairs). However, I've always ridden in business class.
If you can make the early-morning departure of the Southwest Chief in Kansas City, that might be easier, as it has a baggage car and is a straight shot into Chicago (no connection).