I looking for any suggestions for one taking their first trip. Will be alone from Detroit to Chicago (I know, not far but it is what it is) for a convention.

I've heard I should book business vs coach. Anything else I should know? The whole luggage thing confuses me. I've heard they don't check luggage, then I hear they do. If they don't, I just carry it on?
Thanks for any ideas and tips.
Rhonda

I don't believe any DET-CHI trains have checked baggage (but I could be wrong), so all baggage would have to hand carried. You may see a checked baggage counter in DET, and certainly in CHI, but they will not (probably) be for your trains.

If you want to lower your costs, you may want to check out the "Weekly Specials" page on the Amtrak.com website. (The savings may be 50-80%! ) Many times, there are trains listed from CHI-DET. (There is this week! ) If the dates and times agree with you, you may want to go for this. But remember - there are only a certain number of seats at that special price, and it is in coach!

Also check the 2007 Promotions and Discounts sticky at the top of this forum. You may see some promo code that may save youu some money!

Unless there has been a very recent change, there is no checked baggage between Detroit and Chicago.

Business class on this route has its pluses and minuses. The plus side: only a few dollars more than coach, better maintained car, free soda and newspaper. Minus side: depending on the makeup of the train you take, it's possible that you will have less legroom in business than in coach.

Unless you have a mountain load of luggage you should have no problem on the train. There is no checked baggage in Detroit. There are always people around to help and sometimes they have storage areas at the ends of the car although "new security measures" say that you must always be next to your bags. I have left mine recently with no problems. On your return, you can also use red cap service in Chicago if you need it. (Don't have that service in Detroit). It's a great benefit and only costs what you want to tip the attendant for escorting you and your luggage to the train and getting your stuff onboard. Extra plus is that you are able to preboard before the masses.

I've never heard of those "new security measures" and it wouldn't even make sense for Amtrak to try and enforce such a restriction. The trains aren't designed in such a way as to make that possible.

For example on a Superliner sleeping car, the luggage rack is downstairs, no where near a passengers in one of the roomettes. And there is no way to put the luggage into a roomette. One can barely fit two people in the roomette, along with a small carryon bag.

The only real restrictions are the weight limits, 2 bags per person, and the fact that all bags must be clearly marked with a tag indicating who the bag belongs to.

One of the best places to get on Amtrak in the Detroit area is in Dearborn -- the station is just south of Michigan Avenue near the Southfield freeway and has plenty of free and safe parking.

There's no parking at the station in the New Center area, just off Woodward near the Fisher Building.

As to luggage, Amtrak no longer provides checked luggage service on the Michigan lines, but there are overhead racks where you can put your suitcase.

I usually ride business class to get a more comfortable seat and be in a little quieter part of the train.

Bob H

I appreciate all the advice given here. I do plan to board in Dearborn. Much easier to get to from my home near Metro Airport.

I don't expect to take tons with me, just wasn't sure how it goes with luggage. When talking to a few people I got conflicting info. Knew this forum was the best place to find real answers.
Rhonda