When flying, baggage becomes an issue. On Amtrak? Much more leeway. Each passenger can check two 50 pound bags free, and two more for an additional $20 per bag. Carry on is limited to two 50 pound bags, but personal items don’t count toward those bags. What are personal items? Medical devices and medication; pillows, blankets, outer garments; coolers, purses or small bags no larger than 12″x12″x12″; and small electronic devices with protective cases. Everything must be stowed in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated baggage areas (right inside the door to the car, usually). This is more challenging for coach passengers.<\/p>\n
We do all our long distance travel in a roomette or a bedroom. These are available at an additional cost to your base coach fare, but my husband and I believe they are well worth it for the privacy, comfort, amenities, and included meals in the dining car.
\nCoach seats all have access to an electrical outlet and footrest. I’ve traveled this way from Newport News to Washington, DC, once and was thrilled. Better than first class accommodations on a domestic airline flight by a mile. <\/p>\n
The sleeping cars have complimentary coffee, juice, and water available throughout the trip. As I mentioned, meals are included in the sleeping car price, so this is worth between $30 and $50 a day when traveling or more. Alcohol and snack bar items are not included.
\nRoomettes are comprised of two comfortable seats facing one another in a private compartment with a drop down bunk above. The two seats fold down to form another bed. There’s only one electrical outlet, so I recommend bringing an extension cord and a multi outlet plug. Belkin makes a nice three outlet bar that also has two USB plugs. (http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Belkin-3-Outlet-Charger-Protector-Charging\/dp\/B0015DYMVO\/ref=dp_ob_title_ce) It has the added benefit of being a surge protector. <\/p>\n
There’s a pull out table to set up between the chairs for use as a desk. It comes with a checkerboard pattern on it, so if you have checkers or chess pieces with you, you can play.<\/p>\n
Bedrooms have a couch that drops down to a bed in the evening (with storage underneath for suitcases if they are thin enough), a drop down bunk, and a swivel chair (which can be folded out of the way). The bedroom also has a pull out table, a small overhead storage bin, and a bathroom and sink. It has an electrical outlet by the sink as well as one by the sofa. Don’t get too excited about the bathroom. It’s smaller than an airline toilet and you can shower while sitting on the toilet. <\/p>\n
I know. We’re talking about baggage. The roomettes and bedrooms have adequate storage if your bags are sized right. Generally, if it will fit easily into an overhead compartment on an airplane, it will fit under your seat in a roomette or bedroom.
\nOnce you’re in your accommodations, you can stretch your legs and walk to the Observation Car or Snack Bar (first floor of the Observation Car). If you’re using the baggage storage area inside the door of your car for your carry on, you can access it any time during your journey. Checked baggage, of course, is not accessible to you, and you must be boarding and exiting at a stop where checked luggage is handled.<\/p>\n