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Our first long train trip coming up soon and we have a question about the space in the superliner roomettes. Have read that there is room for a "small tote bag". We plan on taking two of the typical airline carry-on size bags. Is there room for those in the superliner roomettes? We noticed on a viewliner roomette a storage area in the overhead. Is that also in the superliner? Thanks only 11 more days to go!
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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The overhead storage area that is in the Viewliner roomette does not exist in a Superliner roomette. Roomettes tend to be a tad close.Any luggage stored in the room makes the room even closer. You can store a small tote bag under the seat (but be advised that once the bed is put down you can not access it.) Someone on this board has measured the size that will fit but I can not find the post. There is a storage rack on the lower level of each car where you can store luggage and it is accessible at all times. I suggest you take advantage of that rack and store only electronic equipment (laptops, dvd players and such in the room. Enjoy the ride.
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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A roomette with two occupants is "cozy", to say the least. With one person, a 22" rollaboard and a small tote are possible. Pack so that what you need for the trip (for both of you) is in one bag. Fit it in the roomette and put the other on the rack down below. A tote will fit in the closet as will a small garment bag.
Haqve a great trip!
Frank in sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Thanks for the information. It's going to be a challenge packing for warm and cold weather. Coming from Tampa we are not use to high 30's this time of the year. The jackets are taking up a lot of space in our tiny suitcases. I will re-group and take your suggestion and pack both of us in one 22" suitcase and store the other one. We love being cozy. Thanks again for taking the time to help us out. This is going to be such an adventure for 2 old folks like us. Dot
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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We have never had a problem. During the day the bags fit on the steps leading to the upper berth. At night, as I wrote in an earlier post, both carryons went on the bottom of my berth as I am only 5 ft.4. You can put a small one under the berth if you place it directly in the middle where the 2 seats meet. I might suggest you pack one big case for the 2 of you and send it through to be picked up at your destination. Then just take a change of clothes, night clothes and whatever else you need on the train, I am not sure where you are going but 30s seems a little low for this time of the year. We were in B.C. in May and took raincoats with zip in linings,Even with snow we were warm enough. Rolled up gloves and scarves fit into the shoes and didn't tke any extra space. That way we had the coats on the train and the linings packed in the big case. With sweaters, and long sleeeve shirts you can layer for warmth. I think as we did that you will find the whole experience fun and intereting. Let us know when you get back
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I forgot to mention that one of the best packing devices I've found are the "Space Bags" that are sold in most travel stores and on TV and online. They are the large bags that you seal with a double slide zipper and then roll to expel the air. They are much like the ones that use a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out for storage. They reduce coats and sweaters to a manageable bulk. I just came back from an 8 day transatlantic cruise and only took a 22 inch rollaboard and a small tote. (OK, I cheated and rented a tux and shoes on the ship!) The bags are also great for keeping dirty clothes seperate from clean and for making more room in your bag on the trip home for the stuff you pick up along the way.
Frank in Sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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First off, take only the bare essentials on board. Take only the clothes you will need on board and the jackets. Check a bag with the clothes you do not need on board. Space is at a premium!
Someone on here posted the exact dimensions of the space under the seat. The vertical distance is only a few inches (around 3-4) so space is tight. Moreover you can't access them when the lower bed is down.
Don't pack your jackets in your bag. Put them over your shoulder when you board. In your roomette you should have 2 hangers (you can bring your own if you need more). Your roomette will either have a little (about 3" wide) closet, or an "open area" by the wall, where you'll find the hangars. Hang your jackets in there. I then put things on the floor of the closet or "open area" that I will need frequently, like my toiletry bag.
You can also use the "stairs" for the upper bunk to hold a small carry-on or miscellenous items.
If space gets REALLY tight during the day, you can convert the lower bed to seats, and leave the top bunk lowered. Then you can store things on the bunk. Just watch your head!
At night, there's a little room between the lower bed and the closed door. I usually put my shoes in this area for if I have to get up in the night.
It's hard to describe in words where to put things, but above all, be creative. You will find lots of nooks and crannies you can stash things if you look hard.
Posts: 286 | From: Knee deep in the retention tank | Registered: Jan 2006
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I bought a Samsonite 25" roll on specifically for Amtrak travel. It will fit on the step to the upper bunk, with just enough room for your toes to use the step at night. During the day, it is not in the way or a hinderance to using the roomette. A 26" will NOT work. A 22" will easily sit in that location.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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OK-I have narrowed it down to 2 22" suitcases. We each have one with a tot that rides on the top. I did away with my heavy sweatshirt and put in a lightweight that I can tie around my waist if it gets hot. I check the weather for the next 10 days and the lows will be in the 40's and the highs in the low 70's. I guess I won't freeze to death. Today it is 93 degrees in Tampa. I do think this cool wather will be nice. I do appreiate all the wonderful advice you have given us and when we get back I will let you know how thngs went. I have one more little thing to say-we are leaving 5 grandchildren here and for the first time ever we have no way of bring home a truck load of presents. Are there any Grandma and Grandpa's who might have any suggestions for us to make the babies happy when we get home. Thanks again, Dot
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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Mail the gifts back to a family member. Tell them in advance that a box will be coming and NOT to open it. I have done a number of times. Or you can box everything up and send it through as checked luggage,I have also done that but if you do it is better to put the gifts in the suitcase and clothes in the box.Or you can box up clothes and send that back by mail and put the gifts in a suitcase. I am a big collector of pamphlets, guides, maps etc when we travel and I have sent those things back as checked luggage in a sturdy box.We go for 3-4 weeks when going west or to Canada so you can imagine the "stuff" I end up with in addition to all the gifts. These things have worked for me. when we go to CT. I always take a foldable tote that lies flat in my case going and carry it back full on our return. BTW where are you going?
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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No grandkids here but a doting Uncle suggests you take a very lightweight, folding bag that fits inside one of your 22" bags. Use it for what you buy for the kids. Put both regular bags on the rack downstairs on your return and keep the tote and gifts in the roomette.
If you are able, you might also want to send the gifts ahead by mail. If you buy all of the gifts at the same place they might pack them up for you and even, for a charge, ship them. Those wooden train whistles don't take up much space and are pretty cool. The kids' parents might not speak to you for awhile, but...
Where are you going on this trip? Did I miss that?
Have a great trip!
Frank in dreary, "June Gloom" SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by PaulB: Someone on here posted the exact dimensions of the space under the seat.
That was probably me. To repeat: 9½" tall 23½" wide 26" deep
Times two seats. The spaces are quite sufficient to store two standard carry-on bags provided you don't stuff them too fat, like my female relatives are inclined to do. But be aware that access to the space under the seats is severely restricted when the lower bed is deployed.
Posts: 2649 | From: California's Monterey Peninsula | Registered: Dec 2000
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Thanks for all the information. Boy is it helpful. As to where we are going- We are traveling from Tampa to Washington DC-then to Chicago-from Chicago to Colorado (Granby for 3 days) then to San Francisco (4 days) up to Seattle for (1 night) then on to Whitefish, Montana for 4 days then back to Chicago-Wash-Tampa. We will leave June 17th returning July 4th. Now all these trains have names but I only know the Empire Builder. We have never traveled by train only gone on cruises once a year so needless to say this is so exciting for us. I can hardly wait. Again thank you so much for taking the time to help us. I will ship the surprises.I can actually send them home because the mail is being held until I pick it up and they will think we brought it home with us. Oh one more thing, I removed 1 pair of jeans and am taking only a sweatshirt and light jacket. The worst that can happen is if it is really to cold for me I'll buy a new coat. This has been a fun challenge. Thanks again for your help and advise. Dot
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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Dot, I'd suggest taking a long sleeve cardigan sweater. It packs flat and is very useful in layering. Also don't forget you will not be in the wilderness. You can find a laundermat along the way and wash what you need.Many motels and hotels have machines on the premises. They also have irons and boards available. I found I could throw in a load of clothes after we check in and it was ready to go by bedtime.Oh, I also found for traveling in that part of the country a long rectangular scarf in a neutral color had many uses.Also have a sweater on the train. One never knows if it's going to be cold (or too hot) Sounds like a great trip. Relax and enjoy.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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we had two full grown adults in the roomette...i took a backpack, and the wife had a what i guess is a 'vanity case'...the backpack fit into the crevice for hanging suits and the vanity fit on the step...as stated before, there are hooks, nooks, and crannies, so you can get creative...all part of the fun, imo!
Posts: 3 | From: phila, pa | Registered: Mar 2006
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OK- I now have put in my "Carcoat" as I call it. It's sweater I keep in the car so I don't have to be cold in restaurant and shopping centers etc. It only leaves the car for washing. In other words I never leave home without it. I was wondering about the temperature on the train. I now on cruises they keep some of the places like an icebox. I am going to take advantage of the washer/dryer in the hotels (i just checked and they all have one) and just pack for the days we will need clothes. If we wear the same things over and over no one will know but us and the photoes we take. Just a funny family story-when our daughter went to London and came home. We developed the picture and the only things she had on in any of the pictures was a yellow raincoat. There was not one single picture with her wearing any of the beautiful things she had bought to take. It was funny, Oh well-thanks again so much for chatting with me. It just makes things so much more exciting to talk about. We can hardly wait. Dot
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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Dot, there is no way to know what the temp will be. It can range anywhere from great to beastly hot to freezing and everything inbetween. That's why I suggested you take a sweater on the train. I have found if we are going to be away for any length of time the best thing to do is mix and match. I take no more than 2 colors and that gives me a lot of different choices. As you say no one knows what you are wearing except you and your husband. I do get bored wearing the same things over and over and by having tops and bottoms I can interchange it solves the problem.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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That is what i have done. I put in 2 pair of jeans and 2 pair of capris and t-shirts of many colors. For the evenings i put in a long sleeved pullover that goes with any color. I am taking the advise and going to use the washer/dryers. I think daytime weather will be warm enough for capris and jeans warm enough for the evening. We do not plan on any fancy dining so we will be OK. I am feeling better about this whole packing thing now that I have chatted with you guys (gals). I am ready to do. Would you believe we are going to have a "Tropical Storm" before we go. I can't believe it. Actually if it stays the way they are predicting it is badly needed. They are saying very heavy rain and winds no more than 35mph. Boy do we need the rain. Our lake is drying up already and summer has just arrived. I sure glad it is gong to happen before we leave because it's hard not to worry when you are away from home. Just wanted to share that bit of info. Until next post. Dot
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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On the news tonight the weatherman talked about the storm. But the firechief in one mississippi town said that's they way they said Katrina was supposed to go. Also "they" say we may be affected by mid week. We desperately need the rain . One more suggestion, do take a nice pair of pants and shirt. You never know when you may need it. I always put one set in as insurance because the one time I didn't I surely needed it.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I'd suggest that, in addition to your carry-on bags, you pack one or more suitcases of clean clothes, leaving plenty of empty space to hold the gifts you plan to buy and other purchases, and check them from Tampa through to Emeryville, California, the California Zephyr's western endpoint and its station for San Francisco. (Unfortunately, there's no checked baggage in Granby, Colorado.) Between the two of you, you can check a total of six suitcases for free, plus another six at a charge of $10 apiece. Upon your arrival in Emeryville or on some later day, you can pick up your bags, exchange worn clothes for clean clothes, load in any gifts you want, and then check some or all of the bags on to Seattle, Whitefish, Tampa, or some combination of the three, repeating the exchanging-and-loading process in Seattle and/or Whitefish. You might even be able to do your exchanging and loading in the station waiting room if it's not too crowded. Also, at any of these stops, you could hold on to any bags that you wanted to keep with you during your stay in the area, and wait till around the time of your departure to check them on. I've done this sort of thing many times and it works well.
You don't have to worry about the security of baggage that you check ahead of you, or that you choose to not pick up until hours or days after your arrival. To the best of my knowledge (based on extensive and lengthy experience), every Amtrak station with checked baggage is scrupulous about matching passengers' claim checks with the tags on their baggage before the passengers are permitted to walk off with it. So, unlike at most airports, the chance of your baggage being stolen is pretty close to zero.
In theory, Amtrak can charge you a storage fee for baggage not picked up within two days of its arrival, but in practice that is almost never done.
Some of the gift items you pack in your luggage might technically be "forbidden" according to Amtrak's checked-baggage rules (which you can examine on line, or on a poster in stations that handle checked baggage); but my assessment of the situation is that, except in the case of items that are actually dangerous (such as items that could leak or explode), most of those prohibitions exist just to absolve Amtrak of liability in case some unusually fragile or valuable item is damaged in transit. Since baggage damage on Amtrak is fairly uncommon, this is not something you really need to worry about. Just use sturdy luggage (hard-sided if possible), use protective packing methods (swaddling hard items in clothing works well), and be aware that in the unlikely case one of these "forbidden" items gets damaged or lost, you won't be able to file a claim for compensation. In most cases, the monetary savings from not paying the Postal Service or a shipping company to ship the items should outweigh the slight risk of uncompensated damage or loss that you're assuming.
One thing you should not do is check baggage to a city where you are making a same-day change of trains (in your case, Washington or Chicago) with the intention of picking it up and rechecking it while there. If your arriving train is late and the connection becomes tight, doing this may become impossible.
If by any chance you're planning to visit Denver during your Granby stay (it's about 75 miles away), you could, if you wanted, initially check at least some of your bags to Denver, and do an exchange-and-load in the station there. That would be easy, since the station is quite large and little-frequented between its two daily train times. If your plans to visit Denver fall through, you can arrange to have the bags sent on to Emeryville.
Best wishes for your travels.
Posts: 86 | Registered: Mar 2005
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Now that is an interesting idea. I would never have thought about sending a bag ahead. I am going to give this some serious thought especially for my presents. My babies have already ask me if I am going to bring them something. We always do. Until Friday night we had not told them we were going to be gone for a very long time. 2 1/2 weeks for them is a long time because they see us all the time. Thanks for this really wonderful suggestion.
Posts: 14 | From: Tampa, Fl | Registered: Jul 2005
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Smitty, You da man. Nice informative pic! I wish I had taken a photo all the times I've ridden w/my American Tourister rollerbag there. I keep mine on it's side (90-degrees from yours).
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