So I'm takin the TX Eagle from Dallas to Chicago, then the Hiawatha from Chicago to Milwaukee. I'm meeting a friend I'm working at a camp in Pennsylvania with this summer (we're leaving from Milwaukee). Since I will be up north ALL summer I need to take a lot of stuff (kinda). I'm planning on checking two bags from Dallas to Chicago and carrying on a back pack and another small bag. However once I get to Chicago I can't check my two large pieces of luggage to Milwaukee. Do you think Amtrak would see my predicament and allow me to take my two small bags and two large bags onto the Hiawatha????? The quicker the reply the better, I leave Saturday the 29th. 2 days!!!!!
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
Help me someone
Posted by boyishcolt (Member # 3001) on :
not unless something has changed in the last year i have done this before i got a luggage cart in CHI and took all 4 bags on the Hiawatha. you may call custermer service but as i have found before about luggage and amtrak what custermer service said you can take and what people really bring are 2 different things you should have no problem wave at me as you go threw Springfield ,illnois.have fun at camp
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Just out of interest, which camp?
Geoff M.
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
Suggestion: If you can wear the backpack and throw the small bag around your shoulders (if it has a shoulder strap), you will probably be able to get away with the two bag maximum.
Your other option is to check your two bags all the way to Milwaukee. They will probably arrive on the Empire Builder, instead of the Hiawatha, but you will get them eventually.
FYI, my wife and I take that trip each year from Austin to Milwaukee. The conductors on the Hiawatha are fairly accommodating people.
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
Hey Everyone! Thanks, not as paniced now. Hey Geof, it's called Camp Starlight in Starlight, PA. I've worked the two previous summers at Camp Nashopa in Bloomingburg, NY. As well I travel overseas quite often, so I got tired of flying and though the train would be a fun way to go. And I certainly will look into checking my bags through to Milwaukee. Thanks everyone! Ken
Posted by Charles Reuben (Member # 2263) on :
Go to Home Depot and buy the biggest moving boxes that Amtrak will allow on the Hiawatha.
Then stuff all your crap into every crevice of that box, being careful not to exceed the weight restrictions.
Document the weight of every item in case the conductor gives you a hard time. While you're at it, print out the rules from the web page, in case you are questioned.
If you operate within the framework of the rules, you should have no problem. As it is, I think you have too many individual items.
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
Ok, see I'm worried again. How about just 2 large bags and back pack?
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
Two bags and a backpack is no problem. They look at the backpack the same as a purse. It don't count....
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
Sweet
Posted by boyishcolt (Member # 3001) on :
you will be fine TexanNC what day will you be on the Texas Eagle?
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
I leave tommorrow! I start off on the TX Eagle tommorrow saturday May 29. Thanks for helpin everyone. Ken
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
So I've gone with a large suitcase, large duffle bag, and a mid-small sized duffle bag. Hope I don't have any problems! I'll tell everyone how my TX Eagle-Hiawatha trip went. Later folks.
Posted by TexanNC (Member # 3265) on :
On my way to Dallas Union! By everyone thanks again! Ken