I am coming from Miami on Amtrak Silver service and connecting in Raleigh to go to Salisbury. I will be coming off of a cruise on the Celebrity MILLENNIUM and will have a full-sized standard suitcase. I called Amtrak and got several people who just couldn't get what I was trying top say:
Can I bring that suitcase onto the Piedmont and store it in a designated luggage area? I know it won't fit in an overhead because it is a full-sized suitcase. I don't remember if the Piedmont had luggage storage areas and I know that checked baggage service isn't an option.
THANKS!
P.S.
If I cant use Raleigh-Salisbury what city pairs can I use that allow checked luggage coming from Amtrak Silver service?
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
A Tar Heel coming home and bringing some hardware with him, huh? Good for you.
Easy Question First - The Piedmont service trains handle checked baggage at Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte for sure..... Durham too I believe.
Soooo..... you could check that big bag from Raleigh to Charlotte if you had to.
You do want to make the connection at Raleigh where you'll have waiting room, ticket agent, and running water/restroom facilities. The Cary station is being enlarged and ultimately will have a ticket agent (and checked baggage too I think) to take some of the burden off the overcrowded downtown Raleigh station..... but during the construction the existing station is padlocked and the facilities are a large green porta-john.
On-board the train there is a large area intended for wheelchairs at one end of each coach. I have more often seen oversized luggage riding in this space than I have seen disabled passengers. Seems like this space is on the vestibule end of the coaches as well. My guess is that this is where the spoils of your labor will ride if you opt to carry it on to Salisbury rather than check it to Charlotte.
One addendum - the 1960's era Heritage Fleet coaches used on the Piedmont have pretty large luggage racks. That suitcase might just fit if you can get it up there...... Those former KCS coaches have the best windows you'll find short of a Superliner Sightseer Lounge on any Amtrak train too. Just a pity there isn't more to see in that part of the state.
Hope this helps -
David Pressley
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
THANKS a million for the tips. The Amtrak agents on the phone were very adamant about the size of the luggage I would be allowed to carry on board the Piedmont. Kept repeating the dimensions like a parrot. Utterly frustrating that that broken record couldn't tell me what would happen if I showed up with a full size suitcase and booked only booked to get off in Salisbury. One more question if I may. In Salisbury would the station attendants allow me to reboard the Piedmont with that same suitcase for my journey back to Pittsburgh? THANKS Mr. Pressley!
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I don't think the station attendant in Salisbury is going to hassle you about the size of your luggage...... so long as you can move it efficiently yourself. It seems like the various luggage regulations are posted in the waiting area but..... well..... I've not seen anyone adhere strictly to the letter of the law there.
Let me know if I'm mistaken though.
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
Thanks again! I hate to book all the way down to Charlotte just for the advantage of checked luggage. My dads house in Salisbury is about 2 minutes from the station and it would be a shame to have to go all the way to Charlotte (2x r/t). I may have to just run the risk or pack smaller, but for a cruise it's hard to pack just in a carry-on. Looking forward to getting back on Amtrak after a 5+ year absence.