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Boarding the LSL in Chicago on June 1, I rode in a redcap cart out to the train with a woman traveling with 2 boys (about 10 & 12?) both carrying hockey sticks in traveling cases and their 18 pieces of luggage that they wanted to take into Bedroom A. Luggage included 2 huge hockey equipment bags, 3 cardboard boxes big enough to put a stand mixer in, several suitcases, assorted duffle bags, and even shopping bags. They were traveling to Croton NY which has no baggage service so they couldn't check anything. But honestly, I thought the number of carryon bags was limited - but maybe only in coach. I thought the car attendant might have a stroke. Seriously happy that I was in the Boston sleeper.
Also that day, the Metropolitan lounge in CHI was a bust. The soda machine was broken and there were no pretzels, goldfish crackers or mini-muffins. At least the restrooms were clean.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Amtrak seems to honor its baggage policies in the breach. A number of times I've watched folks move what must be their entire households on the train.
Once I watched as a five-foot-tall female SWC sleeper attendant (a very good one, too) struggled with trunklike suitcases and gently told the passenger that the oversized luggage was against regulations, and at the end of the two-day run got stiffed on the tip—despite bringing ALL meals to the passenger in her bedroom.
Perhaps she felt it was just easier to accommodate the passenger than refuse to allow the luggage to be boarded. Will the conductors back her up? Will Amtrak back her up? I suspect in these cases the watchword is "Shut up and do your job."
The Metro Lounge seems hit or miss these days. Sometimes there are munchies, sometimes not. Sometimes the wireless is working, sometimes not. Sometimes the agents are warm and friendly, sometimes cold and growly.
I often think of Amtrak being a reflection of all America in its maddeningly inconsistent glory.
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