Baggage Guidelines & Travel Services

Discover how Amex Travel Reservations helps you bring the items you need while ensuring a smooth, enjoyable journey. Review our policies to pack smart and travel stress-free.

For trips involving Thruway Services within the 7000 and 8000 series, baggage policies are determined by our partner carriers and may differ from Amex Travel Reservations’ standard guidelines.

Section 1 — Carry-On Baggage

Each traveler may bring two personal items (up to 25 lbs / 12 kg each, 14" x 11" x 7") and two carry-on items (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg each, 28" x 22" x 14"). Please label all bags clearly with your full name and address.

Overweight Items

If a bag exceeds 50 lbs, it must be repacked. Assistance and packaging materials may be available at staffed stations.

Excess Baggage

A $20 fee applies per extra item exceeding the standard limit. Maximum of two extra items per passenger. Fees are collected at the station or onboard if unstaffed. If available, you may check two bags for free to your destination.

Traveling with Infants

Guests with infants under 2 years old may bring one extra infant item (e.g., stroller or diaper bag) in addition to the carry-on allowance.

Storage Guidelines

All carry-ons must be stored in designated areas such as overhead bins, under seats, or luggage compartments. Avoid placing items in seats, aisles, or exits for safety and passenger comfort.

Section 2 — Checked Baggage

Checked baggage is available on select routes and at designated stations. Before your journey, confirm whether your train and departure/arrival stations support checked baggage.

All checked bags must be tagged with your name and address. Complimentary ID tags are available at participating stations. Pack items securely in durable containers before arriving at the station.

  • Check in at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
  • For transfers, ensure a minimum of two hours between connections for luggage handling.
  • If direct checked baggage isn’t available, some items may still be accepted on alternate services to the same destination (excluding firearms).
  • Advance check-in is strongly encouraged.

If you don’t need to check bags, refer to our carry-on guidelines for more details.

*Linear inches = length + width + height

Trainside Checked Baggage

Self-service checked baggage at select stations only:

  • Charleston, WV
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Columbus, WI
  • Crawfordsville, IN
  • Dyer, IN
  • Hammond, LA
  • Lafayette, IN
  • Meridian, MS
  • Mount Pleasant, IA
  • Rensselaer, IN
  • Texarkana, AR
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Winona, MN

Section 3 — Auto Train Baggage Policy

Bring your vehicle — car, SUV, van, truck, or motorcycle — nonstop between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. Vehicle reservations and check-in are mandatory.

Check-In Schedule

  • Check-in begins at 11:30 AM.
  • Motorcycles & special vehicles: check-in by 2:00 PM.
  • All other vehicles: check-in by 2:30 PM sharp. No late arrivals allowed.

Specialty Vehicles

Space is limited for special vehicles:

  • Includes trailers, limos, trikes, and jet skis.
  • Check-in cutoff is 2:00 PM.
  • Some vehicles like Polaris Slingshots and Can-Am models are not accepted.
  • Additional charges may apply.

Call (877) 694-3693 for vehicle criteria and booking assistance.

Vehicle Rack Info

  • Roof racks: Only factory-installed and must be empty. Temporary or loaded racks are not allowed.
  • Bike racks: Rear-mounted only. Bicycles not allowed onboard. You must sign a waiver if transporting bikes.
  • Luggage racks: Must be removed and stored inside the vehicle prior to check-in.

Section 4 — Special & Oversized Items

Certain items may be checked or carried on as a substitute for one piece of baggage. Fees may apply depending on the item type and size.

Permitted Special Items

  • Archery Gear: Bows, arrows, and related items
  • Baby Items: Car seats, boosters, collapsible strollers
  • Firearms: Allowed under strict conditions — rifles, pistols, air guns, ammo, tasers
  • Sports Gear: Includes bats, cleats, skateboards, hockey/lacrosse sticks, etc. (subject to sport-specific limits)
  • Musical Instruments: From flutes to cellos and tubas — categorized by size
  • Skis & Boards: Snow or water skis, boots, poles, snowboards

Contact Us

If you have questions about our baggage policy or require travel support, please visit the Contact Us page on amextravelreservations.com.

Amex Travel Reservations
52 State St Ste 500, Boston, MA 02109, United States