Amtrak to Burning Man? (reno)

[Eric]

Amtrak website says they don't allow you to bring plastic containers as baggage. I was counting on using a big blue Rubbermaid bin for my costumes that I can't squish. Are they strict about this?

Will they care if I carry a little isopropoline camp fuel canister?

Aaaaannnnnd do people get to choose their own seats or is it decided for you like an airplane?

I would contact Amtrak and get a actual answer. On here people can tell you what they were able to do in previous years, but that does not guarantee you'll be able to do it this year. With important logistical questions you're better off going to the source.

[SmashyMcSpoodle]

Well yeah, but they HAVE to tell me that plastic containers aren't allowed, it's written in their rules.

I keep reading elsewhere how lax they are regarding baggage sizes etc, so I was hoping they might be lax on this rule too. In this case, anecdotal evidence is helpful.

[Savannah]

Amtrak website says they don't allow you to bring plastic containers as baggage. I was counting on using a big blue Rubbermaid bin for my costumes that I can't squish. Are they strict about this?

I'd count on them being strict about it because it'd suck to get to the station & be told "sorry, unacceptable." You can check with your local station, but what if they're lenient, & the Reno station is not? You'd miss your return train. Secondly, Rubbermaids open more easily than suitcases (packing tape or pallet wrap helps, but probably wont sway Amtrak). And they have to remain "this side up" for best results. They're fine for folks handling their own gear, but not so good being tossed around by baggage handlers.

Someone in this thread(?) a few pages back--or another thread altgoether--had invested in locking trunks/boxes with handles from Home Depot. I use suitcases from Ross or other discount stores. If I can find evidence of a suitcase having been used & returned (surprisingly common) or having mild cosmetic damage, I ask the manager for 30% off (&get 20% off, which is all I hoped for). You might also check with friends &relatives & see if anyone has wheeled suitcases that are structurally sound but ugly & old. Offer $10 apiece--or homemade cookies.

Will they care if I carry a little isopropoline camp fuel canister?

It's not allowed in either checked baggage or carry-on. Maybe they're worried about the fire risk if the train hops the rails.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentSe ... 1621565025

Aaaaannnnnd do people get to choose their own seats or is it decided for you like an airplane?

With regular seating you don't get a choice, although you can ask for a window/aisle or upstairs/downstairs when you get your boarding pass (when you show your ticket, right before you get on the train), and they will usually try to accommodate you. If you reserve a sleeping car or business class or something else fancy, you might have more control. Do some digging into the difference between coach, business class, etc.

[Eric]

Well yeah, but they HAVE to tell me that plastic containers aren't allowed, it's written in their rules.

I keep reading elsewhere how lax they are regarding baggage sizes etc, so I was hoping they might be lax on this rule too. In this case, anecdotal evidence is helpful.

Okay, let me be blunt here: you can either recognize that they officially don't allow plastic containers & make new plans now, while you still have 3+ weeks, or you can show up at the depot when your train is leaving and hope the anecdotes about people getting plastic on were true. What if they're not, and your train is leaving in an hour - how do you suddenly deal with the fact that your obstinance has left you with no way to get your stuff on the train? While it might be a good teaching moment for when things go wrong on-playa, it's kind of stupid to set yourself up for it.

You can do whatever you want, but, personally, I'd re-think my luggage plans & go with things I absolutely know are allowed. I wouldn't let a plastic tub potentially fuck up my entire vacation.

[theCryptofishist]

I wouldn't let a plastic tub potentially fuck up my entire vacation.

Oh, you're one of those "Safety First" people. It's not in the True Spirit of Burningman, man.

[lemur]

i can say 100% from personal experience that yes, they do NOT want them, and they are strict.


(a few friends of mine who presumed they could just do what they want, despite my urging against them doing so, ignored the website and the guidelines, and were scolded and had their stuff shoved into an exterior hold (like on the outside of the train) by a nice employee who didnt even want to haul them)

dont bring em.

nope.

use cardboard boxes, those are OK.. plastic, no.

[Savannah]

i can say 100% from personal experience that yes, they do NOT want them, and they are strict.


(a few friends of mine who presumed they could just do what they want, despite my urging against them doing so, ignored the website and the guidelines, and were scolded and had their stuff shoved into an exterior hold (like on the outside of the train) by a nice employee who didnt even want to haul them)

dont bring em.

nope.

use cardboard boxes, those are OK.. plastic, no.

Yep. From the site:

Cardboard boxes will only be accepted in checked baggage – boxes must have handles and be adequate for shipping; Amtrak shipping boxes are available for sale

And they have to meet the size restrictions, I'm sure, but those are pretty generous.

I would use some really strong packing/shipping tape, make sure the handles are still accessible, and for god's sake pack some of the tape too, so you can shut things up for the trip home.

[theCryptofishist]

Get cardboard boxes to put around your bins...

[SmashyMcSpoodle]

Ha ha that's a good idea.


Well looks like I have to go shopping again. Thanks everyone.

I'm excited to take the choo choo train. It's prohibitively expensive in Canada for long distance and there aren't many routes left since the government cuts in the 1980s. So now I get to do it!

[Zhust]

With regular seating you don't get a choice, although you can ask for a window/aisle or upstairs/downstairs when you get your boarding pass (when you show your ticket, right before you get on the train), and they will usually try to accommodate you. If you reserve a sleeping car or business class or something else fancy, you might have more control. Do some digging into the difference between coach, business class, etc.

High-volume stations and high-volume trains are stricter on coach seating, and I imagine with the surge of ridership, it's only going to get more strict. From last year's trip, it seems even at the small stations, the conductors get out of the train and write seat numbers out for people as they board. It's usually flexible, though, and you can ask if you can move if you don't like where you are. There is even flexibility in sleeping cars: the attendants in those cars are able to move you to another room.

Personally I find Business Class a waste of money. I like being social on the train, and business class separates you from the rest of the train by the snack car. That said, there is very little foot traffic and it is quieter than coach. Plus, like they advertise, the seats are bigger by a little bit and you get free coffee at the snack car.

[theCryptofishist]

I can't even get to the observation car or the snack bar.

The Amtrak thrill is gone. Revenge of the trains...

[Zhust]

Revenge of the trains...

Ouch.





Ouch.