Can a suit case be more than 28 inches on a train?

Question

can i take a 29 inch suitcase on a train even though amtrak says it can only be 28 inches in length as a carry on and anything more must be a "check in bag" not a carry on. Is it true that sometimes even train check on bags don't always make it to their destination on time? I am going from DC to New Haven, CT. I want to say that its 29 inches with the wheels, not the case part.

Answer 1

In my experience, Amtrak isn't super-picky like the airlines are.  An extra inch should be able to slip by without any problem.  

Amtrak is very good with bags, they don't lose or delay anything.

Answer 2

If the bag is larger than 28 inches, you are going to have to check it with the Conductor.  The reason for this, is because in the Coach/Baggage cars the wells for the luggage are only 28 inches deep.  The baggage cannot protrude out into the center isle.

Also, your bag will not fit into the overhead shelf.  It is too small for anything much more than a back-pack or something of that nature.

As for your luggage being to their destination on time??  

Yeah, this is not like the airport.  When you get their, your luggage will be there, as you will be traveling on the same train.  

Now I have never ridden that particular route on Amtrak, but I can tell you that I did bring a rifle with me for a hunting trip with relatives in Washington State.  Though I had to check this item due to its nature, it arrived on my train safe and sound.  There was no problem at all.

I know they make the same restriction out here in California too.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.