How prevalent is Amtrak's carry-on inspection?

Question

I read that Amtrak has recently started screening passengers' carry-on items. How prevalent is this? Have anybody traveled on Amtrak recently and been inspected/not inspected?

Answer 1

I havent heard this what station?

how would they do that at Un manned stations?

Answer 2

Sad to say they do not have any inspection at all.  Just walk throught the gate and on to the train.  At smaller stations just get on the train.  This is not the airport.  There has been talk of having TSA do screenings at the stations, but I do not see that happening.

Answer 3

I just returned last week from a 3 week AMTRAK trip (Eagle, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited) and no one ever looked into my two bags nor were they ever scanned.

Answer 4

They have started screening luggage a little better than they used to.

However, I can tell you this.  If they don't screen at your specific station, you can bet that if you are carrying anything like drugs, firearms or booze you are going to get ejected a the next station, if they don't confiscate it first.

I say this because I travel on the Coast Starlight out of San Jose into Seattle.  I was bringing a hunting rifle with me to do some out of state hunting last year.  Needless to say, I had to make arrangements to have the rifle checked into the baggage car.  I don't mean the coach/luggage cars or the sleeper/luggage cars either.  Checked luggage goes into the baggage car at the head of the train.

They are not as strict as the airports though.  Things like pocket knives, pepper spray and that sort of stuff just leave at home.  But your normal every day body care items are OK, as far as I know.

Call Amtrak and they will help you.

www.amtrak.com

1-800-USA-RAIL

Good Luck!