Rail operator Amtrak plans to start cracking down on passengers’ excessive baggage.
From October 1, it said it will start strictly enforcing its long standing baggage limits – but will still offer a far more generous free allowance than airlines.
Travelers will be limited to bringing no more than four items – two pieces of hand baggage and two standard suitcases – weighing no more than 150 pounds.
Travelers exceeding this will be required to pay a fee of $20 per bag with a maximum of two additional pieces allowed per person.
Amtrak says the change is to ensure comfort and safety for passengers and crew rather than to merely generate more revenue.
"It’s important that we preserve the space aboard the trains, because the trains are pretty busy," said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.
Magliari says it is unlikely to affect too many passengers as the vast majority don’t come close to exceeding the limits.
"The fact that we’re enforcing the allowance shouldn’t be a change for most passengers," Magliari said.
