Amtrak and Plano sportsmans trunk

Am heading up to Devils lake this weekend for some fishing with the Perch Patrol. I have never taken a train in the US before and while trying not to bring “everything” I am trying not to forget anything important.

I bought one of those Plano sportsmans trunks a couple years ago and was considering using it to haul gear for this trip. The thing is listed as airline cargo accepted. Amtraks website says checked baggage can be only 36x36x36. This trunk is 37 3/4 at its longest, other measurements are well within the 36in limit.

Has anyone traveled by train with one of these?? Just wondering, would hate to get to the station and get the boot for just under two inches.

That sounds really cool! Taking a train to go fishing. Sorry I can’t help you, as I have never been on a train either.

Yes, I have called Amtrak, the wait times seem to be along the lines of Lowrance’s.
Tried calling the resort, guide and Plano. No one can say for sure. Prolly will dust off an old army duffle for the bulky stuff.

I rode the train to DL and fished out of Woodland Resort two years ago. Your Plano may fit their guidelines but it may prove to be cumbersome for you. You have to haul your gear yourself and keep it with you on the train, it does not go to a “baggage area” The stairs and walkways to the upper levels of the train are pretty narrow. Hauling it up to the seating area and then back down and out when you arrive will be tough on you. You do not get a lot of time to do this move either. There was a lot of open room on the train once seated. I went in Feb, and there was plenty of room in the car I was put into. Good Luck.

ACK!!!!!
Was my understanding that we could bring two carry-on and three checked bags each. I will try to call Amtrak again tomorrow.

Last post is wrong, you can check bags on Amtrak. Have traveled to ND many times. But, my suggestion was going to be to bring it as your carry on. Right inside the door to the car is a large area for bags. You won’t have to haul it up the stairs.

Plus, this is a non-holiday weekend going to one of the coldest areas of the country in the winter. There should be plenty of room.

My only concern would be if they stopped you, but I’ve seen some very large suitcases get carried on those trains. My gut says you’ll be ok. You also may be able to check it.

One thing to check is if you can check to Devils Lake. They only allow checked baggage to stations they spend time at. Not sure if DL is one of those stations. Fargo, GF, and Minot are, DL????

Good luck! I think you’ll be ok with it.

Eric

Here is your train timetable and service information on the empire builder.(you have to open the empires builder timetable section) no checked baggage at DL, but we have checked our own here in Lacrosse on some trips, you just have to remember which cars baggage compartments you put them in when you arrive at your destination.

Are you close to a stop so you could stop in and ask before you leave, most stops only have people working the couple of hrs around the stop times at that station.

Empire builder timetable and services

Devils Lake is not a station that they spend much time at. You may find that when you return,(midnight) no one is working at the station. All dealings to board there were with the onboard conductor. That large area for bags could be full,,, then you haul it up the stairs.

They also have baggage compartments at the ends of the cars with a outside access door, could get some snow on it like my skis and is not insulated but I would check with someone that works there.