Amtrak's train cars feature slight differences depending on the length of the trip. On long cross-country and overnight trips, the train cars feature on-board dining options such as full-service dining cars and lounges, while passengers on shorter day trips have the option of a snack car with munchies and prepared deli sandwiches.
Amtrak uses two different trains for long distance trips: Viewliner and Superliner trains. Viewliner trains feature one floor, while Superliner trains have two levels. Passengers on long distance trips also have a number of options for their sleeping arrangements including bedroom, bedroom suite, family suites and Roomettes. All rooms except for Roomettes feature a shower and toilet facility, however, all passengers have access on these long trips to a shared bathroom and shower facility. Passenger's traveling on day trips board commuter-style trains which offer bathroom facilities.
Although the majority of Amtrak's routes lie within the Northeast United States, the company services the whole country. Although no routes go directly from the East Coast to the West Coast, passengers have the ability to make transfers in Chicago for points east and west. Among the routes include the Silver Service/Palmetto route which takes passengers from New York City down the coast to Tampa or Miami, Florida. The Maple Leaf route transports New York City passengers across the Canadian border to Toronto. The Southwest Chief travels through the southwestern United States connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. The company boasts of over 500 destinations in 46 different states.
Amtrak prohibits passengers from carrying on more than two pieces of luggage and checking in more than three pieces of luggage. Each carry-on piece must be under 28 inches high and no more than 22 inches wide with a depth of 14 inches. Each checked-in piece of luggage must have dimensions smaller than 36 inches wide, long and deep. All bags have a weight requirement of under 50 pounds and must be checked-in at least 30 minutes before departure. The company requires each passenger to place visible tags on their carry-on items and all specialized luggage pieces such as golf clubs and musical instruments must be checked in. Amtrak forbids any passenger from bringing aboard any weapons, flammable liquids, dangerous chemicals, over-sized baggage and animals, except for service animals.
Amtrak does not allow any passengers ages 7 and under to travel unaccompanied by an adult. Passengers between ages 8 and 14 may travel alone, however, the company places a number of restrictions on the travel. First, the company forbids this age group from departing alone before 6 a.m. and arriving at their destination later than 9 p.m. The child must arrive with an adult at least one hour prior to their departure and their itinerary may not contain any transfer along the journey or an arrival at any unstaffed stations. The company allows children ages 15 and over to travel alone and purchase their own tickets, but they lose eligibility for discounts pertaining to children.
