Amtrak has the perfect comment on free baggage rules after Southwest Airlines' policy change

Southwest Airlines recently announced that it will start charging customers a fee for checked bags and has ended its decades-old free policy, which its executive earlier described as a major differentiator from the budget carrier's rivals.

According to Reuters, Tuesday's decision by the airline comes as its lackluster earnings fueled pressure to revamp the business model. Marking a departure from his passenger-friendly policies, this comes after it announced plans to end open seating last year.

Amtrak boasts about its luggage policy

US national passenger railroad company Amtrak highlighted its luggage policy on social media platform X after airlines announced changes to the perks.


A few hours after Southwest announced its latest decision, Amtrak said, "guess we’re the only ones doing free baggage now," Fox Business reported.

In a follow-up post, the company shared a link to its carry-on luggage policy. As per the official website, each of its passengers are allowed to get one personal item and two carry-on items free of cost as long as they are not overweight.

It mentions that the personal item must be less than 25 lbs (or 12 kg) and 14x11x7 inches, while for two carry-on items, the set weight is 50 lbs (or 23 kg) and 28x22x14 inches each.

It has further advised passengers to ensure they have a tag placed on all the bags including their name and address.

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Amtrak on overweight bags

Passengers will be required to repack their bags to make sure their weight remains under 50 lbs. Also, boxes can be purchased at the stations to help in repacking the items. This is different from several airlines that charge a fee from passengers, who are travelling with overweight bags.

In terms of excess bags, passengers will be required to pay a $20 fee for each carry-on and personal item that is above the quantity and size limits. The company permits two extra baggage per passenger.

Passengers will have to pay the fees at the station itself, while at unstaffed locations it needs to be given onboard the train.

"If checked baggage is available, you can check two bags through to your final destination free of charge," the website states.

Amtrak’s post goes viral

Amtrak's post on X has since gone viral on the social media platform, receiving more than 6.4 million views and 47,000 likes.

In the comments section, one user called it a "brilliant ad". In response, the company thanked the person.

Another person quipped that he can "almost bike faster than taking the train." To this, the Amtrak replied, "Why bike when you can bring your bicycle onboard?"

The post is sure to make more people fans of the railroad company.

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FAQs

1. How big is the Amtrak network?
There are over 30 train routes across the US, and some in Canada. The company operates to more than 500 destinations in 46 states.

2. When will Southwest Airlines' latest policy come into effect?
The new policy kickstars with flights booked on or after May 28.