Harkrader
Member
Does Amtrak do carry-on and passenger searches the way airlines do?
Please, only recent experience. One year or less.
Please, only recent experience. One year or less.
Passenger searches on Amtrak
- Thread starter Harkrader
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Shall Not Be Infringed
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Being intracontinental mass transit, I'm sure they make you go through searches and scanners on account of Amtrak being regulated by the DOT and under the jurisdiction of the NTSB as is aviation.
Directly from Amtrak's site:
"Firearms in Checked Baggage
Effective December 15, 2010, Amtrak will accept reservations of firearms and ammunition for carriage between Amtrak stations and on Amtrak trains within the United States that offer checked baggage service. Thruway Bus Services will not be included in this service change. The following policies are in effect:
Notification that the passenger will be checking firearms/ammunition must be made no later than 24 hours before train departure by calling Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL. Online reservations for firearms/ammunition are not accepted.
The passengers must travel on the same train that is transporting the checked firearms and/or ammunition.
All firearms and/or ammunition must be checked at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled train departure. Some larger stations require that baggage be checked earlier. Please contact your departure station for more details.
All firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns, starter pistols) must be unloaded and in an approved, locked hard-sided container not exceeding 62" L x 17" W x 7" D (1575 mm x 432 mm x 178 mm). The passenger must have sole possession of the key or the combination for the lock to the container. The weight of the container may not exceed 50 lb/23 kg.
Smaller locked, hard-sided containers containing smaller unloaded firearms such as handguns and starter pistols must be securely stored within a suitcase or other item of checked baggage, but the existence of such a firearm must be declared.
All ammunition carried must be securely packed in the original manufacturer's container; in fiber, wood, or metal boxes; or in other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. The maximum weight of all ammunition and containers may not exceed 11 lb/5 kg.
The passenger is responsible for knowing and following all federal, state, and local firearm laws at all jurisdictions to and through which he or she will be travelling.
All other Amtrak checked baggage policies apply, including limits on the number of pieces of checked baggage, the maximum weight of each piece (50 lb/23 kg).
Firearms/ammunition may not be carried in carry-on baggage; therefore, checked baggage must be available on all trains and at all stations in the passenger's itinerary.
At the time of check-in, passengers will be required to complete and sign a two-part Declaration Form.
BB guns and Compressed Air Guns (to include paintball markers), are to be treated as firearms and must comply with the above firearms policy. Canisters, tanks, or other devices containing propellants must be emptied prior to checking and securely packaged within the contents of the passenger's luggage.
Passengers failing to meet the above-mentioned requirements for checking firearms will be denied transportation.
Passengers wanting to inquire about or begin the firearms reservation process should use the Contact Us page to select "Checked Firearms Program" as the subject and follow guidance."
Directly from Amtrak's site:
"Firearms in Checked Baggage
Effective December 15, 2010, Amtrak will accept reservations of firearms and ammunition for carriage between Amtrak stations and on Amtrak trains within the United States that offer checked baggage service. Thruway Bus Services will not be included in this service change. The following policies are in effect:
Notification that the passenger will be checking firearms/ammunition must be made no later than 24 hours before train departure by calling Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL. Online reservations for firearms/ammunition are not accepted.
The passengers must travel on the same train that is transporting the checked firearms and/or ammunition.
All firearms and/or ammunition must be checked at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled train departure. Some larger stations require that baggage be checked earlier. Please contact your departure station for more details.
All firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns, starter pistols) must be unloaded and in an approved, locked hard-sided container not exceeding 62" L x 17" W x 7" D (1575 mm x 432 mm x 178 mm). The passenger must have sole possession of the key or the combination for the lock to the container. The weight of the container may not exceed 50 lb/23 kg.
Smaller locked, hard-sided containers containing smaller unloaded firearms such as handguns and starter pistols must be securely stored within a suitcase or other item of checked baggage, but the existence of such a firearm must be declared.
All ammunition carried must be securely packed in the original manufacturer's container; in fiber, wood, or metal boxes; or in other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. The maximum weight of all ammunition and containers may not exceed 11 lb/5 kg.
The passenger is responsible for knowing and following all federal, state, and local firearm laws at all jurisdictions to and through which he or she will be travelling.
All other Amtrak checked baggage policies apply, including limits on the number of pieces of checked baggage, the maximum weight of each piece (50 lb/23 kg).
Firearms/ammunition may not be carried in carry-on baggage; therefore, checked baggage must be available on all trains and at all stations in the passenger's itinerary.
At the time of check-in, passengers will be required to complete and sign a two-part Declaration Form.
BB guns and Compressed Air Guns (to include paintball markers), are to be treated as firearms and must comply with the above firearms policy. Canisters, tanks, or other devices containing propellants must be emptied prior to checking and securely packaged within the contents of the passenger's luggage.
Passengers failing to meet the above-mentioned requirements for checking firearms will be denied transportation.
Passengers wanting to inquire about or begin the firearms reservation process should use the Contact Us page to select "Checked Firearms Program" as the subject and follow guidance."
Last edited:
OP
Harkrader
Member
Perfect, Kanewpadle, Thanks.
I tried several searches but did not find that.
I tried several searches but did not find that.
Rastoff
US Veteran
For the record, it is illegal to carry a concealed gun on a common carrier when that carrier is traveling interstate. That would include Amtrak.
18 U.S.C. § 922 (e)
18 U.S.C. § 922 (e)
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cmort666
Member
They didn't a year ago.
My wife takes Amtrak about 4 times a year doing her Red Hat thing, because her traveling companion refuses to fly. She says she has never seen a search of any passenger in all the stations she has went through.
I have to drop them off and pick them up at the train station and I always stay out in the parking lot because I carry, just to be on the safe side. I and my wife have never seen an obvious security person, and that to include LEOs any time I have been to that station. OF course I realize they have a lot of cameras all over the place.
I have to drop them off and pick them up at the train station and I always stay out in the parking lot because I carry, just to be on the safe side. I and my wife have never seen an obvious security person, and that to include LEOs any time I have been to that station. OF course I realize they have a lot of cameras all over the place.
Beemer-mark
Member
I also hate to fly and travel by Amtrak anytime I can. For the last couple of years it's been all East Coast. I have never seen any type of metal detector or search. You get on the train, you get off the train. No prohibition on what you bring aboard (besides the obvious illegal) - like food, liquor, baggage,etc.
I don't carry, but I would assume if you had a handgun in a locked case inside your baggage nobody but you and God would know it. Or even care.
I don't carry, but I would assume if you had a handgun in a locked case inside your baggage nobody but you and God would know it. Or even care.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
"Passengers failing to meet the.....requirements......will be denied transportation".
Interesting. My one and only experience travelling by Amtrak was over 30 years ago. My ticket was purchased about 2 weeks in advance. Checked in for boarding, but was informed that there were more tickets sold than seats available, and I was not allowed to board. Returned the next day and checked in for boarding about 2 hours early. When I boarded every single seat was occupied and dozens of people were left standing. I made the 350-mile trip sitting in the stairwell for 10 hours.
Not a single Amtrak employee gave any indication that they were sorry for my inconvenience. My complaints were met with total indifference.
In my experience, Amtrak is very good at denying transportation, even to paying ticketholders.
Every single time that government becomes involved in any enterprise the first thing to go is any commitment to providing the intended service.
Interesting. My one and only experience travelling by Amtrak was over 30 years ago. My ticket was purchased about 2 weeks in advance. Checked in for boarding, but was informed that there were more tickets sold than seats available, and I was not allowed to board. Returned the next day and checked in for boarding about 2 hours early. When I boarded every single seat was occupied and dozens of people were left standing. I made the 350-mile trip sitting in the stairwell for 10 hours.
Not a single Amtrak employee gave any indication that they were sorry for my inconvenience. My complaints were met with total indifference.
In my experience, Amtrak is very good at denying transportation, even to paying ticketholders.
Every single time that government becomes involved in any enterprise the first thing to go is any commitment to providing the intended service.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Amtrak has its own security personnel, having full LEO status throughout the system. Unfortunately, they are union employees being paid with taxpayer subsidies, thus it is highly unlikely you will ever see them do anything.
Was on Amtrak three times in a week traveling up the east coast from DC to Philly to NY to Boston in June this year. No metal detectors or searches for passengers, and all our bags were carried on. No xray machine. Hope that helps.
mc5aw
Member
No need for all that high-tech precautionary stuff ... Amtrak still has mounted Pinkerton agents in the last car ready to ride.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Is Amtrak a government run operation?
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Amtrak was created by act of Congress, essentially a means of salvaging a dying industry via taxpayer subsidies. Probably the best way of describing Amtrak would be as a quasi-governmental corporation. Individual railroads continue to operate on their lines, linking into the national system. Every aspect of operations is controlled by government edict.
mc5aw
Member
Two interesting articles on the subject of Amtrak's govt. subsidized status, one dated (courtesy of the Cato Institute), one current (courtesy of theblaze.com):
Amtrak Subsidies: This is no Way to Run a Railroad | Cato Institute
House GOP lets Amtrak escape cuts to federal subsidies | TheBlaze.com
OP
Harkrader
Member
Thanks for all the responses.
I think Kanewpadle answered it best.
We have an acquaintance with genuine concern about an ex. She carries 24/7, sleeping with a light/laser/tritium sight-equipped gun in a Blackhawk bedside holster. She feels safe enough from the b&$%#@d when on the airlines because he can't get on with a gun. She's worried about waiting in the train station with her young son, and being unarmed on the train. It makes no sense to her (or to me) to have to put her gun in checked luggage, and declare it, when her ex could board as well.
I gave her the link to the article provided by Kanewpadle. Not sure what she'll do about it, as she wants to travel by train to her parents' home (most of a day's ride), rather than drive.
One real super bad problem is the trip would go nearly the full length of the Peoples Republik of Illinoising. I told her she could wind up like that mother the state of New Jersey wanted to put in prison for trying to be honest. I'm sure that if she was caught by Amtrak security they would turn her over to the Gestapo.
NRA says they will push for national reciprocity in the coming legislature. I hope they also demand that honest people be allowed to carry on public transportation.
I think Kanewpadle answered it best.
We have an acquaintance with genuine concern about an ex. She carries 24/7, sleeping with a light/laser/tritium sight-equipped gun in a Blackhawk bedside holster. She feels safe enough from the b&$%#@d when on the airlines because he can't get on with a gun. She's worried about waiting in the train station with her young son, and being unarmed on the train. It makes no sense to her (or to me) to have to put her gun in checked luggage, and declare it, when her ex could board as well.
I gave her the link to the article provided by Kanewpadle. Not sure what she'll do about it, as she wants to travel by train to her parents' home (most of a day's ride), rather than drive.
One real super bad problem is the trip would go nearly the full length of the Peoples Republik of Illinoising. I told her she could wind up like that mother the state of New Jersey wanted to put in prison for trying to be honest. I'm sure that if she was caught by Amtrak security they would turn her over to the Gestapo.
NRA says they will push for national reciprocity in the coming legislature. I hope they also demand that honest people be allowed to carry on public transportation.
forrestinmathews
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"Can I take my gun with me on Amtrak?"
"It must be declared and checked. It is unlawful to conceal a handgun on a common carrier going interstate."
"Oh guns are illegal to be concealed and need to be checked?"
Responses that don't send up red flags:
•"Okay we'll rent a car."
•"Okay I'll be looking into the checking process."
Not the greatest of ideas:
•"I know someone who is going to break the rules, but for a good reason."
•"I'll keep it in my pocket. Nobody will ever know."
I am not picking on you, but rather trying to call your attention to the fact that you told on yourself or others ahead of time. Best of luck.
"It must be declared and checked. It is unlawful to conceal a handgun on a common carrier going interstate."
"Oh guns are illegal to be concealed and need to be checked?"
Responses that don't send up red flags:
•"Okay we'll rent a car."
•"Okay I'll be looking into the checking process."
Not the greatest of ideas:
•"I know someone who is going to break the rules, but for a good reason."
•"I'll keep it in my pocket. Nobody will ever know."
I am not picking on you, but rather trying to call your attention to the fact that you told on yourself or others ahead of time. Best of luck.
Have never searched me...or even asked.
