Unexpected Items Travelers Can't Bring On Amtrak Trains

In 2018, a woman attempted to board a flight from New Jersey to Los Angeles with her emotional support peacock and was shocked that she was denied access (via BBC). Many people probably wish they could board any type of public transportation with any and every type of pet (or item) imaginable. But unfortunately, we can't turn trains, planes, and automobiles into zoos. 

Many of these transportation methods have different rules for what passengers can and cannot bring in their carry-ons or in their checked luggage, and just like many airlines and bus operators, Amtrak has its own baggage policy. In 2024 alone, Amtrak provided service to 32.8 million passengers, and with this many people to manage, they've put rules in place to ensure everyone's safety –– with stricter rules in place for carry-on luggage versus checked baggage. The following is a list of 'unexpected' items travelers can't bring on board with them while traveling on an Amtrak train. 

Speaking of animals, there are certain ones that you can and cannot bring aboard an Amtrak. Obviously, all pet owners should know about these policies if they're traveling with their pet by train. Dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (including the carrier) can come with you on trips up to seven hours and on most routes for a small fee. Of course, some restrictions apply. This policy applies to pets as opposed to service animals. If you have a larger service animal, you should be able to prove that it is "trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to a person's disability," according to the Amtrak website.

Naturally, this policy pretty much stops people from trying to claim companions like their pet tarantula is a necessary service animal. Realistically, service animals are typically in a specific category of animal, and Amtrak personnel have the right to ask you what task your animal performs. Service animals must also be able to fit under the passenger seat, or at their feet. They cannot block the aisles, sit on seats, or bed. Unfortunately, emotional support animals or animals still in training are not allowed (unless they fit within the weight restriction). 

For those of you who were planning to enjoy a fresh seafood buffet, sadly — this too is not allowed. Seafood, whether flash frozen or just off the boat is never permitted aboard Amtrak trains. According to the Amtrak website, guests can bring their own food and beverages onboard, however, the staff is not allowed to handle, heat, or store any guest food items. So, maybe leave the bucket of ice cream behind as well, unless you carry a small cooler with you. 

The train operator recommends that those with dietary restrictions or diabetes bring their own food on board as well, especially since trains can have delays and food supplies can be limited sometimes. Alcohol is allowed on board as long as you purchase it in the dining, lounge, and cafe cars, but consumption of your own alcohol is not allowed unless you have a valid ticket and have paid to stay in a sleeper car. You also can't drink alcohol at all in public areas unless it's in the previously mentioned dining, lounge, and cafe cars.

Maybe you're sitting here thinking, "Can I at least bring my sporting equipment?" Well, yes and no. Unfortunately for those who wanted to sit aboard the train and hold onto things like their archery equipment, professional fencing swords, or hunting rifle, this is not allowed since both are considered weapons. However, you can check this equipment, but keep in mind that not all itineraries allow for checked baggage. It is important to read through the special items policies before booking a trip. Specific items and accessories related to firearms, as well as the firearms themselves (such as black powder, percussion caps, or ammunition), are also banned from carry-on luggage. If you can check your luggage, firearms must be properly packed in cases, weigh less than 50 pounds, and be checked by personnel at least 30 minutes before departure. You must also notify Amtrak at least 24 hours before your trip if you plan to bring a firearm or related equipment.

Other sporting equipment such as golf bags, skis, snowboards, Balls, bats, cleats, fishing poles, helmets, pads, rackets, roller blades, skateboards, and hockey or lacrosse sticks are allowed on board. Again, there are still some restrictions. Unfortunately for those looking to get swole on the train, dumbells and hand weights are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage. For those who wanted to show off their cool martial arts skills to fellow passengers, again, Amtrak has put the kibosh on these dreams since weapons like billy clubs, nightsticks, and nunchucks are prohibited. Guests are also not allowed to bring aboard a kayak or canoe — though the chance of that fitting in the overhead compartment seems questionable in the first place. 

Those looking to transport their vehicles across the country have the option to do so via Amtraks Auto Trains. Sadly, normal Amtrak trains have tighter restrictions. First, certain types of scooters are not allowed. While this may come as a total bummer to the likes of Marty McFly in "Back To The Future," this includes hoverboards, which are not even allowed at the stations or on the platforms. One-wheel skateboards and self-balancing scooters are also prohibited in these areas and on trains. Gas-powered motorized vehicles such as bikes and scooters are not allowed, however, electric bikes are scooters are fine, following a few restrictions. 

As far as regular bicycles go, passengers are allowed to carry on bikes and folding scooters weighing up to 50 pounds, with a maximum tire width of 2 inches. According to their website, bicycle fees vary by route and will appear when you book your trip online. The website also states that bicycles must be stored in the designated racks inside passenger cars. On trains with unreserved carry-on bicycle service, racks are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. When the racks are full, bikes will no longer be accepted onboard. Be sure to check the restrictions before you go, because each destination has different reservation rules. 

Last but not least, is Amtrak's list of random items that passengers cannot take aboard their trains. This list includes but is not limited to antiques, appliances, artwork, furniture, machinery and car parts, plants, powered tools, silverware, televisions, tires, and tow bars. These particular items listed are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage. Allowed in your carry-on, but not checked baggage, are valuable items such as credit cards, electronic equipment, jewelry, identification, and money. The reasoning for this is that Amtrak does not accept liability for theft or damages to any items brought on their trains. 

Sharp objects such as axes, ice picks, knives, spears, and swords are not allowed in carry-on luggage but can be allowed in checked luggage if they are sheathed and declared. Small items such as scissors, nail clippers, corkscrews, and razors are allowed in carry-on bags. Other random items not allowed on board include flammable gases, liquids, fuels, fireworks, and other explosive devices, batteries with acid that can spill or leak, liquid bleach, tear gas, and radioactive and harmful bacteriological materials. Although you have an extensive list of what can and cannot be brought on board an Amtrak train here, many items are judged on a case-by-case basis and members of staff have the right to remove you from the train if they see fit. If you are unsure, it is always good to double-check by calling one of their helpful numbers, or by reading through their lists of restrictions.