I posted this on Bladeforums.com and recieved a number of responses that broadened my understanding of the situation. I was particularly interested in the possibility that Amtrak may be subsidized by public monies. I decided to have you all take a crack at it.
The current Amtrak policies make outlaws of citizens who otherwise have the right to carry gear. In some respects, the policies posted here resemble pre - Sept 11 2001 airplane restrictions, complete with a subjective element that will place the final decision in the hands of Amtrak security. (a bladeforums poster observed that Amtrak's current policy appears to be worse than pre 911 airplane policies)
As an aside, I wonder if pepper sprays (which are not tear gas like chemicals), police flashlights and multi-tools would be prohibited. I also wonder what classifies as an acceptable "pocket knife"?
Jeff
Checked baggage
http://www.amtrak.com/plan/baggage-checked.html
Prohibited Items:*Dangerous, fragile, and valuable items, as well as animals, household goods, and overweight and oversize items, are prohibited in checked baggage service. In addition, the following items are prohibited:
Guns, firearms, ammunition, explosives and weapons of any kind.** Incendiaries, including flammable gases, liquids and fuels.** Large sharp objects such as axes, ice picks, and swords.** Corrosive chemicals or materials, such as liquid bleach, tear gas, and radioactive materials and batteries with acid that can spill (except those used in motorized wheel chairs or similar devices for mobility-impaired passengers).**
Club-like items, such as billy clubs or nightsticks. This is not an exclusive list; any item similar to those listed is prohibited from being carried on board or checked in baggage service, even if not specifically mentioned. Some small personal items, such as scissors and pocket knives (which are not allowed on commercial airplanes), are permitted on board trains
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Carry on baggage policy
http://www.amtrak.com/plan/baggage-carryon.html
Prohibited items:
Guns, firearms, ammunition, explosives and weapons of any kind.* Incendiaries, including flammable gases, liquids and fuels.* Large sharp objects such as axes, ice picks, and swords.* Corrosive chemicals or materials, such as liquid bleach, tear gas, and radioactive materials and batteries with acid that can spill (except those used in motorized wheel chairs or similar devices for mobility-impaired passengers).*
Club-like items, such as billy clubs or nightsticks. This is not an exclusive list; any item similar to those listed is prohibited from being carried on board or checked in baggage service, even if not specifically mentioned. Some small personal items, such as scissors and pocket knives (which are not allowed on commercial airplanes), are permitted on board trains. Amtrak may not be able to accommodate customers who are unable to observe these guidelines.
The current Amtrak policies make outlaws of citizens who otherwise have the right to carry gear. In some respects, the policies posted here resemble pre - Sept 11 2001 airplane restrictions, complete with a subjective element that will place the final decision in the hands of Amtrak security. (a bladeforums poster observed that Amtrak's current policy appears to be worse than pre 911 airplane policies)
As an aside, I wonder if pepper sprays (which are not tear gas like chemicals), police flashlights and multi-tools would be prohibited. I also wonder what classifies as an acceptable "pocket knife"?
Jeff
Checked baggage
http://www.amtrak.com/plan/baggage-checked.html
Prohibited Items:*Dangerous, fragile, and valuable items, as well as animals, household goods, and overweight and oversize items, are prohibited in checked baggage service. In addition, the following items are prohibited:
Guns, firearms, ammunition, explosives and weapons of any kind.** Incendiaries, including flammable gases, liquids and fuels.** Large sharp objects such as axes, ice picks, and swords.** Corrosive chemicals or materials, such as liquid bleach, tear gas, and radioactive materials and batteries with acid that can spill (except those used in motorized wheel chairs or similar devices for mobility-impaired passengers).**
Club-like items, such as billy clubs or nightsticks. This is not an exclusive list; any item similar to those listed is prohibited from being carried on board or checked in baggage service, even if not specifically mentioned. Some small personal items, such as scissors and pocket knives (which are not allowed on commercial airplanes), are permitted on board trains
=================================
Carry on baggage policy
http://www.amtrak.com/plan/baggage-carryon.html
Prohibited items:
Guns, firearms, ammunition, explosives and weapons of any kind.* Incendiaries, including flammable gases, liquids and fuels.* Large sharp objects such as axes, ice picks, and swords.* Corrosive chemicals or materials, such as liquid bleach, tear gas, and radioactive materials and batteries with acid that can spill (except those used in motorized wheel chairs or similar devices for mobility-impaired passengers).*
Club-like items, such as billy clubs or nightsticks. This is not an exclusive list; any item similar to those listed is prohibited from being carried on board or checked in baggage service, even if not specifically mentioned. Some small personal items, such as scissors and pocket knives (which are not allowed on commercial airplanes), are permitted on board trains. Amtrak may not be able to accommodate customers who are unable to observe these guidelines.
