This past weekend I took my double bass on Amtrak from NYC to Washington DC and back. I did a lot of research beforehand and didn't find much recent info on the topic, so wanted to share my experience in hopes it's helpful to others. Overall, the trip went fine but it was stressful and I hope to not repeat it any time soon. (I have a beautiful antique DB, traveling with a cheaper instrument might have been a lot less stressful...)
Summary:
I do not own a hard case for my DB so I planned to take it onboard. Based on what I could find online, I bought a second seat for the bass. I was pretty sure it wouldn't fit in any of the seats except for the ones at the end of the car that have a big space in front of them. I picked an off-peak time to travel, and in the future, I'd probably also try to pick a train originating at NYP to ensure seat availability.
When I got to NYP, I found the Redcaps hidden behind a coffee shop in Moynihan Train Hall. They asked me if I had bought a separate ticket for the bass and I assured them I had. They let me sit in the waiting area for passengers who need Redcap assistance. This is the ONLY seating in Moynihan, so I was very grateful.
The train was delayed over an hour but when it was finally time to board, I and other passengers in the Redcap area got to board first. The Redcaps put my luggage on a cart, and I held onto my DB. They showed us to an elevator down to the platform and very kindly helped me find the seat I needed, at the end of the car on the left-hand side, across the aisle from the accessible seats. (Note: the seats on the left are not accessible seats, so I didn't feel bad taking the space.) I put the bass in the window seat and sat next to it. There was plenty of space in front for the bass. I don't think I found the optimal positioning for it, but I tried to make sure the back was supported against the seat, and not all the weight was just leaning on the neck.
I was all ready to show the conductor my second ticket for the DB, but after scanning mine, they immediately walked away. However, having the second ticket made me feel better about it taking up a full seat
As the train filled up, people started to put their luggage in the spare space on the floor in front of my DB. I did politely request some people move their bags to the wide-open space on the other side of the aisle to avoid any luggage collisions with the DB. People also would often hover around the area where the DB was, as it was right near the door to the cafe car. It was very stressful as I was constantly trying to stay alert and ensure people weren't about to fall onto the bass (someone almost did).
Exiting the train was difficult as not all the doors were opened, so I had to walk my DB and all my luggage several cars down, but I managed.
On the return trip from DC, I found the Redcaps again, and they were as helpful as they were in NYC, carrying the rest of my luggage and helping me find a great seat on the train. Again, the conductor only scanned my ticket and didn't ask for a ticket for the bass. This train had fewer people on board, but people still managed to crowd my bass, trip right near it, and generally be a nuisance. I leaned the seat it was on back a little, so I could move the bass up higher on the seat.
It was a huge relief when I was finally home and had the bass seated on its normal stand, but overall, the trip went pretty well. I'd do it again if I really had to.
Summary:
- Travel at off peak times to ensure seats are available.
- Redcaps were a lifesaver. Bring cash to tip them!
- You should buy a second ticket for the bass, but conductors probably won't check it.
- People nearly fell on my bass twice when moving through the car. Stay alert and be communicative with people who are hovering around your space.
I do not own a hard case for my DB so I planned to take it onboard. Based on what I could find online, I bought a second seat for the bass. I was pretty sure it wouldn't fit in any of the seats except for the ones at the end of the car that have a big space in front of them. I picked an off-peak time to travel, and in the future, I'd probably also try to pick a train originating at NYP to ensure seat availability.
When I got to NYP, I found the Redcaps hidden behind a coffee shop in Moynihan Train Hall. They asked me if I had bought a separate ticket for the bass and I assured them I had. They let me sit in the waiting area for passengers who need Redcap assistance. This is the ONLY seating in Moynihan, so I was very grateful.
The train was delayed over an hour but when it was finally time to board, I and other passengers in the Redcap area got to board first. The Redcaps put my luggage on a cart, and I held onto my DB. They showed us to an elevator down to the platform and very kindly helped me find the seat I needed, at the end of the car on the left-hand side, across the aisle from the accessible seats. (Note: the seats on the left are not accessible seats, so I didn't feel bad taking the space.) I put the bass in the window seat and sat next to it. There was plenty of space in front for the bass. I don't think I found the optimal positioning for it, but I tried to make sure the back was supported against the seat, and not all the weight was just leaning on the neck.
I was all ready to show the conductor my second ticket for the DB, but after scanning mine, they immediately walked away. However, having the second ticket made me feel better about it taking up a full seat
As the train filled up, people started to put their luggage in the spare space on the floor in front of my DB. I did politely request some people move their bags to the wide-open space on the other side of the aisle to avoid any luggage collisions with the DB. People also would often hover around the area where the DB was, as it was right near the door to the cafe car. It was very stressful as I was constantly trying to stay alert and ensure people weren't about to fall onto the bass (someone almost did).
Exiting the train was difficult as not all the doors were opened, so I had to walk my DB and all my luggage several cars down, but I managed.
On the return trip from DC, I found the Redcaps again, and they were as helpful as they were in NYC, carrying the rest of my luggage and helping me find a great seat on the train. Again, the conductor only scanned my ticket and didn't ask for a ticket for the bass. This train had fewer people on board, but people still managed to crowd my bass, trip right near it, and generally be a nuisance. I leaned the seat it was on back a little, so I could move the bass up higher on the seat.
It was a huge relief when I was finally home and had the bass seated on its normal stand, but overall, the trip went pretty well. I'd do it again if I really had to.
