A ? for anyone who uses the South Shore Line: South Bend-Chicago

[Laz]

I am taking a group of HS students to Chicago at the end of June for 4 nights. We are using the South Shore commuter. My question is the amount of room we will have for luggage. I told the students they are limited to one bag. Are the overhead racks wide enough to handle a small suitcase? What about under the seat? We do have 5 extra tickets, so we were hoping to use those seats for some luggage. Is that normally done? Thanks.

 

[Ava83]

This depends on the time of day you are going-Its pretty crowded in the am and evening coming back-I used to take a weekend bag when I when I went so I think a small carry on would be fine. During rush bags on the seats may be frowned upon-as people do end up standing (but as the first stop either way you may not have issues doing that)


You should just go the airport and check it out-if you are near there. They take your tickets on the train so you could peek in an look around. Talk to a conductor.

 

[Bildmouse]

You can fit a small case or backpack above but there is no room under the seats. Having extra tickets won't necessarily guarantee extra seats if you're traveling during rush hours. There is standing room only at times! If you are traveling mid morning to early afternoon you should be fine.

 

[RadioNate]

I haven't been on the south shore since last July but I'll try to help. I think the over head racks are pretty small. About 1/2 the seat length, if that. I think more duffle bag size than suitcase size. I do think a SMALL carry on size suitcase MIGHT fit depending on how you put it up there.

I've never seen people use seats for luggage but I'll ask my dad who uses the South Shore all the time. What time are you traveling? If it is a weekday I'd avoid traveling at 'rush hour' when people are using the train to go to work. With all the construction rider-ship is up and regular riders won't like 'their' seats taken up by luggage.

I'll ask my dad when I talk to him. He commuted on the South Shore and still uses it when he goes downtown. I know he used it last weekend so it'll be fresh in his mind.

 

[Laz]

Thanks. I will keep watching.