I am leaving Saturday for California - Grand Rapids to CHI and then Southwest Chief to San Bernardino. I have never checked baggage before but we are going out for two weeks and between the four of us and holiday presents for my family, I seem to have more than I care to carry on. Are there ever any problems with checking bags on one train to be transferred to another (during the 4 hour layover in CHI) and I am assuming that it is ok to lock the bag. I know we won't have access to it during the trip. My son checked a bag on his trip from NYP to East Lansing (train & bus). He told me they charged him $10 -- I thought baggage checking was at no charge -- do they charge is they weigh over the 30 pounds or are the larger wheeled cases? Anyway, I am looking forward to getting on the train for the two day ride to California.