(The railroad exacts a charge of 25 cents for each unit carried. The redcap doesn't get this. If you want him to get you a cab, promise him at least $1 for two bags.)
You may stand for an hour at the regular station loading platform. In Grand Central, smarties duck upstairs to Vanderbilt Avenue. At Pennsylvania, they go to the unloading platform instead of the loading one, for the same reason.
It is hoped you made your hotel reservation in advance, before leaving home, and got a wire confirming. New York has the worst housing shortage in history and no building program can overcome it before 1955.
But if you are an optimist and didn't make arrangements, don't ask strangers in stations to recommend a hotel or rooming house.
And never take a cab driver's advice.
The Travelers' Aid Society maintains a desk at all terminals where such information is free. Or else step into a phone booth and call the Hotel Association of New York.
Young people, especially girls, who do not know their way around, are especially invited to make use of the Travelers' Aid facilities. It's no disgrace, no confession of weakness. It's protection. The public supports it.
Girls are warned not to talk to strangers who mosey up to them in stations.
If you know what hotel you're bound for, do not allow the redcap or cab driver to steer you elsewhere.
If the cabbie argues, call a cop, or tell the driver to take you to a police station.