Some French trains have new luggage regulations. Here’s how to avoid a fine

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

From EuroNews, via MSN

France has introduced new rules regarding luggage on trains with fines for travellers who don’t comply.

Limits on the number and size of suitcases will become obligatory on France’s high-speed services in mid September.

Earlier this year, Italian operator Trenitalia also proposed stricter regulations on luggage that would have limited passengers to two items per person.

However, the proposal was contested by consumer rights groups and was withdrawn. 

What are the new luggage rules on trains in France?
In February, French national operator SNCF^▸ (Societe Nationale des Chemins de fer Francais - French National Railways) announced new limits for the amount and size of luggage on high speed TGV^▸ (Train a Grande Vitesse) InOui and Intercité trains. 

Passengers are now limited to two large pieces of baggage measuring a maximum of 70cm x 90cm x 50cm per person plus a smaller item like a backpack or laptop case with dimensions of up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
Passengers are also allowed to carry a handbag or purse. Items including pushchairs and buggies, sports equipment and musical instruments do not count towards the luggage limit.

The new regulations came into force on 15 February but without fines for noncompliance. Starting from 15 September, passengers now face a €50 fine for exceeding the allowance.

What are the existing luggage limits on French trains?
Those travelling on the TGV budget OuiGo services are already subjected to baggage regulations.

Passengers holding a standard ticket are permitted one piece of luggage measuring up to 36cm x 27cm x 15cm and one piece no bigger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm.

Passengers can pay an extra charge to bring additional items.

Local TER trains don’t impose a luggage limit but storage space can be limited and passengers must ensure baggage is stowed safely and does not become a hazard for other travellers.

Standard and Standard Premier ticket holders on the Eurostar travelling between London and Paris are permitted two items of baggage and one handbag.

There are no weight restrictions but passengers must be able to carry and lift their suitcases without requiring assistance.

UK^▸ (United Kingdom) next, I wonder?

[Chris from Nailsea]

Earlier this year, Italian operator Trenitalia also proposed stricter regulations on luggage that would have limited passengers to two items per person

UK^▸ (United Kingdom) next, I wonder?

Only two surfboards, then.

[infoman]

In my perfect west country World,with its IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train)'s and cross country units.

I would like to see in the luggage compartments images of cases be shown "up right"

so that you could get three(maybe) cases in an upright position.

Travelers who plonk there cases in the "flat"  position can cause problems later in the journey when other joining passengers

plonk their cases down in the "flat" position

How many of us have seen less able  travelers trying to get their case from "the bottom of the pack" under neath two very heavy cases?

[TaplowGreen]

Eurostar limits seem reasonable but how would GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) manage a similar system if it were to be introduced (which may not be a bad idea given the type of scenarios that infoman suggests)?

[Electric train]

Having used Trenitalia a few times in the last few years the amount of luggage and other item passenger load onto trains verges on ridiculous.  It seems almot like they are moving house.

Not only are the aisle blocked but often seats occupied by luggage and then there is the time taken to load and off load the items, with the dwell times on HSS^▸ (High Speed Services) being only 2 or 3 mins delays are inevitable not to mention the usual Italian "arguments" between the passenger and officials and other passengers.

 

[stuving]

I guess this is part of a general trend - luggage on wheels makes it possible for people to turn up with more that "as much as you can carry yourself". So unless we go back to porters and trolleys and baggage cars there will be limits.

I did wonder whether SNCF^▸ (Societe Nationale des Chemins de fer Francais - French National Railways) would include in this revision something to resolve the issue of double basses (discussed earlier). But no - all musical instruments and surfboards are still subject to the unmeetable 90 x 130 limit. The only items not subject to this are skis, and non-folding bicycles (with reservation and paying €10). All "special" items replace one of your two big (bag/suitcase) items.

The rules for bicycles look odd to me. Whether it is folded or not, you are allowed panniers as well (presumably filled). But while for a folded bike+panniers you only get you one item of hand luggage,
if it's wheeled on you get one big item like a suitcase too. Surely it's the cycle tourer that will be taking all they need in panniers, while you might take a folded one as an extra for a "normal" trip?