I am traveling alone in Paris and will be taking a train to Angouleme for a retreat. I am considering requesting 1st class tickets and would like to know if your luggage is kept in the 1st class car with you?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14731 posts
Even in 1st class you are responsible for getting your luggage on and off the train. There are usually luggage racks at the end of the car and there is a shelf over the seats you can use as well. I encourage you to pack light so that you can easily manage your bag by yourself. I've been using a 21" bag and keep it at under 20# so I can heft it up onto the shelf above my seat.
I have been doing 1st class since the pandemic as usually they have a single row of seats down one side of the carriage so I don't have to sit next to anyone.
I also book my tickets thru the SNCF website and then load them into my wallet on my iPhone.
Posted by
Maryland
112 posts
Yes, your luggage stays with you. You are responsible for it.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Your luggage stays with you in the car but not necessarily in your seat. Anything more than a carry-on goes on the luggage shelves near the entrance to the car. Obviously in first class there are fewer passengers so there is less luggage in the bins. The lighter, smaller carry-on can go on the racks over the seat ---- if racks are available. Have been on some newer coaches that did not have racks over the seats. Personally I think it is perfectly safe to put your luggage in the luggage bins. We have done it for decades and never lost a bag. Thieves are not particularly interested in random luggage.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Hello from Wisconsin,
Some years ago I measured the difference between a 1st class seat and a 2nd. I think the seats across from you were 3" further away. I would save the money and use it on fresh baguettes.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
Chicago
8551 posts
depends on the cost difference. We had first class tickets Amsterdam to Berlin and ended up in the middle of a strike day where I had to repeatedly book new seat reservations as trains were cancelled. the second class cars when I finally got a train were jammed and lots of people didn't have seats on our train. In first class I had no trouble booking reserved seats last minute and it was not completely full for the trip. I usually book second class, but the difference was not great and the trip was long so I had booked first.
Another advantage on many long haul trains is that there is only one seat on one side -- this is nice if you are traveling along in the waning days of a pandemic.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1227 posts
I travel alone and often buy first class seats. That way I can request a solo seat. Most trains that are not first class have pairs of seats on each side of the aisle. First class often has a solo and a pair across the aisle from each other. Besides, the cost difference is minimal.
Posted by
Paris
10193 posts
The lighter, smaller carry-on can go on the racks over the seat ---- if racks are available.
And if you are talk enough to reach the racks ! I am not.
Just a warning that solo travelers aren't guaranteed the solo seats in 1st class. I prefer them too but often have just been placed next to another person in a two-seat configuration.