TGV Train to Geneva - 1st class or 2nd class?

Nothing wrong with 2nd class, very comfortable. The TGV from Paris to Geneva makes only one stop on the way. Not much opportunity for a grab-and-go thief who is interested in stealing dirty laundry.

Thank you, Sam!

You are affirming my thoughts. I'll try to get the tickets now. Thanks again!

If I were a thief, I would shop in 1st class. But agree that a one stop is a minimal opportunity.

Thank you, Laura! I think you're living in the Forum on behalf of RS. ^^

After Switzerland, I'm going to Venice, Italy. I've heard that there are so many thieves in Italian trains. Should I prepare just in case a key chain like a bike chain?

If you mean the Lyria between Paris and Geneva, it's a pretty high class train. Twice we left our bags unattended around the corner in first class with no problem, but it wouldn't hurt to put locks on them whenever you're in transit.

As for locking up bags in Italy, there are quite a few hotly contested posts about that very subject both in the Italy forum and the transpo forum. Executive summary? Do what makes you feel most comfortable.

Thanks, phred. I'll try to be careful all the time.

Hmm, I need to look for information on Italy Forum. But I need to look up all the postings in order to find the right one. One thing RS Forum lacks is the search function. If there is one like that, it would not only save time but also make it more efficient.

There is a search function, but it's hidden. At the top center, to the right of the "Rick Steves Europe" panel, there it is, in very light-colored and easy-to-miss type, with a magnifying glass icon next to the word "Search" (at least on computers; I don't know how it looks on tablets or phones).

If you go to Google's advanced search and ask it to limit the findings to the website www.ricksteves.com, I find that often pulls up what I'm looking for quicker than the site's own search.

" I've heard that there are so many thieves in Italian trains"

Don't believe everything you hear. People who have problems on trains can't wait to go online and post about it. People who have no problem (the VAST majority) don't post about it. That's not to deny the veracity of the reports, just to put them in perspective. Theft from trains is rare, and from fast trains making few stops, it's even rarer.

If you want wider seats, you can certainly travel first class. But second class is already much more spacious than a coach seat on a plane. And I agree that any potential thief is much more likely to target first class, but it's hard to for a thief to do much if a train only makes one stop - just watch your bags during the stop, and you'll be fine.

If it were to happen it would be from a luggage rack near the door, right before the doors close. If there is no space overhead of my seat, I usually loop a shoulder strap around the rack so if someone were to try a grab and go it would slow them down. After the train leaves the station you can relax.
It's good to be aware of potential problems but I found myself a bit obsessive on my first trip. I now know that I wasted a lot of energy worrying about what might be. With a few precautions (that Rick spells out in his guides) I learned to relax and worry less.

I agree that luggage theft on trains is not a major threat, although not a non-existent one either. I also agree that travelling first class will not protect you from luggage thieves and may make you more likely to be targeted - tickets only get checked once or twice during a journey, it isn't like there's a security guard between the first and second class coaches making sure nobody gets through.

Thank you, Harold, for letting me know of the search function here. I didn't know that. ^^

Thank you all for your helpful comments. I will not be so much afraid of thieves any more. ^^

I usually lock my luggage with a small chain and lock to the metal bar when I travel first or second class in every country when I am not close to it. I think there is theft both in first and second class but it is not nearly as frequent as people are afraid it is.

If you can afford it, first class is always a nice upgrade. Wider seats, usually less children and noise and more window space for you. It is usually - not always - less crowded in general and better chance to have fewer people around you.
I do not pay out of pocket to fly first/business class to Europe but usually don't mind an extra money to travel first class train.
If you buy ticket well in advance, a first class ticket will cost what a later second calls ticket would cost you - so planning ahead of time, 3-6 months depending on the train and route, is the way to go.

www.seat61.com is your friend for trains across Europe. You might also try out tripadvisor.com, Rome forum. Lots of helpful hints from Roman travelers about Italian trains. We prefer first class for trips over 3 hours and always book when tickets first become available and seat61 can help you with that. Anything is possible regarding thievery anywhere, but Americans fret about it far beyond any actual occurrences. Carry anything of value in a shoulder bag or satchel to your seat and if your large luggage is in fact taken, best case is you get to buy all new stuff in Europe and impress your friends back home. Take Rick's advice, pack light and travel with a carry-on only. You can take that to store safely above your seat on most high speed trains across Europe.

Thank you, RAMI and George, for your helpful comments.

In the meantime, I've purchase 2nd class tickets from Paris to Geneva. While I was having troubles with the online purchase of the tickets from SNCF, the cheapest tickets disappeared. Earlier trains (6 am or 7 am) are mostly cheaper than the one I desired (9 am), but I still got the tickets for 9 am departure because of my young son.

Thank you all for your help!

Perhaps this would have made a difference, but in first on that route you get served a meal at your seat. With wine!

There might be a food cart in 2nd, might not. You should assume not and bring any food/drink you may need, although as I recall there are food cars you can go to.