We're taking the Frecce high speed train to Venice from Rome. I cannot tell if ticket includes baggage, or if we have to pay extra and indicate what baggage we will have. Also, are there any baggage size restrictions and such?
Lastly: Any ticket/class recommendations? There are three of us, including a 12 year old. We just want comfortable seats and cabin. I think I've been looking at the "Super Economy--First Classe." ?
Thank you!!
baggage is included; if you are able to carry and handle it yourself no problem;
general allowance is 2 bags/suitcases per passenger plus 1 piece of hand luggage. There is also plenty of space on board for luggage storage, both for larger suitcases and smaller overhead luggage.
The only restriction on baggage is that you have to be able to manage it yourself. I assume we're talking suitcases and not steamer trunks? Smaller carryons fit in the overhead racks. Large suitcases go onto racks at either end of the car. There's no fee for regular luggage, unlike airlines.
We've never felt the need to pay extra for first class. Freccia 2nd class seats are roomy and comfortable enough for us.
If you aren't used to European trains, I recommend studying up on "the man in seat 61" website.
No one collects or checks baggage as you board, so there are no fees. You carry it on board yourself. There are luggage racks above seats, but big bags may not fit there. There are luggage racks at the end of train cars where people tend to leave bigger bags. Unless you have some strange super-oversized bag that no one really travels with, don't worry about the size.
Some people may worry about having their bags stolen. Shouldn't be an issue on these express trains with only a few stops - but you could try tying it up to the racks if you are worried about it.
I always go second class in Italy - on that train, it's still a nice seat. Some people prefer to pay a little more for first class; I only did that in Poland where the trains weren't very nice, and 2nd class was kind of like "3rd class," and real first class seats weren't expensive. 2nd class may be a little more crowded but probably not an issue on trains with reserved seats. Really up to you.
Hi. There is no charge, checking, or limit to the baggage you can bring; you just handle it yourself. There are racks above your seats which will handle airplane carry on size or smaller. Larger baggage goes either between the seats, or on a baggage shelf at the end of the car. 1st or 2nd class is a matter of personal preference. Most on this site feel second class is fine - two by two seating with aisle in between. First class has larger seats and many of them will be empty. Enjoy your trip!
do not tie or lock bags to racks. You will annoy the fire out of everyone else whose luggage gets blocked in or who has to wait behind you while you fiddle with your locking system. It is extremely rude to do this. If you are afraid your luggage will be stolen then get up and stand at the end of the train during stops to keep an eye on it. This is highly recommended on local trains, but probably not an issue with fast trains. Since there is rarely security on Italian platforms, thieves do wander through local trains. I was on a train where a woman had her purse stolen from her seat as she stood up to put her bag in the overhead rack. Apparently someone walking through as if another passenger hooked it and left the train. It is highly desirable to travel with small bags that will fit in the overhead rack when traveling by train.
As others have said, no extra cost for luggage, and you are generally limited only by what you can carry onto the train and perhaps lift into overhead storage. As the luggage travels in the same car you do, it generally travels at the same speed, and arrives at the same time as you do.
If you are buying well in advance and can get Super Economy First Class, why not? That is what we do. Look also at the Bimbi gratis option which means kids free. I seem to recall that is for under 14-y-o.
BTW, there is a space between some seats, a A-frame of a sort where a forward-facing seat "leans" against a rear-facing seat. I find that is just the right space for my 21" rollaboard.
