Train luggage wracks - 1st class better?

I can't remember a time I have had to lift my suitcase over my head on a train. My favorite places to store my luggage are between the seats where the backs face each other for the 4 tops of tables, though maybe those are going by the wayside? If not, the luggage racks at the ends of the cars (and I have seen a few in the middle?) are nowhere close to being over your head, more like elbow to shoulder height?

I haven't studied the luggage racks in the first class cars, but since they are more expensive, unless its a sold out train, more people opt for the cheaper ticket, leaving less people in comparison to the 2nd class cars, hence possibly more room for you.

For a personal note, I have been to Italy twice for 16 days each and I have wanted to chuck my carry on sized luggage off of the train it was so cumbersome and annoying to "lug" around wherever I was going.....I would want to punch everyone around if I had to lug TWO suitcases ANYWHERE. I stayed in apartments with washers that we did laundry halfway through to cut down on luggage. Is that an option for you? A carry on sized suitcase (I check that sucker as I hate lugging it around, so not recommending the necessity to keep it with you on the journey over) and a messenger bag or backpack would be WAY easier to take all your stuff onto trains.

Katherine, I take on the larger suitcase and my wife does the smaller one. They are good designs and the wheels work well in Italy. My question on the luggage racks only applies if the overhead is the only available option. In the past few times this has occurred there was another guy around to help me. A bit embarrassing for this old fella, but appreciated.

We do some hand washing in our room and in a pinch have the hotel clean a load of washing. This gets down to traveling light and like I said we have that in mind where practical. I have a Civita day pack too.

Still, the only thing I can think of that is a DEFINITE involving 1st vs 2nd class is that fewer people are likely to opt for 1st, meaning less people to take up the space you want. I can't speak to the overabundance of general luggage storage vs 2nd class cars, I thought they were all the same.

And I haven't seen drastic differences in where the luggage racks are. The last resort is ALWAYS above your heads. The other options are behind the seat backs (my favorite), and then the end of the cars (and sometimes in the middle) which are either ground level or at the HIGHEST, shoulder height, more like elbow.

If they are full in either car, they are full. I can't imagine the train companies willingly making more floor space for ground level suitcases when they could make more money with a passenger.

Aren't there fewer seats in a first class carriage, where seating is typically 1 - 2, as opposed to second class where seating is 2 - 2. So fewer seats = fewer passengers - should mean more storage.

We recently traveled business class on Trenitalia from Florence to Rome - advance tix were only 4 Euro more than 1st per person - even more room.

We have to make a similar trip from Florence to Sorrento (change in Naples I think). So thanks Markcw, a good reason to book in advance.

Because we are Australians and our carryon is limited to one 7kg bag only, it is nigh on impossible to pack that light.

Hence we take a medium (24") suitcase each, plus a much smaller carryon for the plane.

We always do first class trains and find we've never had an issue finding luggage space. It is always either at ground level, or at worst one level up at waist level. If you make sure you are there early and one of the first board, you will get the ground level storage. There is much more room in first class, and to us it is well worth the small extra amount.

Yes, 1st has more rack space.

on the Florence to Sorrento leg - you get as far as Naples on the fast train, then if you want to continue by train you go downstairs to the non-Trenitalia, separate ticketing, Circumvesuviana commuter train which is right at the opposite end for amenities. No luggage racks other than a small overhead one that I am aware of, no first class, and some folks here either dislike or fear it. Others don't. Or you can go for alternative transport between Naples and Sorrento, ferry or taxi or car and driver, all of which will be much more expensive but possibly more pleasant than the Circumvesuviana.

You might look at what the very knowledgeable Man in Seat 61 has to say - https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-italy.htm#HowtoreachHerculaneum,Pompeii&Sorrento That also includes a very informative video. Note the stairs to go down to the platform for the train.

Sounds like 1st class is the way to go. Thanks for all the great comments.

Nigel thanks, that link looks very informative. We have been in Naples before and are aware of its reputation. I still remember walking with a group down a narrow street on an RS tour (our one and only tour group) and a guy looking down at my waste level checking out what might be available for the pickings.

We'll be going to Pompeii for the 2nd time and maybe Herculaneum too. That train trip has a reputation too. :)

same train