Train! Solo woman traveler - Business or Executive??

All seats on fast trains are reserved
We find no need to upgrade from basic economy, the seats are perfectly comfortable

There's plenty of space for 2 carry-ons in economy, so it would be a matter of legroom and such. You can google for photos of the various classes (not identical on all trains) and there are also youtube videos with travelers showing the differences.

ChristineH, most of the fast trains have ledges above the seats and places at the end of each car to place your luggage.

Thank you all. Should have added I have looked up photos and videos… more curious from recent real-life with how busy it is there right now if anyone has found a measurable difference in luggage/general convenience between the two. Thank you so much for the help.

One of the benefits to upgrade on say, Deutsche Bahn ICE trains, is that you can reserve a seat in a Quiet Car i.e. NO cellphone usage allowed. Plus, you can reserve single seats in upgraded cars i.e. NO elbows.

Standard class is fine. Luggage rack is sufficient and neither class has slaves who will put your luggage up on the rack for you. You still have to rely on your own muscles, or maybe ask a fellow passenger to help, just like on plane when you put your carry on in the overhead compartment.

Business and Executive is for people who travel on business and the company pays for the ticket. I know lots of Italian friends who travel on business when they work (since their company reimburses the trip) but travel Standard when they have to pay their own way. Business is generally emptier, therefore quieter, so better if you need to do some work on board. If all you need is a seat, all classes have their own reserved seat.

Thank you for the interesting reply, Roberto. If you noticed my original question, it was about space and access to luggage, not whether there was assistance in handling it.

I've been traveling by trains in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic for the past 3 weeks. I'm traveling alone and have a carryon spinner, eBags junior backpack, and a Pacsafe purse. I chose to buy first class tickets wherever possible, due to the carriage configuration of solo seats. This turned out to be one of my best decisions on the trip. No one, absolutely no one, is wearing a mask onboard trains now. Except, because of my asthma, I am religiously wearing a mask.

I recommend buying all first class tickets, which will allow you to select and reserve a solo seat. That will be the safest and most comfortable place to sit. Choose a seat across from or adjacent to a luggage rack, those are clearly marked on diagrams. That way you can keep close watch on your possessions. I keep my backpack and purse at my seat, beside me next to the window. The overhead racks are extremely high, one would have to be about six feet tall to be able to put luggage up there above one's own seat.

I'm not familiar with the difference between the classes of service you mention. I would avoid any seating in a small compartment, because fellow travelers won't be wearing masks.

To see the difference between Business and Executive, here it is:

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/frecciarossa.htm

It is BUSY in Italy and has been for several months. Some of the trains I've been on are quite crowded. Any of the high speed trains as mentioned will have reserved seats for all classes.

Dianne W., Thank you!! Your reason for first class is exactly what I'm thinking for September's train trips. The added precaution is worth a little more money to me. I'm hoping my N95 and KN95 masks will be sufficient to avoid Covid on hour long regional trains and local trams, buses and subways. Just like home, I won't go anywhere without my mask and I'm vax'd and boosted.

Thank you all! This helped me to decide that I'm going to travel Business so I can have a single seat to myself. It was only 4 euros more! Shut up and take my money! haha

Here's the thing. In France, for example, if you buy a first-class ticket, you can request a single seat, and sometimes you will get one.

But there is no guarantee that just because you asked for one, you will get one. Other people have asked for them too, and they may have reserved before you. I ride first class a lot and end up in a seat with someone next to me probably half of the time.

Maybe things work differently on Italian trains, and you are guaranteed the single seat. I don't know.

Picking a seat from the map on trenitalia.com comes at a cost; in all classes when you pick a seat, you'll be given that seat.