Riding The Trains In Spain - A Word Of Caution!

oh Marc! I'm sorry to hear that. That is a good reminder - and unfortunate design!

Marc, how terrible! I've seen bags fall out of overhead racks, but to be hit in the head! Thanks for the heads up, as it were. Glad you're okay.

That can be the case anywhere in Europe. The overhead racks or shelves are designed for jackets and coats and at most carry-on sized luggage.

The problem comes when people try to use them for heavy bags and suitcase sized luggage which don't fit, hang out and ask to fall out.

Yes, follow the suggestion and look up before you sit down.

Thank you Kim and Jane your kind concern. I wish I would have known to look up myself before this happened. A heavy enough suitcase coming down like that could even break someone's neck.

Another way to avoid it is always to book a window seat. This way you can't be struck by a suitcase if one falls.

In fact, I had booked a window seat, but when I got onto the train a woman was already sitting in my seat and was sleeping. So I didn't bother her and just took the aisle seat next to her instead.

What a gentleman you were to give up your seat.

I think this lesson can be applied to any European train, not just Spain. Check what is just above you.

Oh No, Marc! So sorry to hear about this... I hope the passenger whose luggage fell on you apologized & moved his/her luggage to a proper area.

Nigel & Sam are right, this can happen in any train or bus with overhead luggage racks.

Hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your trip :-)

As Nigel and Sam point out , this can happen on any train , anywhere . Not to make light of your ordeal , this New Yorker cover from 2012 is an appropriate satire ( although , a plane is the conveyance ) . I hope the humor eases your pain ;--) http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/The-New-Yorker-Cover-April-16-2012-Prints_i8751357_.htm

I believe that United Airlines is looking to introduce a similar feature with its overhead lockers emptying on to passengers.

Flag! Piling on!

David from Brisbane, they already did. So far it was not a suitcase but a scorpion which fell on somebody and stung him.

Gotta love the airlines looking for so many new ways to sting their passengers.

I recall flying in to Reno, Nevada, during championship bowling tournament time. There were several reminders posted on the plane about not putting bowling balls in the overhead bins. I asked a flight attendant about it, and was told that there are occasionally people who do it anyway, and there had been a few accidents.