Luggage safety/theft on trains&#59; benefits of first class vs. coach

I've travelled on more trains than I can count and never had a problem or seen someone personally complain of a theft. But that's not to say it doesn't occasionally happen. And I do keep an eye out during station stops as an extra precaution. Many recommend a flexible bike lock to secure your bag to the rack. Or if you have more than one bag, tie them together (making it difficult to grab and bolt). But that might not always be possible if the luggage bin is stuffed. I also keep travel locks on my bags to prevent anyone from rifling through them. I doubt 1st class offers much more protection, as the risk of theft is at station stops when people are coming and going and anyone can be in your car.

I agree with Douglas and our experience is the same. I have "heard" second, and third hand of people having problems but no one directly and don't think seen anything posted on this site over the past few years. Since there is two of us, we do use a cable lock to lock our two bags together and to something secure if available. However, it look like the locals just throw their bags in the bins and go on. First class has the advantage of much fewer people and you might be able to keep your luggage closer. But I would not opt to first class just for that reason.

Time is so limited in getting off that I would think a bigger problem would be being ready to get off at your destination. We left our luggage in the racks at the end of the car and never had a problem, nor have we seen anyone else have one. the racks are usually full, so clearly others feel comfortable.

Brad, If you're travelling with gargantuan luggage, you may have to leave it on the rack at the end of the car. I wouldn't lock them to the rack, but would try to sit close to that end so that I could keep an eye on the luggage (especially when the train is nearing a station, in a station or just prior to departure). If your bags are not excessively large and the train is lightly loaded, you may be able to keep them at your seat. To answer your question, I haven't had any issues with luggage theft (so far!) but I did observe this with a young couple from China. As I recall, it was on a train from Switzerland to France? They had placed their large wheelie bag between the back rests of their seat, and then went to the dining car for a snack. When they returned, the bag had "disappeared". The Police from both countries attended, and they all walked up and down the train about 10 times looking, but never found it. As I always use a Backpack, I sometimes un-snap one of the straps and hook that to the rack. It's not much "security", but it prevents the Pack from being grabbed and hustled off the train just before it departs. As I usually travel solo, I'm not able to go to the dining car, so I watch my luggage constantly. Happy travels!

We just took the train from Munich to Paris. We were in 1st class and naively left luggage at the racks by the door, where we could not see it. We have done this on Amtrak here at home countless times. Anyway, one of our 2 suitcases was stolen. The train personnel said it happens fairly often and were not really surprised. They said people get on, grab a bag and get off. No one checks for a ticket until the train has left the station. First Class made absolutely no difference. Keep your luggage where you can see it, or lock it to a pole.

I agree with Ken. Pack light and you can keep you luggage near you. In over a hundred days of travel in Europe (mostly Germany), I've probably been able to keep my luggage on the seat next to me 90% of the time. On my last trip, I rode in a side aisle compartment car at least three times, and most times there were enough people in the compartment that I needed to put my bag in the overhead rack (as did they), but there was enough room for one carryon sized bag each.

Lisa, Thank you for the valuable info. I have always naively left my bag and thought first would be safer but will be more cautious from now on. Certainly thieves think first class passengers have better quality loot, so our bags are probably more at risk in first. Something to remember when buying tickets. I hope you post your experience and what the conductor said on the trip reports and scams.

It does happen: I was doubtful for some time but then earlier this year a work colleague and his wife had their luggage stolen on a train from London to Devon.

Were I a thief I should certainly choose to steal bags from first class versus second. Wouldn't you?