Safe luggage

Nancy, The luggage compartments located at the end of rail cars are "open" and therefore they're not "secure" in the sense that the compartment is closed and not generally accessible. As the luggage racks are often located close to the doors, it would be easy for someone to "lift" a bag (not belonging to them) as they disembark, and no one would likely notice. I sometimes "clip" my Pack to the train with a small strap, and always make sure I'm watching it when the train stops. It's surprising how easily theft can take place. During a trip in Switzerland / Germany last year, a young couple from China lost a large piece of wheeled luggage, which they had placed behind their seat. I guess they weren't paying attention, because at some point it "disappeared". They wandered up and down the cars with Police, but I suspect the bag was off the train many stops back so they never found it. If you're travelling with gargantuan luggage, the racks will likely be your only storage option. However, if you have "normal" sized luggage you'll be able to store your bags in the racks above your seats (or underneath the seat). If the car is lightly loaded, I often put my Backpack on the floor beside my seat, and my smaller bag on the seat beside me (especially if I'm in a car that has compartments). The Man in Seat 61 link listed above provides some good views of the typical TGV cars. Happy travels!

Rail Europe doesn't operate trains, they merely resell tickets and passes. But typically, carry-on type bags go in an the overhead rack. Bulkier bags go on a rack of either end of the car. The bags should be safe, but if want something more secure you can purchase this: http://tinyurl.com/6komfph

Thanks, Michael, for the link. I didn't understand the function of Rail Europe. We'll be taking a TGV train, if that makes any difference.

For photos of the interior of TGVs go here: http://seat61.com/France.htm#On%20board%20the%20trains How much luggage will you have? You need to be able to get it through the station (maybe up and down stairs) and on and off the train.

There is constant discussion about luggage theft. All the local throw their luggage in the luggage bin unsecured so do we. Never had a problem and have heard first hand of anyone else having a problem. Rail Europe is a travel agency and I do hope you did not buy ticket through them.

Rail Europe is a reseller to the, among others, US market of French and European national railways. They provide a service of: an easy to find website lots of advertising English language Prices in Dollars Delivery to the US Disadvantages of Rail Europe are: Prices above retail Don't tell of reservation charges and their mandatory purchase on many trains when using passes Strong push towards passes
Don't provide discount tickets offered by national rail companies While providing maps and timetables they are mainly for those premier services they provide. There are many many other available trains and much better prices. For folk who want an easy one stop shop, don't comparison shop, and are uncomfortable with foreign currencies and languages they provide a service. IMO. YMMV.

There will be a luggage rack or an empty space at the end of the car to stow your luggage. Keep your luggage in sight if possible, especially while in the station. As a precaution, I use a small retractable cable lock from Pacsafe to lash my bags to the luggage rack. It won't keep a thief from stealing them completely, but it may be just enough of a deterrent that they will look elsewhere.

Be very careful with your bags! My husband's small bag which he put on the overhead rack was stolen when we were taking the train from Antwerp to Brugge. From what we have been told, it was probably taken before the train even left Antwerp station! He just threw it up there with his wheeled bag & thought it would be O.K. He lost his camera with all of his photos of the Netherlands, including Keukenhof Gardens. Thankfully, I was holding my small bag & camera.