That Little Luggage "Alcove" Near Entrance Of Train Cars

I have used them aften and just make sure I sit close by. Sometimes if the train is really crowdwd, I stand with the luggage. No problems where I have travelled (Germany, Austria).

I use it exclusively for any large or carry on size luggage....carry my camera/briefcase coat with me to the seat and the overhead bin. Never any problem. I do look that way when the train stops....not sure what I would do if the luggage walked on off!! Have used the trains in Spain and France.

I use the alcoves every time. My theory is, who would want to steal a suitcase filled with someone else's clothes?

my husband & I hooked our two suitcases together to make it harder to take them. I try to put them in the overhead or underneath if I can.

my husband & I hooked our two suitcases together to make it harder to take them. I try to put them in the overhead or underneath if I can.

We've used it a bunch. We travel with our tandem bike in two cases....there is no way that's going down the aisle to a seat!
We have to use that space. On a crowded train once, we had to keep our luggage and bike cases in the entry way on the train, no seats. We sat on our luggage as best we could from one town until the next. *we always travel 2nd class I've always been nervous about keeping my luggage to far from my seat, so I try to sit as close to my stuff as possible. I just don't like to let my personal items out of my sight.

All the locals use it and don't seem to have problems. There is constant discussion about luggage being grabbed just as the train starts to roll. I am sure that is a possibility but guess it is rare. No one on this site has ever posted personal experience with a snatch bag. It is always, I heard for someone, they said.. We lock our stuff together with a light cable lock but that is about it.

If it really is a concern, on Deutsche Bahn ICE trains, there's a small shelf in the middle of each carriage where you can keep a better eye on your luggage, should it not fit on the overhead rack.

Bill - I've used it quite a bit when travelling.

For ease of mind, get a cable lock and secure the bags together on a pole on the luggage rack.

Thanks to everyone for your answers. This continues to be the best site for travel advice and I can't wait till we travel intergalactically! :) Bill

Bill, I often use the luggage racks for my large Backpack, however that depends on how crowded the train is. If there are only a few passengers, I often just lay the Pack on the floor next to my seat. I usually try to choose my seat (if not reserved) so that I can watch the luggage rack. On occasion I also unsnap one of the straps and loop it around the rack to prevent "snatch & grab" type thefts (especially if the luggage rack is close to a door). One caveat with that approach is that it's important to unsnap the Pack prior to my stop, as I don't want to be dealing with that when I should be disembarking (sometimes the train only stops for a minute or so). I always keep my Camera bag and Daypack close by. Happy travels!

Barry and I are on the same page here. Secure your bag with a bike lock. One less thing to worry about.

Three trips, G.B., France, Belgium and Italy, 1st class and 2nd class. We've always used the luggage area and never lost a thing. I guess there is always a 1st time. But, sometimes when you need to get off quickly, it's easier if they are close to the door. You don't always get much time to exit the train.

On train rides I leave my luggage on the luggage rack and keep all my valuables in a smaller bag I keep by my side. I have had no problems with theft of my luggage. You are much more likely to lose luggage flying than on trains.