Summer vacation is fast approaching, and you may be thinking about taking a train trip. But be careful, the SNCF recently changed the rules regarding the luggage you can take!
As summer approaches, you’re probably starting to plan your vacation trip and may be considering taking the train. Although this mode of transport is relaxing and often faster than the car, it is also restrictive. The question of baggage in particular can prove to be thorny, especially since the SNCF has changed the rules in force on board the TGV Inoui since February 15, 2024, and the number of bags per person is now strictly limited.
As a basic rule, each traveler is entitled to two pieces of luggage with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm and one piece of hand luggage (backpack, computer bag, etc.) measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Large bags and suitcases must be placed under the seat or in the storage spaces at the entrance or middle of the train. And you can keep your carry-on bag on your lap or store it in the compartment above your seat. Please note, under no circumstances should your belongings be left in the corridors or obstruct traffic on the train, under penalty of a fine of €150.
If you have so-called special luggage (stroller, scooter, musical instrument, pair of skis, etc.), things get complicated. First, you are only allowed one large piece of luggage (suitcase or bag) and one piece of hand luggage. Then, this special baggage must have maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm, whatever its nature. The only exception is skis, for which there is no size limit, but only one pair is allowed per traveler.
Strollers and scooters must be folded, and not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm (once folded) and placed in the luggage storage spaces. They must especially not be left in the aisles, on the platforms between the cars and under no circumstances be stored in the compartments above the seats, as they could fall and injure passengers. Musical instruments, for their part, must be transported in a case no larger than 90 x 130 cm and stored according to the same rules.
Finally, for bicycles, there are two scenarios. If your bike is neither dismantled nor folded, you must reserve a space for it when purchasing your ticket. This option costs €10. But as the number of bike spaces is limited on each train, you will not always be able to take advantage of this option. On the other hand, if your bike is disassembled and folded, it is considered special baggage and you do not need to pay for an additional option. It must be placed in a cover with maximum dimensions of 90 x 130 cm and stored according to the same rules as other special luggage. Please note, whether your bike is disassembled and folded or not, you are then allowed to take a large suitcase or bag, cabin baggage and a double bike bag. Please note, only classic bicycles are accepted on the TGV Inoui, tricycles, tandems and cargo bikes being prohibited on board.
If you need to carry additional baggage, beyond the quota set per traveler, or special baggage that does not comply with the instructions above, unfortunately there is currently no option, even paid. Instead, SNCF is promoting its “Mes Bagages TGV Inoui” service, which allows you to have your personal effects delivered to your destination, to a relay point or to your home, although at a cost of €38 per piece of luggage.