Luggage on trains/security?

Old May 2nd, 2016, 11:13 AM
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Luggage on trains/security?

In the past few trips, we have taken a roll on and a small backpack, so no need to check luggage. This time, we are considering checking 1 bag in addition to the roll on and backpack. We are taking the train from Paris to Amsterdam. How much of a hassle will the extra piece of luggage be?

Also, are the authorities checking bags and things before boarding the trains now? If so, can I still bring wine?
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 11:40 AM
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Ummm, I've never been on a train in Europe where you __can__ check bags.
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 11:51 AM
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What do you mean, check luggage? I've never heard of that on any train, you take it on the train with you.

I don't see any reason another bag will be a hassle, if you can handle it. They allow two large suitcases per person, plus smaller bag (those are the rules, don't think they regulate that, though).

I haven't been through those scanners at Gare du Nord but have not heard any items were prohibited other than what always was (weapons, etc). It's not like airplane security. I've been through them in Spain.

https://www.thalys.com/nl/en/service...ourney#luggage
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 11:53 AM
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In the present circumstances there will be a security check before entering the train. That extra bag you'll have to carry yourself, and that bottle of wine won't be a problem.
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 12:01 PM
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I think the OP meant a security check . . . not checking bags into a hold . . .
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 12:21 PM
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Whatever they meant there is no checked luggage on most trains in Europe - Switzerland being the exception - the bag may not go on the same train but will be at the destination station by a certain time that day. and only a few trains in Spain and Thalys do security checks on entering the train - Eurostar also.

For possible answers and insights into trains check www.seat61.com and for general info www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

topeater - what do you mean by checked luggage?
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 12:31 PM
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They do check the luggage at Gare du Nord, Paris. No idea in Amsterdam.

I brought bottles from Bruxelles, and I did bring a superb Condrieu white wine last month and a slightly less excellent but still very commendable Bordeaux the week before.

Nobody cares what you have with you on trains. Do pay attention to your luggage IN the train, I've ssen on several occasions people claiming being robbed of a luggage and saw one Japanese tourist losing his travel bag - with camera, ID papers and cash...
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 02:22 PM
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The train from Munich to Paris was so full and people with huge suitcases that were sitting upstairs were struggling to carry their luggage. One poor man was expected to take all of his wife's bags and his own blocking the way for everyone else. The baggage racks fill quickly and we we got off the doors were blocked with bags. Our seats were far from the racks and I zip tie them but would never take a bag bigger than a 22 inch. Wine is alright.
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 02:57 PM
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Sorry I wasn't clear with my information request. I meant we are checking a bag at the airport from Austin, Tx to Paris, not the train. As our trip gets closer (next Tuesday), I get more and more scattered with the mundane tasks before leaving. We are flying after Amsterdam to Toulouse, so extra bag will not be a problem.

So glad that France remains a civilized country and allows wine on transportation!
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 10:10 PM
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that last sentence....everywhere you can bring wine on trains, or on buses...
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 10:24 PM
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I say go ahead and take the extra bag. You'll either be glad you did or vow to never take a trip with so much stuff again.


that last sentence....everywhere you can bring wine on trains, or on buses...

Aye.
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Old May 2nd, 2016, 10:41 PM
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There were places to store larger bags at the end of the cars in all of the longer train trips I have taken. Also, a narrow and wider ledge over the seat. Keep your valuables with you.
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 02:57 AM
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Not sure about the northern European policies right now. In southern Europe there is no hassle at all. I travel with my kids often and the suitcases are in the same compartment with us. Just know that you will most likely be lugging them up and down a few stairs. The wine will be no problem as you are allowed to bring picnics on board.

Spain is the only place my bags have run through x-ray at the train station and that is for weapons, not liquids.

Enjoy!
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 03:10 AM
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There were places to store larger bags at the end of the cars in all of the longer train trips I have taken.

Yes and unless you are traveling at a low traffic time or get on in the first stop or two, it's usually going to be full by the time you get to it.
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 03:28 AM
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You can do laundry, try taking only a 22 inch bag. The platforms with only steps are killer on the back. My motto is you pack it, you carry it.
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 04:43 AM
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An "extra" piece of luggage is always a hassle on any European train. We took trains all over the Netherlands and Belgium a few weeks ago, and there was precious little room for even our very small bags (one for each of us - 19" apiece)
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 04:58 AM
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My motto is you pack it, you carry it.

You can travel with me anytime.
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 05:04 AM
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I travel with my mother quite often. SHe is not packing in a 22" suitcase. I did good to get her into a 25".

I generally make sure I am lined up at the right spot on the track for my car and load our luggage quickly. Since we get there early we are normally among the first on the train and I don't have many problems stuffing the bags in the little "containers" at the rear or front of the car. (I put my 20" there when I travel alone. I am short and getting into the overhead is frustrating!)

I do watch when the train stops just to make sure our luggage stays on board until our stop (Of course on the train from Venice to Rome I didn't bother. We got on first. By the time the train left Venice the ONLY way my luggage was getting off the train before Rome was if someone cut open the side of the train. I have never seen more luggage in my entire life! Cruise ship passengers apparently have LOTS of luggage )
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 02:55 PM
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Thanks for all the info. It wouldn't be a large bag, in fact, it will probably only have our athletic shoes in it, if anything. We just want to be able to bring some things back with us. Our trip last year to Italy, we bought a small bag to bring home. We have so much luggage here that buying more really turns me off.

We will definitely be doing laundry as we are gone almost a month! Had a lovely rainy afternoon at a laundromat in Siena last year. Nice way to have some down time and clean clothes at the same time!
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Old May 3rd, 2016, 03:37 PM
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Whathello: " [I] saw one Japanese tourist losing his travel bag - with camera, ID papers and cash..."

Good example of why not to put your valuables in a detachable bag. Or a travel wallet. Everything conveniently collected for a thief in one place.

I'm a great believer in money belts.
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