We are taking the first class reserve seats Eurostar from Venice to Florence after our flight from USA. We will have one carry on and large suit case each. Do we carry all luggage on board with us and store in our seat area, or is large bagge stored elsewhere on the train. How is baggage handled on the Eurostar?

Mary<BR><BR>Each carriage has a baggage rack at the two ends.. you leave large bags and cases there, and can take smaller ones to your seat, there is a SMALL overhead rack for small bags.<BR><BR>You need to ensure that each piece left at the ends of your carriage has your name and seat number on a label.<BR><BR>Even in first class, no one really helps with your luggage, you just stroll along the platform with it till you find your carriage, there are staff at the entrance to each carriage though, so they may be able to assist if needed.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip,<BR><BR>Kavey

Kavey's response is accurate, although I would suggest that the overhead shelf is bigger than on some other trains we have used and accomodated even our larger bags (though none of our bags were huge).

Mary - sounds like you're already booked, but if you can change I would save the money for the upgrade to first class on Eurostar. We did it and felt kind of silly paying the extra when we saw the difference(although it wasn't too much if I recall). Plenty of room in coach and the seats still don't recline in First. The only benefit is slightly better food which was no benefit for us as we find train food scarier than airplane food so opted out of the meal anyways. We are high maintenance travelers and fly business class over (definitely worth it) just thought the train upgrade wasn't worth it. Have a great trip.

I noticed that you mention having "one large suitcase" and a carry on -- I would strongly advise trying to "pack light" with a single small suitcase/backpack/rolling duffel. Even if you are travelling first class on trains, you still have to haul the suitcase through the station, onto the train, up on the rack, etc. Plus, then you may have to wheel from the station (say in Venice) onto a crowded vaporetto. From the vaporetto, you may then need to walk a good ways to your hotel. So -- if you can, avoid the "large" suitcases.

Mary,<BR>I just took the Eurostar from Florence to Venice and also had a first class seat reservation. You do, indeed, need to carry your own luggage on board the train. Each of us only had one small rollerboard and we were able to put that overhead. There is a baggage compartment at one end of each car, but not necessarily both. Depending on when you board, the baggage compartment can already be full. With that said, I'd agree with Beth that you travel light. If you are staying near the train station in Venice, then it's not too much of a problem because you could just walk to the train station. If you're not, then you're probably going to take a vaporetto and it will be a major chore to carry large suitcases on and off those waterbuses. <BR><BR>I disagree with Tom because our seats on the Eurostar did recline. The seats moved at the touch of a button. Unlike airline seats where you would push the button and the seat back, these seats just recline on their own as you push the button. The seats were much more comfortable, too (compared to the other trains I took in Italy).<BR><BR>IMHO, I think the Eurostar trains are much nicer and cleaner than the IC or other Italian trains. On the Eurostar trains, an attendant will provide you with a beverage and a small snack (i.e., cookies). You can also eat at the restaurant or snack bar.<BR><BR>Hope that helps. Have a great trip.

Anyone who can't tell the difference between first and second class on Eurostar would also say "drink the house wine, it's just as good as the fine riserva."

Hi Mary,<BR><BR>I returned last month from using the Eurostar first class. Getting on in Venice in the morning, Venice is the first stop so there was plenty of luggage space. But I cannot emphasize more strongly than to pack lite and only one suitcase, if you can the largest carrryon size is a 22 inch case, I believe. The steps are fairly steep to get onto the train, and it will be much easier. I had a suitcase and a carryon backpack that is on wheels. I wish that I only had a large carryon b/c it was way too cumbersome to have this large suitcase, and we are not talking extra large either. I would suggest packing an empty duffle that you can stuff into the large carryon, so if you do buy alot, you have a light way of carrying it. Have a great time!<BR>

Amry:<BR>I was on the EuroStar in first class and re call that out suitcase was stored at the end of the car. My carryon stored just above the seat. The seats reclined wonderfully and we were seated in the last row. It took us a while before we realized how to recline. Felt a bit dopey until the attendant came by with a large smile and showed me. . Food was good, ride was lovely, we got there safely. I would only travel in forst class if I took the EuroStar again. I saw the other seats when we disembarked and I was glad I had spent the extra $. Enjoy your trip!

1st Class Eurostar overhead luggage racks, if you can pick it up over your head it will fit. I have placed large backpacks and large suitcases (one I had even expanded the width thru that zipper option to 11 inches). Regards, Walter