I am wondering if anyone knows the particular dimensions of the overhead rack on the Italian trains? Specifically the ES Eurorail which we will be travelling on between Rome, Florence and Naples.

For instance maybe you have had your bag up there and can estimate the dimensions.

My bag is 24" x 19" wide x 11" deep. We will consider travelling via 1st class car on the train if there is more luggage space.

Don't know size but yes first class has more room simply because thought the luggage racks may be the same size, i don't know, but there will be less luggage there as first class cars hold less people than second class cars. As for the dimensions, these become irrelevant on a packed train if the luggage rack is already full by the time you board. Ordinarily you shouldn't have a problem but you never know.

Luggage racks are the same size but first-class is usually less crowded than second-class. My parents had thicker suitcases and sometimes they didn't fit in the over head...soemtimes they did. Sometime we had extra storage space between the cars..sometimes there was no extra area between the cars (coaches) for luggage. You just never know till you get there!

the number one tip for train travel: pack light. You not only have to raise the bag above your head to get it into the overhead rack but also jostle for space there.

Bulky suitcases on Eurostar Italia trains should be wedged in-between the seat rows, NOT placed in the overhead racks, which may be slightly too small for very thick bags. You're also subject to getting a hernia when lifting heavy luggage. There are also luggage racks at the ends of the railcars, but these are subject to filling quickly when the train is full.

Overhead luggage racks in first class are no different than in second class, but the luggage racks at the ENDS of the railcars usually accommodate more bags.

Your bag should fit on the overhead rack - mine was about the same size and it fit lengthwise on the rack.

However, as others have pointed out, whether space is available and if you're able to actually lift it above your head is another matter.

If it doesn't fit (for whatever reasons) you can often store your bag in the space between the backs of the seats.

There are also large luggage racks near the door.

As the other say - the bag will fit if the rack isn't full. The luggage area at the ends of cars usually has room -- but your suitcase may end up at the bottom of a pile of other bags.

The main thing you need to know is can you lift the bag up and back down from the rack. Fill it and try to heft it up to the top shelf in a closet and then bring it back down. If you can do it easily you should be fine - if not, you will have problems.

Just a reminder that if you're in first class, in the 1st coach, you may not have a luggage area at the end of the car. We encountered that several times.

Thanks folks. I have absolutely no problem lifting my fully packed 24" bag above my head onto a rack. It will only be 40lbs maximum and that is no problemo for me whatsoever. I use free weights for workouts and can do 200lb benchpresses without a hitch.

This size bag should fit in between the seats rows then?

OpusX, don't know about Italian trains, but on German trains Mrs. Fly's 27" suitcase fit between the seatbacks.

I had read in previous posts that suggest not to store luggage in the luggage area by the doors or anywhere out of sight. But now it seems that many people here are suggesting to do that. I realize that if you don't have a choice, you don't have a choice. I am thinking of bringing a 24" too because I can't seem to find any 22". I see lots of 20" and smaller carryons. And that's definitely too small for me. If I can find a 22" I would actually prefer that over a 24".