We're traveling on the Eurostar in first class. Could you tell us if we will have problems storing two 26in. suitcases in the overhead rack? Is it true that the larger luggage storage at the end of the car is no longer available? Your recent experience would be very helpful. Thanks!

I haven't traveled on the Eurostar since late last year but at that time they required you to put all of your luggage through a scanner. I can see absolutely no reason why closing off the luggage racks at the end of coaches "heightens" security in any way whatsoever. If someone wanted to plant a suitcase with an explosive device they could just as easily leave it on one of the overhead racks as in the racks at the end of the car.

You may have some difficulty with that size suitcase in the overhead racks...hopefully, others with better memories of those racks will comment.

Luggage storage at the end of the car was available when we took the train in April.

26" Luggage and train travel don't mix well.If you insist then bring a back brace.

I definitely agree w/ mgmargate. Two 26 inchers is really a LOT of luggage (even one 26 in. bag is a LOT of luggage)

But if you are determined to take bags that large - before your trip fill them, drag or carry them a 100 yards or so (to emulate carrying them from the taxi rank through security and down the platform), lift them over your head up to the top shelf in your closet, bring them back down, and walk another 100 or so yards.

IF all of that works w/o giving you a hernia then go ahead and take the big bags. . . . . .

There are luggage racks in each car. Don't worry about it. They won't fit overhead I don't think, but they'll fit easily in the space in each car.

We traveled on June 1 and had no problems at all. Give yourself the 35 minutes or so before departure in London. Security there takes a while to get through.

And I traveled both first class and standard, and must say the standard seats are actually more comfortable than first class I thought. :/

As of last week-end, the luggage areas at the back of the first class cars were still open.
We take the opposite view from sppunk, found the first class seats definitely more comfortable and the first class experience decidely more relaxing than standard (second) class. By the way, if you are traveling on the cheapest leisure fare in first class, you can't use the first class lounge at Waterloo...it's reserved for higher priced (i.e., business) tickets and frequent travelers. But if your tickets do allow you to use the lounge, it's not a bad idea to get there a little early and relax...it's a nice calm place to hang out with a drink before boarding.

There are luggage racks at the end of the car,that dosen't mean they won't be full by the time you get on board.

I really appreciate hearing your experience and thoughts on this. For this trip our large luggage is unavoidable, but in the future we will travel lighter on the train. Thanks all!