luggage on chunnel train
 

can anyone give us some idea how easy it is to handle luggage on this train. taking it from london to brussels and then on to brugges. we can not manage with just 22" suitcases. will probably be 2- 24-25 inch and a back pack or one 25, 20 and back pack.

also on train from brussels to brugges. where to store it? how easy to get it on train. etc. we are close to 70.

thanks

Oh no - PQ will see this thread title and "I told you so" will just flow . . . :)

It isn't Chunnel - It is Eurostar.

Anyway - you need to take care of your own bags. So if ytou can handle 2- 25 inchers and a back pack then you'll be fine. There is a place at the end of each car where you put your bags as well as overhead racks.

The train is just a couple of steps up - if you are healthy you should manage w/o problems. But if you think the bags will be a problem - do try to pack lighter. Most folks can mange w/ 21 or 22's. But 25 isn't huge so if you can't, you can't.

Someone needs to tell the Eurostar folks not to call it the Chunnel

http://www.raileurope.com/train-faq/...tar/index.html

The luggage is your problem. You may find someone to help - but basically you're on your own. You should be able to left the bag overhead and put it on a rack. If not, perhaps you could look piteously at a strong young man. Getting on a good technique is for one person to get on the train so they can pull the luggage up while the other person pushes. The one on the train then stows the luggage behind them and you repeat. If you will have trouble managing it I would try for seats right near the door so you don;t have to trundle it down an aisle.

There are luggage storage racks at the end of each coach on Eurostar. Each coach has an assistant checking tickets when you get in and if they can't help I am sure somebody else will. The train won't depart with you standing by the steps with your cases. Similarly, it isn't going anywhere fast when you get to Paris or Brussels and you won't be left inside helplessly.

The train to Brugge is a local one but open-plan and modern, every 30 minutes if I remember. Again, I am sure somebody will available to help. The train won't leave with a door open...that's your insurance.

Off topic:
Rich, that's not the Eurostar folks, that is RailEurope calling it the Chunnel.

"Someone needs to tell the Eurostar folks not to call it the Chunnel"

Someone needs to tell smartarse Yanks that the RailEurope site quoted is run by an American company, selling overpriced train tickets to gullible Americans.

Its reliability on the use of our language is the same as the reliability of the fraudulent lies it tells about ticket prices to con the easily fooled into buying its products.

If you can carry it, it will fit. Not automatically in your own carriage, but they will find room.

But do put the luggage tags on. It can cause problems otherwise.

The Bruges train is an ordinary train and has pots of room.

Don't fret.

Rich: As the others say -- raileurope is not Eurostar and has no connection to it. Raileurope is a USA based ticket agency - and if it uses 'Chunnel', it is just being a putz.

Jeez . . some people need to take a chill pill . . .

I think that we are going to lock up anybody we hear saying the non-word "chunnel" when they set foot in Europe.

"Chunnel" is the new "white sneakers" issue on the Fodors Europe board. :-D

>>Jeez . . some people need to take a chill pill<<

No one would have said a thing - but someone (vous) tried to be cute and show us (incorrectly) that Eurostar calls itself that word.

we can not manage with just 22" suitcases. will probably be 2- 24-25 inch and a back pack or one 25, 20 and back pack.

How many people are you carrying luggage for?!

25 inch bags will not fit in the overhead rack or behind your seat. 22 inch bags probably won't either, so no need to feel guilty about using a larger suitcase. The rack will hold your coat, carryon, purse or computer case.

You will need to leave the bags in the rack at the end of the carriage. You won't be able to see them, but don't worry since theft is very rare.

"<i> . . . don't worry since theft is very rare.</i>"

Well, where would thieves be able to go - hard to get out under the Channel :)