Storing bags while traveling using Swiss Rail Pass.
 

My husband and I are planning to travel within Switzerland using the Swiss Rail Pass. We are concerned about the storing of our bags while we are on the train. We have heard that bags kept in the vestibule are in danger of being stolen. Do bags need to stored in the overhead? We are seniors, and will find storing bags overhead difficult. Is there any other choice to put them where we can keep an eye on them? Would it help to get a first class rail pass?

Would it help to get a first class rail pass?>

Yes if taking inter-city trains-fewer people in first class more room for luggage as there may be empty seats next to you but in general you will have to if not put them in overhead luggage racks or storage by the doors - in first class you will probably be able to find seats near the doors to keep an eye on them - some folks bring locks and lock them to the luggage storage area frame.

Pack light if on trains for lots of reasons. You can send you bags ahead for about 15 Swiss francs a bag though and retrieve them the same day at the other end.

IME folks will help others put stuff in overhead racks if you struggle.

Theft is not a huge problem TMK in Switzerland from trains.

For lots on Swiss trains check www.sbb.ch - Swiss Rail site -info on sending bags ahead; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Obviously, keep your valuables with you in a backpack & tote; we left our large bags in the common area once boarded; also did so in Spain. We didnt have many local stops as I recall. Do other people really want your clothing? I prefer to think not and that most tourists are honest. In Switzerland, took train from Zurich to Lucerne; then Lucerne to Interlaken; then Interlaken to Zermatt; then Zermatt to Montreux; then Montreux to Geneva Airport. No problems.

I've taken trains throughout Europe and try to get a seat within eye view of the end of the car. But it is literally impossible to put all bags on an overhead rack, I never put my main suitcase up there. I've taken many trains where that overhead rack was not even large enough for a 22 inch suitcase, only smaller carryon or daypack size items. So don't think you are the only one who doesn't put your suitcase up there, plenty of plenty use the end of the car for larger items.

I suppose there is some danger and I've heard about it, but I really don't think it's that common, and I especially would not worry in Switzerland, actually. Of course I do not put my valuables in that bag I have in the baggage area, I have them with me in a smaller tote or my purse (passport, credit cards, money).

Some trains do have baggage storage areas between some of the seats, actually, although you can't predict that, and I"m not sure they do in Switzerland. Some French trains do. And if the car isn't crowded, you can keep the bag in an area next to you in an empty seat if it fits. A large one wouldn't of course. If you are in a compartment car, that's more possible, to just have it on the floor in front of you, if the car isn't full, of course.

First class seats probably help as they are more expensive so may not be as fully booked. You never know, depends on the train, though. I always book them for a little extra comfort on long distance runs, I don't on short ones. They never cost that much more that it is a concern to me.

On the Swiss trains (and some others like French or Italian, etc) I usually put my suitecase in one of the gaps between seats. Those gaps are large enough to put small to middle sized bags. That's what Christina means I suppose. You can also use the space under the seats.

A common crime on the Swiss trains (possibly anywhere else as well) is, you take a seat by the exit, then someone grabs your (hand sized) bag that you have put on the seat next to you and quickly get off and run away just before the train departs.

Maybe just put all your heavy stuff in one bag and paythe railways to have it sent to your destination station? can also send directly to airport from any main station.

Normal sized suitcases can be placed under the seats.
https://stories.sbb.ch/category/unterwegs-zuhause/