Train Luggage Safety
Oct 13th, 2006, 06:26 AM
#21
Thank you. Truly the only place I have ever heard of (seen talk of) using cables to chain up your suitcases is on internet travel forums. Never once on a train.
If you DO decide to do this be sure you know your upcoming stop and allow plenty of time to get those suitcases unhooked so you don't miss getting off the train! Those stops are quick sometimes.
If you DO decide to do this be sure you know your upcoming stop and allow plenty of time to get those suitcases unhooked so you don't miss getting off the train! Those stops are quick sometimes.
Oct 13th, 2006, 07:04 AM
#22
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flanneruk- A lightweight cable( not a chain which seems to be the vision of many posters) is not a preoccupation but just good precaution. When my wife has been in europe for any period of time I can assure you her suitcase has a lot more than dirty clothes. For her, making purchases are the most important part of traveling, getting them home is her top priority. So if I make her happy with a little cable lock on luggage out of site at the other end of the train and behind a door, I feel it is worth it.
Also,, we are not the travelers that many here are, only 6 trips to europe but I have noticed, especially in Italy, the law enforcemnet does not seem to get real excited about property loss. IE report a pick pocket event and watch how excited the police get?
suze-- Yes, I get up 5 minutes before our stop and undo the lock, again not a problem.
Also,, we are not the travelers that many here are, only 6 trips to europe but I have noticed, especially in Italy, the law enforcemnet does not seem to get real excited about property loss. IE report a pick pocket event and watch how excited the police get?
suze-- Yes, I get up 5 minutes before our stop and undo the lock, again not a problem.
Oct 13th, 2006, 07:12 AM
#23
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I can usually find a way to slide my larger suitcase between the seats. My carry-on for air travel fits into the overhead luggage rack.
I don't recall seeing luggage locks.
If you really fear someone will run off with your suitcase if you leave it at the end of the coach, go stand by it when the train approaches a station.
Assuming we are discussing travel in central and western Europe, the arrival time at each station can be obtained in advance from the applicable national rail websites.
For example, if you were traveling from Paris to Lausanne, leaving Gare de Lyon at 7:44, the first stop is Dijon Ville at 9:23. About 9:15 go guard your suitcase.
Yes, indeed, you need to be ready to move if you are getting off at an intermediate station. Often the train stops for 2 minutes. Three minutes is a long stop.
Sometimes stops at border stations are a little longer when non Schengen nations are involved.
I don't recall seeing luggage locks.
If you really fear someone will run off with your suitcase if you leave it at the end of the coach, go stand by it when the train approaches a station.
Assuming we are discussing travel in central and western Europe, the arrival time at each station can be obtained in advance from the applicable national rail websites.
For example, if you were traveling from Paris to Lausanne, leaving Gare de Lyon at 7:44, the first stop is Dijon Ville at 9:23. About 9:15 go guard your suitcase.
Yes, indeed, you need to be ready to move if you are getting off at an intermediate station. Often the train stops for 2 minutes. Three minutes is a long stop.
Sometimes stops at border stations are a little longer when non Schengen nations are involved.
Oct 13th, 2006, 07:15 AM
#24
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The problem is more perhaps getting to the train and in crowded train stations. The following was thoughtfully posted by someone who was victimized and this type of thing seems to often happen in Italy but not much in most countries. In addition fake porters can offer to help with bags and abscound with them.
Author: ijan01
Date: 10/13/2006, 10:58 am
This is the scam that got me last week in Florence. I'm sharing the info so hopefully you will not share my experience. If something is "splashed" on your luggage and someone helpfully points that out to you, keep moving. I was on my way to the train station. The "distinguished businessman" who noticed my dripping luggage in the piazza at Santa Maria Novella offered tissue to clean the mess. While he provided distraction and I cleaned up what looked like globs of baby food, his accomplice (whom I never even saw) disappeared with my shoulder bag. There are plenty of places to get advice on securing and watching your valuables, so use the advice. The authorities said this particular scam is on the rise so I wanted to warn others. This happened mid morning and the square was quiet. Italy is wonderful, but be careful.
Author: ijan01
Date: 10/13/2006, 10:58 am
This is the scam that got me last week in Florence. I'm sharing the info so hopefully you will not share my experience. If something is "splashed" on your luggage and someone helpfully points that out to you, keep moving. I was on my way to the train station. The "distinguished businessman" who noticed my dripping luggage in the piazza at Santa Maria Novella offered tissue to clean the mess. While he provided distraction and I cleaned up what looked like globs of baby food, his accomplice (whom I never even saw) disappeared with my shoulder bag. There are plenty of places to get advice on securing and watching your valuables, so use the advice. The authorities said this particular scam is on the rise so I wanted to warn others. This happened mid morning and the square was quiet. Italy is wonderful, but be careful.
Oct 13th, 2006, 03:21 PM
#26
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I can only speak for Spain: Talgos and AVE have luggage racks at the end of each carriage. I have never had any security problem putting my luggage on one of those racks, without any locks or the like. The only time we kept our luggage with us was on a Hotel Train with sleeping compartments and there were no lugagge racks. There was plenty of storage space in our compartment for our luggage.
In Spain, you can check (facturar) your luggage (even on AVE) but it usually won't be available at your destination until several hours after your arrival. That really defeats your purpose.
In Spain, you can check (facturar) your luggage (even on AVE) but it usually won't be available at your destination until several hours after your arrival. That really defeats your purpose.
