Remember: New TGV luggage limits now apply in France
Changes affect the number and size of bags allowed per person
The SNCF wants to ensure all passengers have luggage space
Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock
Passengers travelling on France's rail network over the Christmas period must conform to new limits on size and number of bags allowed per traveller, or risk a fine.
The limits introduced by French state rail operator SNCF on September 15 affect high-speed TGV and Intercités services.
Restrictions on bag sizes and limits are already in place on low-cost OuiGo branded trains.
The SNCF believes the changes prevent people from bringing excess baggage onto trains, leaving those who join the route at a later destination (or just before the train departs) unable to safely stow their luggage on board.
Fines of €50 can be levied by ticket inspectors on those who fall foul of the new rules.
Read more: Is there a service to help disabled people use French public transport?
What are the new limits?
Passengers on TGV and Intercités trains are now be limited to three pieces of luggage overall per person – two ‘cabin bags’ (usually suitcases) stored in the luggage racks in the carriage and one piece of hand luggage, such as a laptop bag, rucksack, shopping bag etc.
Larger pieces of luggage must fit a dimension size of 70x90x50 cm with hand luggage having a maximum size of 40x30x15 cm.
Hand luggage must be able to be stored under seats.
All luggage should also have the person’s name written or displayed on it.
Certain items do not count towards this limit – for example, pushchairs/prams (although they must be folded up) and musical equipment (which must be labelled and stored safely).
Passengers can also bring a single pair of skis per person on board.
Bikes, if folded up and placed in a bag (less than 90x130cm in size) count as one piece of hand luggage.
Alternatively, cyclists can buy a ticket to keep their bike in a rack, unfolded, for €10.
SNCF staff receive a percentage of all fines handed out for excess luggage as a bonus.
Read more: New French train luggage rule: do staff get a bonus for each fine given?
Will strikes affect Christmas travel?
Rail workers have been striking since December 12 over proposed changes to the SNCF's freight wing (set to be split into two companies and potentially privatised) as well as the future privatisation of local TER services.
Strike action has been less impactful than expected after two of the four major rail unions called off the strike for its members, after agreements with the SNCF.
Read more: December French rail strike: Less disruption expected than forecast
Impact has mostly been localised to local TER services, with high-speed TGV routes mostly unaffected.
However, a new round of action will take place from Friday (December 20), with travellers recommended to check their schedule the evening before they travel to see if they will be affected.
Updated schedules are usually available by 19:00 in the evening before during periods of strike action, and can be found on the SNCFConnect website or local alternatives.
Read more: Travel: How to be reimbursed if affected by strike action in France
