Now trains are cracking down on hand luggage – Brits face new fines in Europe for oversized bags

TRAIN travellers in certain parts of Europe will soon be restricted with how much luggage they can bring on board, in the same way that plane passengers are.

The new rules will be introduced later this month - and will affect travellers using French national rail operator SNCF.

4

4

4

The strict new policy will limit suitcase size as well as the number of bags each passenger is permitted to bring on board, to try and remove battles for space between those on the trains..

Currently, there is an issue with people filling luggage spaces with excess baggage, leaving those who join the route further down the line unable to find a place to stow their luggage.

The new restrictions are set to be introduced from September 15 on all high-speed TGV and Intercites routes. 

They follow similar rules that are already currently in place on France's budget OuiGo train services.

Anyone who flouts the rules will have to pay a fine of €50 (£42), with ticket inspectors patrolling the cabins.

As part of the rules, every item of luggage has to have its owner's name written or displayed on it, so that inspectors can easily identify anyone who has broken the rules.

The new restrictions limit travellers to three pieces of luggage per person.

Included in that is two cabin bags, which can be stored in the luggage racks, as well as one piece of hand luggage, such as a laptop bag, shopping bag or a backpack.

Larger cabin bags are restricted at 70x90x50cm, while hand luggage cannot exceed 40x30x15cm and must fit under the train's seats.

There are some exceptions to the rules, including specialist items.

Pushchairs, prams and musical equipment can all be brought on board, provided they are folded or labelled and stored correctly.

Connexion reports that passengers can also bring a single pair of skis per person on board, should they need to.

Foldable bikes are also permitted, so long as they fit in a bag less than 90x130cm in size.

Cyclists also have the option to stow their bike in a special rack, unfolded, for an extra €10 (£8.40).

Those not put off by the new restrictions can bag cheap deals throughout September.

Both domestic and international route prices are being slashed, making rail trips an affordable way to get around and catch the last of the sun before autumn arrives.

The discounts are being made available by SNCF, who are laying on a whole month of discounts for passengers.

Labelled it the ‘traincroyables’ promotion, a selection of different deals will be on sale until September 30, providing plenty of chances for people to get their hands on the cheap tickets.

A series of different promotions will be running at a time for a few days each, before the next offer takes over in its place.

These deals include things like capped ticket prices on high-speed journeys and even cut-price fares on international destinations, from as little as £24.

Meanwhile, these airlines have revealed plans for new hand luggage regulations.

And these strict liquid rules have been reintroduced across European airports.

4