Now trains are cracking down on hand luggage – Brits face new fines for oversized bags
BRITS heading to Europe are to face new restrictions on hand luggage – as well as fines if they break the rules.
The new rules are being introduced by French national rail operator SNCF.
The strict new policy will limit the size of your suitcase as well as the number of bags you’re allowed to take onboard.
From September 15, passengers can only take three pieces of luggage each, which consists of two cabin bags and a smaller hand luggage bag, such as a small backpack.
Cabin bags much be no more than 50cm x 70cm x 90cm, while hand luggage cannot be more than 15cm x 30m x 40cm as it has to fit under the train seats.
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.
Anyone who flouts the rules will have to pay a fine of €50 (£42).
The new rules are to help passengers who join the service further down the line, who have faced problems when it comes to finding space for their luggage.
The new restrictions will affect all all high-speed TGV and Intercites routes.
They follow similar rules that are already currently in place on France‘s budget OuiGo train services.
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.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Jet2
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg
Meanwhile, these airlines have revealed plans for new hand luggage regulations.
And these strict liquid rules have been reintroduced across European airports.