Beginning in mid-September, travellers who bring more baggage than allowed will be fined €50.
France has implemented new baggage regulations for trains, and noncompliance will result in fines for passengers.
Beginning in mid-September, there will be mandatory baggage size and quantity restrictions on France’s high-speed services.
Trenitalia, an Italian airline, also suggested tougher luggage laws earlier this year, limiting travellers to two pieces per person.
However, consumer rights organisations opposed the proposal, which led to its withdrawal.
New restrictions on the quantity and dimensions of luggage on high-speed TGV InOui and Intercité trains were announced in February by the French national operator, SNCF.
Travellers can now only bring two large pieces of luggage, each no more than 70 cm by 90 cm by 50 cm, and one smaller item, such as a laptop case or backpack, no more than 40 cm by 30 cm by 15 cm.
Additionally, passengers are permitted to bring a pocketbook or handbag. Sports gear, musical instruments, strollers, and buggies are exempt from the baggage restriction.
On February 15th, the new restrictions went into effect, but there were no penalties for breaking them. Passengers who go over the allowance will henceforth be fined €50 as of September 15th.
What are the current baggage restrictions on French railways?
There are already baggage restrictions for users of the low-cost OuiGo TGV trains.
Travellers with a regular ticket are allowed to bring one piece of luggage up to 36 cm by 27 cm by 15 cm and one piece up to 55 cm by 35 cm by 25 cm.
If a passenger wants to bring more stuff, there is an additional fee.
Although there isn’t a cap on the amount of luggage that can be brought on board local TER trains, riders are nonetheless responsible for making sure their belongings are stored securely and don’t endanger other passengers.
On the Eurostar between London and Paris, users of Standard and Standard Premier tickets are allowed to check in two bags and one handbag.
Passengers must be able to lift and carry their bags without assistance; there are no weight restrictions.