How to not fall foul of SNCF’s luggage rules
![](https://jonworth.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-17-at-15.22.51.png)
SNCF – for all TGV and TER trains – introduced new luggage rules in February 2024, with a transition period up until mid September 2024 for their introduction, although it seems that even at the time of writing (August 2024) some SNCF staff are getting a bit over zealous in their application of these rules. Background about the rule changes here.
Whether these rules make sense, and whether policing them this way is proportionate, will be a topic for some other post sometime. For now this is simply a guide to make sure you do not fall foul of the rules, and protect your own data and safety as well as you can.
First the luggage size and pieces rules: you are allowed to take 3 bags with you onto a SNCF train. 2 large bags (each max 70 x 90 x 50 cm) and 1 small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm), and each of these bags must be labelled (more about labels below). There is no weight limit, but you must be able to move all of these bags yourself at the same time.
Advice: having travelled a lot on French railways, do not try to argue with staff about these rules. “Yes, but I have 4 very small bags!” Sure, you might have logic on your side, but the rules are not on your side. And if it is logic or the rule, SNCF will always go for the rule. So make sure you have a way – even if it’s a bin liner or something – to make sure you carry maximum 3 bags. Break the rule and you can be fined €50. Were such a bag check to happen before you board, it is not inconceivable that you would be denied boarding.
Then what about luggage labels? “étiquetage” of your bags – labelling your bags – is obligatory. Not only is this in SNCF’s terms of carriage (PDF here), but it is also the law, so it applies to non-SNCF trains on French territory as well (although they might have different rules for the quantity of luggage).
Luggage needs to be visibly labelled with your firstname and surname, and nothing else. Visibly labelled is not defined, so the assumption is that this could be one of SNCF’s own labels, a generic label, or even a name written onto a piece of luggage, but it has to be legible from the outside.
SNCF’s own luggage labels (shown above) have a field for your phone number, but it is not obligatory to fill in this field. If a SNCF employee tells you otherwise, point them to page 35 of the terms of carriage. Not putting a phone number is a good idea for the sake of your own privacy.
There is the phrase in the terms, translated like this: “These provisions do not apply to effects or small objects that the traveler keeps at his immediate disposal.” – so would, for example, a small hand bag under your seat have to have a label? The answer is – to be on the safe side – yes it should, because every item you are allowed to bring on board has to have a label (see above). This part of the rules is a grey area, so again, to be on the safe side and not have to try to reason with SNCF staff, any item of luggage – however small – ought to have your name on it.
SNCF – aware of the privacy concerns with names and telephone numbers on luggage – has tested a QR code based system (more about it on X here, and the web here), but at the moment this does not work on all of SNCF’s routes, so stick to a standard label. Also this system would likely not work on a Renfe, Trenitalia, Eurostar or Transdev train in France.
So, to recap:
– 3 pieces of luggage max., 2 large and 1 small
– your first name and surname visible on the outside of the luggage
If you don’t respect that you might end up in a tedious argument with SNCF staff or, worst of all, could be fined up to €50
The post How to not fall foul of SNCF’s luggage rules appeared first on Jon Worth.
Source: https://jonworth.eu/how-to-not-fall-foul-of-sncfs-luggage-rules/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Nootropic
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
![Report abuse](/img/report_abuse.png)