A Little Train question

[Doug]

Hi All,
To those who have used the Italian trains a lot, can you tell me if a first class seat includes more storage space for luggage? My only experience back and forth between Rome and Scalea was a second class seat and the large suitcase was a hassle in everyone's way. I wonder whether a better ticket would mean easier dealings with lots of luggage if you have it?? Thanks

[JanetC]

Hi Doug:

From our experience with the train system, we would take the ICN train (a non-regional train) that has the reserved seat in a box setting (six seats). Even though we only needed less than 6 six seats, we would purchase all six seats to have the car to ourselves and our luggage. I believe the first class ticket is just a reserved seat in a nicer car but with no additional luggage space.

How was the going away party?

Janet

[jessie]

Hi Doug,

We took the train down from Rome(for a change) just to experience all the ins and outs so that we could give our families the information they needed as most of them would be using the train. We bought first class tickets thinking it would probably be a nicer experience with "extras" so to speak. There was no more luggage space than the regular train that we used to take the first few times we went to Scalea. Luckily we both had hand luggage only and one of the other couples too as it was a pretty tight squeeze. I noticed a couple of people with very large cases out on the corridor standing beside theirs as there was no way they could have gotten them up on the luggage rack. Also, the air-con was not working and half way down there were fires off to the side of the track which held the train up for nearly one and a half hours! I don't think I would bother with first class if I had to do it again. The only good thing was that the seats slid forward so that you could lay back and doze if you wanted.

Cheers,
Jessie

[Doug]

Thanks Jessie and Janet,

I won't recommend to visiting friends that they use first class unless traveling a longer distance and needing rest. That's a good idea about buying an extra seat or two Janet.

On our first Italian visit we did Venice to LaMezia, then Siena to Rome and I remember being a little squeezed, but do-able. Guess it depends on what the cabin mates are dragging with them.

We're just going to have to get out there and utilize Trenitalia ourselves a lot more to see the countryside.

[Mrs Teapot]

Clever idea about the extra seating. Even better booking the entire box to yourselves, as I think I explained once before, I had a bit of an experience in one of those box carriages.

If you go into Trip Advisor forums and type in the search box luggage and trains (or something similar) one of the experts has links and photos and explanations to types of trains and the best ones to book for luggage storage.

Mrs T

[Doug]

Thanks Mrs. Teapot,

I've been asked these things by folks who may come visit us from the states. There aren't many trains in the states at all, but the few around have a baggage room on the lower level of a two story carriage (car) leaving even the coach class people unencumbered by luggage. Keeping these posted ideas in mind -- the take home message is travel light!!

Doug