How do I travel with luggage in Europe?

You will find different options to choose from, that offer more or less flexibility or safety for your belongings. Two main options are available to you : luggage lockers in airports and train station and luggage storage service offered by companies like NannyBag or Stasher.



People Also Ask

Carry-on Luggage Size Matters Generally, most of the European airlines limit carry-on luggage to a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm ( 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in); however, a few airlines do accept bags up to 25 cm wide (9.84 inc) or do not accept more than 35cm tall (13.7 in).

MORE DETAILS

In general, spaces are a lot smaller, the infrastructure isn't very suitcase friendly and if you're backpacking, you'll probably be flying with a lot of low-cost airlines or taking the train or a bus. All this is what makes travel backpacks the ideal packing method for a European vacation.

MORE DETAILS

You take your bags into the train with you and put them on the rack above your seat, or in the space between the seat backs, or on floor-standing racks at the car ends or in the seating area. On local & regional trains you usually just stick bags on the floor. There's usually no separate baggage car on European trains.

MORE DETAILS

Luggage Storage Onboard, you'll be able to store smaller suitcases on luggage racks above your seats or luggage stacks at the end of carriages and in seating areas. Off the train, almost all of Europe's larger stations will have left luggage lockers or even staffed luggage offices.

MORE DETAILS

Lock Your Luggage on Domestic and International Flights Your luggage lock isn't just for traveling between cities in the US. While not every country has similar access to TSA approved locks, most do. There is no need to stress about luggage security when crossing the ocean.

MORE DETAILS

When entering the United States from overseas, you must obtain your luggage and bring them through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to check them back into the airlines to make your next flight. Baggage not obtained after your international flight will not get to your final destination.

MORE DETAILS

Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

MORE DETAILS

Avoid overpacking and feel light and free during your entire trip.
  1. Start with the right packing list.
  2. Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time.
  3. Check your airline's baggage policy.
  4. Choose the right bag.
  5. Check the weather.
  6. Pack versatile clothing.
  7. Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe.
  8. Pack lightweight fabrics.


MORE DETAILS

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air transport in Europe.

MORE DETAILS

What Not to Bring to Europe from the U.S.
  • Tobacco products: Limits can range depending on the port of entry you choose, although EU guidelines state a maximum allowance of:
  • Alcoholic Beverages:
  • Other goods (including perfume, coffee, tea, electronic devices etc.):


MORE DETAILS

To get your baggage: After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your bags. If you are on an international flight connecting to a U.S. destination, make sure you claim your baggage before going through U.S. Customs.

MORE DETAILS

All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.

MORE DETAILS

TSA locks are the standard in the United States and Canada, and they're also recommended in some of the world's busiest airports. This is the case with larger airports in Japan, South Korea, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Israel, Denmark, China, and many other countries.

MORE DETAILS

If you checked a bag, you'll have to collect it from baggage claim from the international flight. You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening.

MORE DETAILS

There are no lengthy check-in procedures or security screening for most train travel. You simply show up a few minutes before the train leaves, buy a ticket if you don't have one (often from a ticket machine with English instructions), and hop on the train.

MORE DETAILS

Size and Weight Limits There are no strict luggage limits on trains in mainland Europe. Eurostar allows each adult two pieces of luggage each, each measuring up to 85cm, so large suitcases are no problem. You'll also be able to take a piece of hand luggage each, as well as pushchairs and prams at no additional charge.

MORE DETAILS