Train operators have limits on the amount of luggage you are allowed to take on board.
It may not be well known or always enforced, but on most trains passengers are only permitted to bring up to three items of luggage without paying an extra cost.
National Rail says passengers using Britain's train network can bring up to three items on board. Any more and your luggage may be refused or you may have to pay a charge - although some set stricter limits.
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Passengers can be hit with additional charges if they bring more than three items of luggage; if their luggage takes a passenger's seat; and if their luggage is larger than one metre in any dimension.
There is some flexibility to bring larger items if you can carry them, but you are advised to get in touch with the train company you are travelling with to make arrangements to store them.
National Rail adds: "You may bring a large item (more than one metre in any dimension), but only if you are able to carry it without assistance. There may be an additional fee for such luggage."
Luggage limits on trains - how many bags and suitcases you can bring on board
In general, train passengers can bring up to three items of luggage on board, National Rail says, although
National Rail's conditions of carriage state: "You may take a single item of hand luggage that must be capable of being held in your lap if required, plus up to 2 items of luggage each not exceeding 30 x 70 x 90 cm in size.
"Unless you are disabled or have reduced mobility and have made arrangements in advance for assistance, you should be able to manage your luggage without additional help.
"Luggage is carried subject to sufficient space being available in the train service you wish to use. Luggage should not occupy seats intended for passengers; if it does so, it may be charged."
Sometimes you can bring larger or extra items on trains, but it is advisable to contact the train company you are travelling with, before you depart, to make arrangements.
National Rail adds: "Additional items of luggage and larger items may be carried at an additional charge but you should check in advance with the Train Company. Each Train Company provides information about their specific luggage conditions on request, and this can be found either from their website or from the Ticket Seller before you buy your ticket."
Within National Rail's guidance, train companies have their own rules and regulations for bringing bags and luggage on board.
One operator, Lumo, has stricter limits and another, CrossCountry, advises passengers to only bring one larger item like a suitcase, in addition to smaller bags they can keep at their seats.
LNER
Each passenger is allowed to bring three items of luggage onto LNER trains
"A maximum of one large suitcase, a carry-on bag and small handbag can be brought onboard," LNER states.
Small bags must be able to fit under your seat, cabin-style bags can go in overheard racks and large suitcases must be no bigger than 80x57x30cm in size and fit in luggage racks. "If your cases are bigger, you won't be able to bring it onboard," LNER adds.
Lumo
LNER's rival on the Edinburgh - Newcastle - London route has stricter luggage limits. Passengers can take two items of luggage on board, comprising of either a small bag or holdall that can fit in overhead racks/under seats plus one suitcase measuring no more than 63 x 41 x 27cm.
Lumo says: "Here at Lumo, we understand our customers wish to keep their luggage close by, and that what they are travelling with is important, but depending on the size, this may not always be possible. We encourage all our customers to travel light for their ease, safety and comfort as space is limited onboard."
Lumo offers a courier service that can be used to transport excess or large baggage.
CrossCountry
Passengers travelling with CrossCountry can bring a small handbag, rucksack or satchel that can be stored under their seat, a soft bag or case that be kept in overhead racks, as well as one larger item of luggage measuring a maximum of 90x 70x30cm.
"Any luggage in excess of this may be subject to an additional charge on-board our services," CrossCountry adds.
TransPennine Express
Many use TransPennine Express trains to travel to Manchester Airport, so keep its luggage advice in mind and try to keep to within National Rail's three-bag rule.
TPE says: "Luggage racks are available on all trains and are ideal for storing larger bags
"Overhead racks above your seat are perfect for cabin bags and smaller items
"Don’t block aisles or doorways with your bags and please don’t place them on the seat next to you or in the designated wheelchair areas
"Keep your luggage in sight at all times and remember to take it with you when you leave the train (although we do have a lost property service for when mistakes happen)
"Never leave luggage or personal items unattended at stations. Unattended items will be removed without warning and may be damaged or destroyed."
Northern
As as following National Rail's three-bag rule, Northern reminds passengers to be mindful of where they put their bags.
"We ask that people are mindful of how much luggage they bring on board and to use dedicated luggage spaces, overhead racks, or under seats. Do not block the trains doors, walkways or use seats for luggage."
Grand Central
Passengers can take up to three items of personal luggage (including suitcases and rucksacks) plus a smaller piece of hand luggage, like a briefcase.
"Excess luggage and certain more bulky items may be carried, subject to available space," Grand Central says.
"If you do have more luggage than usual please arrive at the station promptly and make a member of our team aware."
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