Passengers have been warned of an airline-style luggage limit on budget train firm Lumo after a train passenger was only made aware of it after she had bought tickets through The Trainline.
The budget rail company launched in October 2021 and stops at both Newcastle Central Station and Morpeth on journeys between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. Cheaper tickets mean it's become a popular choice for performers and visitors to the Fringe Festival in the Scottish Capital this month - though they could end up being faced with extra charges if they don't check the company's luggage policy, The Mirror reports.
And travellers are now warning others to take note of the baggage allowance which allows passengers to bring only a medium sized suitcase and a bag on board for free. Victoria Leyton, a performer heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, said that she was only alerted to Lumo's policy in a Facebook group with fellow performers in an interview with The Independent.
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She said: "I booked my trains through thetrainline.com and there was no flag on this, so it wasn't something I expected. I know what a scrum it can be on busy trains to Edinburgh, so was prepared to get there early with my massive suitcase. I expected me and my case might be confined to the vestibule next to the toilet, but not that they would leave it on the platform."
Within the Facebook group, one member asked for advice after spotting the allowance, with a fellow performer suggesting they may end up having to pay to courier their extra bags and belongings. A holidaymaker responded saying that they "travel regularly on Lumo and they don’t have luggage racks."
Though there are not luggage racks in every carriage, a statement on the Lumo website says that there are luggage stacks in coaches B, C and D and bulk luggage stores in coaches B and D, while there are overhead luggage racks throughout the train and space for smaller bags under seats. Another claimed that staff "don't seem to be enforcing the bag limit," though they also stated that there's not a huge amount of space for all travellers to bring bigger bags and suggested it was worth trying to get to the front of the queue to find space for large bags.
A statement on the Lumo website detailing the policy reads: "We only allow customers to bring with them a maximum of ONE medium sized suitcase (height 63cm x width 41cm x depth 27cm) and ONE small bag, rucksack or holdall, that is small enough to fit either on your lap or under the seat in front of you (please read our Customer Charter for more information)."
"Any luggage carried that exceeds these limits is carried at our discretion and may be refused or a charge can be imposed for additional items of luggage, or for excessively large or bulky items."
Matthew Lee, Commercial & Customer Experience Director at Lumo, said: "To ensure safety and comfort on board our trains, passengers can bring with them a maximum of two items per person.
"We have been made aware that information on luggage restrictions at the point of booking is not clearly referenced for passengers purchasing tickets via third parties. We are working to improve this as soon as possible."
Lumo does have a courier service called LumoLuggage for those who need to take larger bags. You can find out more here.
What are your thoughts on Lumo's luggage policy? Let us know!
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