SNCF adds 500,000 summer seats and outlines baggage limits for train passengers

The French national rail operator SNCF will increase its summer capacity by 500,000 seats, responding to roughly 12 million bookings for July and August. The additional places target high‑demand mountain routes, especially in the Alps and the Pyrenees, as well as certain southwestern and coastal connections. The boost will be achieved by lengthening train formations, adding extra services and reallocating rolling stock, while also managing staffing and maintenance constraints.

SNCF also reminded travelers of its baggage rules across its services. Passengers on TGV Inoui, Intercités, OUIGO and TER trains may carry up to two main pieces of luggage (max 70 × 90 × 50 cm each) and a hand bag (max 40 × 30 × 15 cm). Special items such as strollers, scooters, wheelchairs or musical instruments may be larger (up to 90 × 130 × 50 cm). All bags must be labelled and the passenger must be able to handle them unaided. Violations can incur fines of €50 per bag, rising to €150 if the bag obstructs aisles. Specific reservations are required for bicycles on Intercités, and OUIGO imposes slightly different size limits for cabin baggage.