You have just 15 minutes to catch your train, and not a moment longer!

undefined 20 septembre 2024 undefined 14h25

The Editor

This policy is causing quite a stir, but it’s not really a game changer. SNCF travelers have a maximum of 15 minutes to settle in on the train, or they might lose their seat!

You might find it interesting to know that, according to this title, traveling by train across the country can be quite an adventure! It's true: SNCF asks travelers to find their seats within a  maximum of fifteen minutes after the train leaves. As pointed out by Que Choisir, this regulation is outlined in the general sales conditions of SNCF Voyageurs.

 If you don’t claim your reserved seat within 15 minutes after the train departs from the station listed on your ticket, you may face some consequences, like losing your reservation. for the reserved seat, and more generally, of any available seat ».

A measure that isn't so new

In this case, this measure applies to TGV and Intercity trains. While it may come as a surprise, it’s not actually new: « There is no novelty. The practice has always been the same and does not change: train conductors are used to reassigning passengers .
without a seat in a space that wouldn’t be occupied after the train departs to allow travelers to journey in the best conditions », specifies the railway company, at  Figaro. On his X account, TGV-Intercités director Alain Krakovitch highlights that this change is «a European directive, not SNCF, which is shared among all carriers». This will especially help provide a seat for someone who does not have one, « by someone who, in fact, didn’t take the train», he explains.

Several new rules established by SNCF 

This 2024 school year, SNCF is making quite the waves! Since September 15th, new rules about luggage have been introduced. From now on, each journey, travelers can bring  a maximum of three pieces of luggage, which can include two cabin suitcases and one handbag. If these rules aren't followed, fines may be imposed. Another exciting change to look forward to is that starting January 1, 2025,  holiday vouchers  used to pay for part or all of train tickets will only be accepted in  digital format, not in paper form. On average, these vouchers are used by 5 million people, as revealed by L'Union.