A small change has recently sparked discussions among many train travelers – and not just frequent travelers. The long-distance train provider Flixtrain now charges an additional fee for large suitcases. Particularly noteworthy: this change was implemented quietly but directly affects travelers' luggage – and depending on the ticket price, it can even exceed the price of the actual ticket.

An extra suitcase can be expensive.

Traveling with Flixtrain will have new conditions starting in summer 2025: If you want to take an additional suitcase along with your regular luggage, you will now pay an extra charge of 5.49 euros – due for another piece with a maximum size of 50 × 30 × 80 centimeters and a maximum weight of 20 kilograms. This can lead to unusual situations, especially on bargain routes: While a short-distance ticket often costs only a few euros, the extra suitcase can be surprisingly expensive compared to the actual ticket price. This fee affects not only spontaneous day-trippers but also commuters and anyone traveling to family and friends on weekends.

Baggage regulations on trains – a European trend

While in Germany the Deutsche Bahn has previously scored points with flexible luggage regulations, Flixtrain is now drawing a clear line – apparently inspired by low-cost airlines. Anyone caught with an extra, unregistered piece of luggage on the train risks a fine of at least 60 euros. This is in line with a stricter luggage control policy across Europe: Airlines have long had separate fees for checked luggage and even for larger carry-on items, and additional costs for luggage are also not uncommon on long-distance buses. Flixtrain, as a self-proclaimed low-cost competitor to trains and buses, is now following this international trend and adapting its own structures to those of its models.

Current industry figures show a significant shift in the cost structure of long-distance travel: Airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet are already generating a large part of their profits from additional fees – according to data from 2024, in some airlines, ancillary services such as baggage, seat reservations, and in-flight catering accounted for up to one third of total revenue. Rail companies are also under cost pressure, as rising energy prices and high investments in vehicles and personnel are having a noticeable impact.

"The comfort is left behind."

Flixtrain stands for affordable train travel and has long considered itself a serious alternative to Deutsche Bahn. However, the low pricing model comes with less service: many of their carriages are taken from older models, and often a air conditioning or modern onboard entertainment is lacking. Now, there is also a streamlining regarding luggage; as a consequence of the tense economic situation and the pressure to continue offering low ticket prices.

"Many passengers plan their luggage at the limit, when there are no reserves left. The new fee could cause dissatisfaction – especially when the price for the suitcase exceeds the ticket price," says mobility expert <strong>Martina Grube</strong>, pointing out that families and students with a limited budget are particularly affected.

There is already a heated discussion in travel forums and social networks about how onboard control can be reliably achieved - after all, suitcases are often piled on empty seats, and the train staff must first ensure that payment has been made for each piece of luggage. It remains questionable how efficiently and customer-friendly this regulation can be implemented in the long term.

Does the train allow free luggage?

So far, Deutsche Bahn remains committed to its current course: bringing an additional suitcase is still possible without a special fee. Many regular customers see this as a valuable service and perceive it as a clear difference from Flixtrain. Currently, there are no indications from industry sources of an imminent tightening of policies. However, a look at recent developments shows how quickly conditions can change – in the airline industry, long-distance bus providers, or now increasingly in the long-distance train sector.

Travel experts expect that with rising cost increases for maintenance and operations, more providers will increasingly rely on additional fees. Moreover, competitive pressure is increasing: According to current figures, Flixtrain has further increased its passenger share in 2023 – a clear sign of how attractive inexpensive train travel has become for many.

New rules, new travel habits?

For many customers, the innovation primarily means one thing: planning. Those traveling with Flixtrain in the future should carefully consider how much luggage is truly needed—especially on inexpensive short trips, an extra suitcase can lead to an expensive surprise. The enforcement will become a challenge for the crew, especially on full trains. Perhaps traveling with light luggage will become the new trend in train travel, at least on the Flixtrain routes. Those who wish to continue enjoying the comfort of trains and the baggage allowances will, at least for now, stick with the traditional providers.

Further information on baggage regulations and passenger rights can be found on the official pages of Deutsche Bahn, the Federal Association of Consumer Centers, and current long-distance travel providers.