Here’s a gritty detail: Eurostar luggage rules are weirdly specific. You can bring two bags and one small item. But a “small item” can be a guitar, a cat carrier, or a baguette. No one really knows.
I once saw a man argue with security for five minutes over a bottle of Bordeaux. He lost. The wine went into a bin labeled “Unattended Liquids.” Tragic.
If you’re running late (<30 minutes), this becomes a comedy show. You’ll be tossing bags onto the scale while a staff member looks at you like you’ve ruined their day.
The “Border Farce” Twist
Here’s the real kicker: Eurostar has two border checks. French passport control in London, then UK passport control in Paris. Yes, it’s chaotic.
If you’re EU, you might breeze through. If you’re a Brit, prepare to stand in a line that moves like a sleepy snail. That’s why arriving 90 minutes early is non-negotiable for British passport holders.
Heard a rumor: some people deliberately book 6 AM trains to avoid the crowds. That’s insane. I’d rather eat a stale croissant than wake up at 4 AM.
