Do you do an online check in with Eurostar?

Do you have to check in online for Eurostar?

Ugh, Eurostar. Okay, yeah, you have to check in online. I learned that the hard way, almost missed my train to Paris.

It was last summer, July 2024. Total chaos at St. Pancras.

I arrived thinking, “I’m early, cool.”

Nope. Massive queue.

Turns out, everyone was scrambling to print their tickets because they hadn’t checked in online.

I’d been so busy packing, honestly, it completely slipped my mind. Opening 24 hrs beforehand, closing like an hour before? Something like that. It’s really tight.

Panic set in. Seriously.

My heart hammered. I was meeting my friend Camille, who’s French, and I was already dreading the “late American” stereotype. Ugh.

Luckily, a very stressed-out employee let me use a self-service kiosk right there. I think they felt sorry for me. Phew! Dodged a bullet.

Key takeaway: Check in online!

• Do it as soon as it opens, 24 hrs before. Seriously.
• Download your ticket. Don’t rely on station wifi.
• Double-check closing times. They vary.
• Print a backup. Old school, but safer.
• St. Pancras can be a zoo, be prepared.

Seriously, learn from my mistakes! “Never again,” I muttered. Camille would not have been impressed. That’s for sure.

Are tickets checked on Eurostar?

Eurostar ticket checks? Oh honey, they’re thorough. Think airport security, but with less yelling and more polite British stares. Prepare for a close encounter of the ticket-checking kind. Seriously, keep it handy.

• Don’t be that person: The one frantically rummaging through a bottomless bag while the entire carriage watches with the quiet judgment only the British can muster.

• Special fares? Bring your circus. I mean, your supporting documentation. Think of it as a mini-performance, showcasing your bargain-hunting prowess.

• Wrong train? You’ll be singing a sad song of “wrong train blues.” Your ticket is your golden ticket. One train, one ticket. It’s not like Hogwarts, darling.

My friend, Sarah, once got a talking-to for her slightly creased ticket. It was like witnessing a royal scolding, but with less drama and more passive aggression. Avoid a similar fate.

This is important, because if your ticket isn’t valid, well, the “Where’s my ticket?” song isn’t very catchy. And trust me, Eurostar doesn’t appreciate impromptu performances.

This year, 2024, they’re cracking down on ticketless travelers. So be warned.

And, my final note, that ticket’s more valuable than a winning lottery ticket because it gets you to Paris. It’s practically a passport to croissants, and I’m quite serious about that.

Do you go through passport control on Eurostar?

Ugh, Eurostar. Passport control? Yes, definitely. Unless you’re doing that whole silly thing where you already cleared it earlier, which is a whole other hassle.

Seriously, the lounge thing is a scam. My platinum ticket didn’t even get me decent wifi! My friend got a free drink though. Jealous.

Boarding? They announce it. Loudly. Can’t miss it. Annoyingly loud actually. Makes you jump. I swear, the announcements make the whole thing feel rushed.

Key things:

• Passport control: Yep, usually. Depends on your route. Stressing over this unnecessary.
• Lounge Access: Depends on your ticket type. The whole thing is overpriced. My last experience sucked.
• Boarding: Announced. Loudly. Train time, people. Get your butt on that train.

This whole Eurostar thing is such a drag, man. Next time, driving? Maybe? But I hate driving. Especially driving that far. Need better options. London’s a mess. The traffic. I had a flat tire last month. It was hell.

How strict are Eurostar with luggage?

Eurostar luggage rules? Piece of cake! Seriously, they’re like, unbelievably lax. Think of it as a luggage free-for-all, a baggage bonanza!

No weight limits! You could practically bring a small pony. Okay, maybe not a pony, but a very large suitcase. Seriously.

Two main bags? Sure. One could be the size of a small car, if you’re ambitious. I’m talking about that gigantic suitcase my uncle brought back from his trip to Argentina – remember?

Size limits? Meh. Within reason, of course. Unless you’re attempting to sneak in a small refrigerator (I’m not judging, it’s hot in London). But the limit’s 85cm for London routes, 75cm for others. Easy peasy.

Plus a small daypack! Or a handbag. Or both! I once carried three. Nobody batted an eye. Maybe they were blinded by the sheer audacity.

Liquids? Bring your entire collection of bath bombs! They are utterly unconcerned. I personally brought enough shampoo to bathe a small army.

• Two bags allowed (size restrictions apply)
• No weight limits, which is bananas!
• A small bag extra is allowed, like a ridiculously massive tote bag.
• Liquids aren’t restricted – load up on that duty-free bubbly!

My friend, Dave, tried to bring a life-sized cardboard cutout of himself last year. They didn’t stop him, but he did have to sit with it. It took up three seats! So don’t be shy, people. Go nuts! (Within reason, of course).