I have noticed a new type of remark in the interrail planner (both app and web) for trains crossing the border to France, saying “Allow extra time for bording”. And if I click it, it says “Allow 20 minutes for border and bag checks”. For security measures, boarding is possible until 5 minutes before departure, so arrive at the station early.”
What has changed?
I know that France has introduced passport-check during the Olympics, but this message comes for all scheduled trips (until December) in and out of France (in both directions).
I am fine with a passport-check, but what do they mean by “bag check”? Is it X-ray machines like at the airport? I am bringing a backpack with camping equipment (for hiking in the Pyrenees), that may or may not look suspicious in an X-ray machine.
I can’t find anything about any extra border check anywhere else than the interrail planner. If I look at SNCFs planner, is says that I can board the train up to 2 minutes before departure - just like normal.
Maybe this is just the interrail “planner” that are behaving a little strange? I am not using it as my primary planner, but I have to use it to enter trips in the Rail Planner app.
Palle Dam