Paris · Equipment
Useful train and plane gear without overpacking
The few accessories that genuinely improve a journey, their limitations and the rules to check before departure.
Guide checked on 13 September 2026. Prices, opening times and availability can change; confirm them on the official website before booking.
A journey rarely improves because of ten accessories. Four items cover most trips: comfortable earphones, water, a light layer and phone power. Add something only when it answers a known constraint such as cold, sleep, work or a missing meal.
The useful core
| Need | Light solution | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Earplugs or isolating earphones | Active noise cancellation needs power |
| Cold | Large scarf or packable layer | It does not replace clothing for the destination |
| Phone | Short cable and compact power bank | Power banks must stay in cabin baggage on flights |
| Water | Empty bottle filled after security | Some operators restrict open containers |
| Sleep | Soft eye mask | A bulky pillow rarely earns its space on short trips |
| Waiting | E-book or compact game | Download content before departure |
On the train
Keep tickets, charger, water and medication in a small accessible bag rather than opening the main case. Label luggage and remain able to carry it yourself in one movement. For TGV INOUI and Intercités, SNCF Connect stated on 13 September 2026 that travellers may take two 70 × 90 × 50 cm bags and one 40 × 30 × 15 cm hand item. OUIGO and other operators can have different rules.
Do not depend on an onboard socket. It may be absent or unavailable, so start with charged devices. A short cable avoids crossing the aisle. Take valuables when leaving the seat.
On the plane
Cabin liquids departing from an EU airport generally remain limited to containers of no more than 100 ml, held in one transparent, resealable one-litre bag, except for stated exemptions. Take an empty bottle through security and fill it afterwards where facilities permit.
Power banks and spare batteries belong in hand luggage, never checked baggage, with terminals protected. EASA guidance checked on 13 September 2026 also says not to recharge a power bank or use it to power another device onboard. An airline may impose tighter capacity and quantity limits.
Food without carrying a kitchen
For a journey of several hours, choose food that does not leak, create excessive crumbs or require refrigeration. A small portion of dried fruit, simple sandwich or bar is usually enough. Check customs rules before retaining fresh food after an international arrival.
For children, divide portions and keep wipes, a change and one activity in the seat bag. Medical needs and baby food may qualify for air-security exemptions, but be ready to present them at screening.
Buy comfort only after identifying a problem
A neck pillow is worthwhile if you genuinely sleep upright; otherwise it consumes substantial space. A suspended footrest may be refused or obstruct evacuation. A cable organiser is unnecessary for two cables. Test a pouch you already own first.
For waiting time, download the map, address, ticket, book and one episode. A charged battery and offline information provide more resilience than a bag filled with gadgets.
Pre-departure check
- Confirm the dimensions and baggage allowance for the exact ticket.
- Charge devices and download essential documents.
- Keep batteries, medication and valuables in hand luggage.
- Remove accessories without a specific use on this journey.
- Leave one hand free for doors, stairs and city transport.
Complete the kit with our three-day city-break packing list. If arriving in Paris by train, compare the hotels around Gare du Nord.
Sources and verification
Rules checked on 13 September 2026 with SNCF Connect, the EU guidance on liquids and EASA battery guidance. The operator and ticket rules always take priority.