Travelling in london tube with luggage. Escalators/elevators at Heathrow,Earls Court and St Pancras station?

Question

Hi

I am travelling to london next week. I might have some luggage. Wanted to check regarding the escalators and elevators at Heathrow,Earls Court and St Pancras station so that i can decide on weather to get

1. One Big Back pack + one small suitcase with wheels

OR

2. One Big Suitcase with wheels.

What is better given the stations,commute in the tube etc.?

Answer 1

I agree with Phoenix ... big backpacks on the tube are a nightmare, every time the person moves even slightly they bang you with their backpack ... and if they try to sit down with their backpack still on they're hanging half way over the gangway ... and if they take it off they bash into everyone around them as they do it, and bash them again when they try to put it back on ... kit bags with wheels are a bit better but they don't stand up very well in the area designated for luggage ... wheeled suitcases are much easier to manage, they stand up straight and are reasonably compact, just make sure you can lift it fairly easily as you might well have to carry it up some steps along the way

so I'd say a not too big suitcase with wheels, and a small backpack (a day-backpack size) if you need

Answer 2

I'd recommend the single big wheeled case.

But you also wanted detail on the stations and trains, so...

First, the stations. Heathrow and Earl's Court are ok: both have lifts (elevators) between the train platforms and the ticket halls.

King's Cross St Pancras has a series of escalators to the ticket halls. The Piccadilly line is one of the deep tube lines, so you have quite an ascent to the ticket hall.

So whatever luggage you bring, you'll need to be able to manage it on the escalators.

In practice, that means steadying it on the step in front of you, so you can stay on the right-hand side of the escalator (this is universal on London tube escalators and leaves the left-hand side free for people in a hurry, so they can walk/run up or down.

To be really practical, make sure you could carry the case up a flight of stairs -- it doesn't happen often, but escalators are occasionally out of use.

As far as the trains are concerned, you'll be on the Piccadilly line, and all Piccadilly line trains have designated areas for luggage beside the main double doors of each carriage. It's going to be easier to park a case there (then stand and guard it like a hawk!) than to cope with a big backpack. If the tube is crowded, a big backpack gets in the way of your fellow passengers (it's not nice to have to strap-hang for 20 minutes while everyone around you is busy hating you!).

Also, backpacks are less secure -- friends in Rome lost a stack of stuff out of theirs and the same could easily happen here.

Hope that helps you out.

Love from a long-time tube-commuting Londoner

=D

Answer 3

Less is better...If one big bag works for you, bring it. Even if it has wheels make sure you CAN carry it up and down stairs, alone.