Travel with SNCF
We prefer public transport, especially the train, for our long-distance travel. Vaika has therefore had to take the train regularly since she was a puppy, especially the TGV.
01
What the regulations say
"Your pet travels in a container
It travels in a closed bag or basket (45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm maximum), placed on your knees or at your feet, and its transport costs €7.
Your dog travels on a leash
He must be muzzled throughout the journey and his transport also costs €7. He travels at your feet.
Guide dogs or assistance dogs travel free of charge at your feet and without a ticket on all trains. If your pet usually travels without a muzzle, do not change its habits once on board.
02
Traveling with a large dog
It is often difficult to find enough space when you have a large dog. In fact, it is forbidden for it to obstruct the aisle. It must normally stand at our feet. However, there is a lack of space, and it is almost impossible to fit a large dog between the seat and the tray table, especially in 2nd class.
It is sometimes possible to ask for a disabled space when the ticket inspector is nice. Unfortunately, the interwagon often remains the only place to "settle" even if you have paid for a regular space.
I'm probably going to make some people react, but when I travel alone with Vaika, I sometimes pay her a full "human" fare seat in order to have space and peace. I am well aware that this is not accessible to all budgets. In addition, it remains "at the discretion" of the controller to let my dog sit next to me, even if I do everything to avoid any discomfort or hair on the seat.
My idea, to ensure the tranquility and comfort of all, would be for the SNCF to offer a "dog-dedicated" carriage, similar to the bicycle compartments or the family/tranquility compartments that existed at one time. This would allow the animal to have a proper place without disturbing any passengers with a phobia of dogs.
03
Interaction with passengers
The following is relative to our own experience and is not intended to represent the norm.
The passengers are, for the most part, delighted to see Vaika on board the train. I would say that 99% of the population have a positive, even friendly, attitude. Conversations are easy to strike up. We are asked a lot of questions about her breed and Vaika receives many compliments on her attitude and cuddles.
The only bad interactions I have deplored are unfortunately with the SNCF cabin crew. Some are friendly and helpful while others consider dogs as "cumbersome baggage". Even if you pay a dog fare, you clearly feel that you are not welcome on board.
A controller, not very friendly, even told me one day "I don't like dogs". I think that this sentence had no place in a customer relations context and he should have remained neutral in his opinions.
I know you can't please everyone: resilience is the key to everything.