Change in Seat Reservations for Long-Distance Travels: No More Family Deals on DB
Limit on Family Seating Arrangements in Train Travel - Train station terminates family-specific bookings.
Hey there! Guess what? The German Railway (DB) has decided to ditch the family reservation system for long-distance trips, effective from June 15, 2025. This means parents can no longer secure seats at a flat rate for their family members. Each family member now needs to shell out for their own seat reservation individually.
In addition to this shift, the DB has slightly increased the price for seat reservations in second class by 30 cents, now costing 5.50 euros per seat, and 6.90 euros in first class, up from 6.50 euros. So, for a family of four, round-trip reservations will set you back 44 euros, twice the cost prior to this alteration.
Criticism and outcry have arisen following this decision, with numerous disapproving voices from politics, associations, and society. The ecological transport club Germany (VCD) started a petition to halt this move, and as of Sunday morning, it had already accumulated 66,000 signatures. The VCD feels this change will not only increase costs for families but also tarnish DB's image.
A representative from the Federal Ministry of Transport voiced similar concerns, expressing skepticism about the measure on Friday. Carsten Schneider, the Minister of Transport himself, criticized this decision as missing the mark. He believes families should be able to book seats together and afford train travel. Interestingly, DB remains firm on their decision, citing that children up to and including 14 years old still travel for free under specific conditions but will now have to pay for seat reservations if they want to secure specific seats[2][3][4].
This small timetable change also brings some positive adjustments for passengers. Flex price tickets can be canceled for free up to one day before the first day of validity. Additionally, some discount campaigns have kicked off[1].
- Long-distance journey
- Seat
- German Railway (DB)
- VCD
- Timetable change
- Sunday
- Children
- Family reservation
- Minors
The German Railway (DB)'s new community policy no longer allows for family-dynamics to benefit from the long-standing family deal on seat reservations for long-distance journeys, as each family member will now need to pay individually. This change, along with a slight increase in seat reservation prices, may impact relationships and lifestyle, especially for large families, as a round-trip reservation for a family of four will now cost 44 euros. Despite the criticism from various sectors, DB remains steadfast, with children up to 14 years old still traveling for free under specific conditions but needing to pay for seat reservations if they wish to secure specific seats.
