Riding Long-Distance Trains Just Got a Bit Pricier: Goodbye, Flat-Rate Family Reservations! 🚋💰
Train station withdraws option for family bookings.
Get ready, parents! From June 2025 onwards, the hassle-free family reservation perk on German trains is history. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has decided to scrap the discounted family seat reservation rate in a policy shake-up. Now, every family member, including the little ones, has to fork out the standard fee for individual seat bookings. While kids under 14 still get to ride for free, alas, they'll no longer be able to sit together with their folks for long-distance journeys. 🤨
The Waves of Controversy 🌊🚀
The impending demise of family reservations has sent shock waves through the political arena and passenger associations alike. The German Environmental Transport Association (VCD) has kicked off a petition to turn the tide, gathering a whopping 66,000 supporters by Sunday morn. The VCD isn't pleased, accusing DB of making a costly and image-damaging blunder.
Even the Federal Ministry of Transport has some reservations about the move. Carsten Schneider, the Environment Minister and a member of the SPD, voiced his concerns, "DB has completely missed the mark here. Families want to sit together when traveling by train, and they should be able to afford it. I would therefore very much welcome it if the responsible parties would reconsider this surprising step." 🤷♂️💸
Silver Linings Among the Clouds ☁️🌈
Amidst the grumbling, some positive changes stirred with the timetable adjustment. For instance, the cost-effective Flex price tickets will be available for free cancellations up to one day before the first day of validity, and some discount campaigns have come into play. 🤩
In essence, this shift marks an end to cozy, affordable family train rides for the age of singles-focused seat bookings. How will this affect your travel plans? Let's keep the discussion flowing! 💬🚋💬
The proposed changes by Deutsche Bahn (DB) have raised questions about the affordability and convenience of long-distance train travel for families, particularly in light of the elimination of discounted family seat reservations. The German Environmental Transport Association (VCD) and the Federal Ministry of Transport have expressed concerns about the decision, with the latter suggesting a reconsideration of the policy. Meanwhile, some travelers may find solace in the introduction of cost-effective Flex price tickets and discount campaigns, though the overall shift towards singles-focused seat bookings could impact various families' travel lifestyle.
