German Rail Hikes Seat Reservation Prices for Families
Rail Company in Germany Hikes Up Fee for Family Seat Booking Reservation - German rail company Deutsche Bahn enhances family seat reservation cost
Update: As of June 15th, Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) is amping up seat reservation costs for families. The increase stems from the elimination of the Familienreservierung (family reservation) option, previously offering a flat fee for families and large groups to secure neighboring seats together. Now, every passenger – including children - must pay the individual seat reservation fee based on their class. In second class, this jump is from €5.20 to €5.50 per person, while first class is upping the ante from €6.50 to €6.90 per seater.
The Background
The main motivation behind Deutsche Bahn’s reservation pricing overhaul? A simplification of the booking process for all passengers, necessitating the termination of the reduced family rate. This move, unsurprisingly, has drawn criticism from various quarters – consumer organizations, politicians, and those who advocate for affordable travel. Critics argue that it unfairly burdens families and large groups who sought the convenience and cost savings offered by the family reservation.
How Families with Kids are Impacted
The new plan means a family of four or more could see their seat reservation costs skyrocket by up to 165% compared to the previous flat-rate family fee. For instance, a family of five snagging seats in second class would have previously paid €10.40 collectively; under the new scheme, they would now have to shell out €27.50, a substantial hike. This inevitably makes it considerably pricier for families to assure they sit together on long-distance trains, especially during peak travel periods with limited seating.
The Backlash
Critics, including politicians across the spectrum and the Federal Justice Minister, have underlined that this new policy diminishes the attractiveness of train travel for families – especially during congested periods – and could even encourage families to opt for car travel, which might be more convenient and budget-friendly for groups. Despite the fallout, Deutsche Bahn has yet to announce any intentions to reverse the change, placing the decision in the company’s commercial hands.
Following the lead of vocal critics, several organizations and politicians have voiced concerns that this policy goes against efforts promoting family-friendly and affordable public transportation. So, get your wallets ready! Deutsche Bahn seems intent on making reserved seats a luxury - or, at the very least, more costly - for families and larger groups.
- EC countries might consider implementing more affordable options for vocational training programs to enhance the accessibility of train travel for families, potentially preventing them from resorting to personal vehicles when traveling in groups.
- With the escalating costs of seat reservations on Deutsche Bahn, many families may need to reconsider their lifestyle choices, including business ventures or holidays abroad, as the increased expenses could strain their financial resources.
