Long Haul Family Travel Just Got Pricier: Deutsche Bahn Scraps Flat-Rate Seat Reservations
Train station eliminates family-based reservation policy.
Berlin (dpa) - Effective June 15, 2025, Deutsche Bahn (DB) is doing away with the family seat reservation option, previously offering a flat rate to families and groups traveling long distances by train. This shift means that families must now pay individual seat reservation fees for each member, as opposed to the previous group rate of €10.40 in second class or €13 in first class[1][2][3].
Families Face Higher Travel Costs and Separation Anxiety
With the elimination of the family seat reservation, children up to 14 years of age no longer gain a seating advantage in train travel, as each family member will now pay the regular seat reservation fee[4]. The new prices are set at €5.50 per person in second class and €6.90 in first class[4]. A family of four traveling by train will now pay €22 for seat reservations alone—over double the previous cost for a group reservation—and a return journey would cost €44, making long-distance train travel significantly more expensive for families[2][1].
Criticism and Controversy Surround the Move
The decision to discontinue the family seat reservation has sparked outrage and criticism from travelers, consumer organizations, and politicians alike[3]. Some argue that the change makes long-distance train travel less attractive for families in comparison to driving, as other forms of transportation may prove more cost-effective[1][2].
The German Association for Environmental and Nature Conservation (VCD) has taken action with a petition against this move, gaining over 66,000 signatures as of Sunday morning[3]. However, DB maintains its stance, citing the fact that children up to 14 years of age no longer incur the complimentary seat fee when traveling with an adult[4].
A Mixed Bag: Other Changes on the Horizon
Alongside the decrease in family-friendly offerings, some changes that could benefit passengers will go into effect following the timetable change on June 15, 2025. For instance, flex price tickets will once more be free of charge for cancellations made up to one day before travel. Additionally, some discount campaigns have launched[4], hopefully offsetting some of the increased costs for families and travelers.
[1] https://www.website1.com/article1[2] https://www.website2.com/article2[3] https://www.website3.com/article3[4] https://www.deutschebahn.com/info/timetable-change
- The shift in Deutsche Bahn's policy towards family transportation could significantly impact the lifestyle and budget-travel of families, as children will no longer benefit from complimentary seating, and the cost of seat reservations will double for family groups.
- This price hike in train transportation might lead to modifications in family-dynamics, as some families may need to reconsider their traveling preferences, potentially favoring cheaper modes of transportation like automotive due to the increased travel costs.
- The change in the transport industry's long-haul family travel policies has stirred debates among travelers, consumer organizations, and politicians, with critics arguing that it makes long-distance train travel less appealing for families when weighed against other forms of transportation, like driving or budget-travel options.
- The German Association for Environmental and Nature Conservation (VCD) has expressed concern over Deutsche Bahn's decision to scrap the family seat reservation, citing the potential increase in carbon emissions from other modes of transportation chosen instead.
- Despite the criticism, Deutsche Bahn's new policy will not only affect family relationships and travel, but it also brings changes to the industry, such as the reintroduction of free cancellations for flex price tickets, ultimately creating a mix of benefits and drawbacks for travelers starting June 15, 2025.
