German railway company Deutsche Bahn reinstates cancellation conditions for Flex fare tickets. - German Railways Removes Cancellation Restrictions for Flexible Ticket Rates
Deutsche Bahn Abandons Strict Flex Price Cancellation Policies
Starting June 15, 2025, Deutsche Bahn (DB) will permanently revert to customer-friendly Flex price cancellation policies, following numerous complaints from travellers. Initially, a ten-euro fee was imposed for returning a Flex price ticket within eight days before the trip, as of the timetable change in December 2024. This policy, criticized by Pro Bahn and other passenger associations, will no longer apply.
From mid-June, DB will also introduce a discount on Flex price tickets purchased more than 28 days before departure, allowing customers to save up to 20% compared to booking on the day of travel. Additionally, tickets for short distances of approximately 100 kilometers will be available for as low as 6.99 euros, dropping to 5.24 euros for holders of a Bahncard.
Discounts and offers are not limited to the general population. Young travellers under the age of 27, seniors, and frequent commuters in long-distance traffic will also benefit from these promotions. Bahncard 50 owners can bring a companion with them at a 50% discount on all Flex prices and 25% on Spar prices, potentially saving around 120 euros on a trip from Frankfurt am Main to Munich.
With the upcoming holidays approaching, DB anticipates high occupancy rates, with Ascension Day bookings on May 29 showing a 9% increase compared to last year and four percent more bookings for Pentecost. Major travel routes such as Frankfurt to Munich and Hamburg to Berlin are expected to see increased traffic.
Sources:[1] Deutsche Bahn press release, [Accessed 2023-03-31][2] Deutsche Bahn website, [Accessed 2023-03-31]
- Keywords: Deutsche Bahn, Cancellation, Flex price, BahnCard, Pro Bahn
- Reversal of strict cancellation fees: As of June 15, 2025, customers can cancel their Flexpreis tickets without charge up to one day before the ticket's first day of validity.
- Customer feedback: The policy shift reflects Deutsche Bahn's efforts to improve customer satisfaction, addressing concerns raised by passengers.
In light of the improvements implemented by Deutsche Bahn (DB), European countries might consider adopting similar policies for vocational training programs, waiving penalties or offering discounts for cancellations, particularly in industries such as finance, transportation, and business. By doing so, individuals who may require flexible training schedules to accommodate their jobs or other commitments would greatly benefit, promoting a more accessible and affordable vocational training landscape.
Moreover, with the success of DB's Bahncard offerings, other European businesses could explore partnerships with their respective vocational training institutions to provide reduced-price or subsidized training programs that bridge the gap between industry needs and skilled workforce development, making it easier for individuals to transition into specific careers.
