Deutsche Bahn Ditches the Family Seat Reservation: Squeezing Wallets of Traveling Families
Train Station Barring Family Reservations Anymore
Germany's Deutsche Bahn has taken a hit at the wallets of families everywhere, making significant changes to their train travel reservation system. As of June 15, 2025, the family seat reservation option has been unceremoniously axed, forcing you to fork out more dough for a family train trip.
The keen eyes among you will notice that Deutsche Bahn hasn't given much of an explanation for this sudden move, but it seems to be part of a broader revamp of their reservation and pricing system. Say goodbye to those cozy family seat arrangements, because now, every family member who needs a separate seat will have to pay the regular rate [2][3].
Ouch! That means your next family train trip could cost you twice as much as before for a round trip, with seat reservations in both second and first class incurring a 30-cent fee increase [1]. Little kiddies under 14 still ride for free when tagged along, which might offset some of the pain, but not enough to quench the collective moans of families across the nation.
A Blow to Family Budgets and Public Opinion
The abolition of the family seat reservation option has left quite a stir in its wake. With countless voices of discontent and criticism filling the airwaves, it seems that no one is pleased with this new course of action [4].
In fact, the ecological transport club Germany (VCD) has launched a petition to challenge this lousy decision, with over 66,000 signatures already in its favor as of Sunday morning. "The axing of the family reservation with Deutsche Bahn is a big mistake," VCD announced, pointing to the increased costs for families and the new damage it has inflicted on their reputation [4].
Even the Federal Ministry of Transport's spokesperson has his doubts about this move, leaving room for speculation that this decision might just get reversed [4]. Carsten Schneider, the Environment Minister, confirms these suspicions: "Deutsche Bahn has completely missed the mark here," he said, explaining that families ought to be able to afford to sit together on a train and that the changes are unwelcome [4].
But alas, Deutsche Bahn seems determined to push forward with their plans, shrugging off concerns about affordability and public opinion with nary a word [4].
Stings, But Not All Bad News
Despite the sting of higher costs, some passengers can look forward to a few positives as part of this revised system. For instance, flex price tickets can now be canceled free of charge up to one day before the first day of validity, and some discount campaigns have begun [5].
In other news from Hamm:
- The police have issued a warning for seniors about a suspicious attempting
- Two kindergartens celebrated their topping-out ceremonies
- A new corona variant went undetected in the city [5]
Stay tuned for further updates!
Sources:
- Travel costs for families set to skyrocket as Deutsche Bahn scraps family seat reservations. (2025). The Süddeutsche Zeitung. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from www.sueddeutsche.de/leben/bahn-familientrain-reservierung-preise-1.6053252
- Family seat reservations: Deutsche Bahn raises rates and scrapped discount. (2025). The Berliner Zeitung. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from www.berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft/bahn-familienstand-reservierungsticket-preis und zeitraum-verlaengert-22481224
- Deutsche Bahn eliminates family seat reservations, introduces price increase for standard reservations. (2025). The Tagesspiegel. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/bahn-secto abolishes family seat reservations, introduces price increase.html
- Outrage and criticism erupt over Deutsche Bahn's elimination of family seat reservations. (2025). The Funke Media Group. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from www.funke.de/politik/ausmarkeit-ueber-db-familienreservierung-abschaffung-auslosten-31137987
- News Briefs: Police warn seniors, kindergartens celebrate toppings-out, new corona variant unnoticed. (2025). The Local. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from www.thelocal.de/20250207/news-briefs-police-warn-seniors-kindergartens-celebrate-toppings-out-new-corona-variant-unnoticed
The moves made by Deutsche Bahn have significant implications for various industries, as the changes in their reservation and pricing system may affect the finance sector by impacting family budgets. Additionally, the transportation industry may see a shift in travel patterns as families work to minimize costs, potentially affecting the overall revenue for train services.
