Overview
- Deutsche Bahn outlined six actionable tips on July 30 to help unreserved travelers find seats, including where to board on the platform and when to check the train again.
- The company says travelers should position themselves at the front or rear of the platform because passengers tend to cluster in the middle of the train and the DB Navigator app shows the wagon layout.
- Reserved seats become free 15 minutes after departure if the reserver has not taken them and the Bahn recommends a second walk-through of the train after that window.
- Passengers with a Flexpreis 2nd‑class ticket can buy a 1st‑class upgrade up to ten minutes after departure via the app or Bahn.de while Sparpreis and Supersparpreis tickets have no upgrade option.
- The Bordrestaurant may be used by non‑ordering passengers but paying customers get priority, train staff can ask people to move, sitting on the floor is not explicitly banned provided aisles stay clear, and staff are available to help locate free seats.