Delay at DB: Rail customers have these rights

Delays on a train journey cost nerves as well as time and money. Missed connecting trains in particular quickly turn the trip into an odyssey. But rail customers have rights.

The good news first: The reason for the delay is not important. The EU regulation “Passenger rights and obligations in rail traffic” also applies in the event of storms or strikes. This also applies not only to Deutsche Bahn, but to all railway companies. This also includes providers such as Flixtrain, the new rail offer from the long-distance bus company Flixbus. In the event of a delay, passengers are to be informed about the situation as well as departure and arrival times. In addition, rail travelers can request the following:

Train tie released

From an impending delay of 20 minutes, a passenger can continue on the next train with Deutsche Bahn that does not require a reservation. This does not have to drive to the destination on the same route. If the delay at the destination is less, travelers can also wait and take a later train accordingly. In this respect, the train is no longer bound. Outside, however, are holders of discounted tickets such as Schönes-Wochenend, Quer-durch-Land, Bayern or Ostsee-Tickets of the Deutsche Bahn.

Get a DB ticket refunded – that's how it works

According to the EU regulation, passengers who are expected to be more than 60 minutes late can choose whether to drive later or to take a different route. Alternatively, travelers can waive the trip and request reimbursement of the full fare. If the trip has already been partially completed and there is no point in continuing, there is a partial refund. However, this only applies to ticket purchases before the delay is announced.

To person

Christian Günther is an assessor and editor at anwalt.de, one of the leading legal tech companies in Germany.

DB catering in case of delay

From a delay of more than 60 minutes at the departure and destination, the railway company must provide passengers with adequate food and refreshments free of charge, provided these are available or available on the train or train station.

compensation

For delays from 60 minutes to 119 minutes, there is also a 25 percent return on the ticket price for a one-way ticket.

In the event of delays of more than 120 minutes, the train company must refund 50 percent of the ticket price.

The price of a return ticket has to be divided by two and then the respective deduction of 25 or 50 percent.

There are lump sums for season tickets from Deutsche Bahn such as weekly, monthly and BahnCard 100 from Deutsche Bahn:

Since the railways only pay amounts starting at four euros, several delays may have to be collected and then submitted. This regulation is in line with the EU regulation.

Overnight in the event of a DB delay

If the journey cannot be continued on the same day due to the delay or if it is unreasonable, the train must pay an appropriate overnight stay.

Onward transport

Alternatively, the train provides another means of transportation – e.g. B. a taxi – ready or paying for it. Prerequisite: The train is canceled, the destination is not reached before midnight or there is a delay of one hour between 0 and 5 a.m.

damages

In addition, travelers are entitled to compensation in the event of failure, delay or missed connection if they are unable to continue their journey on the same day or if this is unreasonable. In the event of personal fault and circumstances beyond the control of the railway company, this will not apply.

Acknowledgment of delay

The best way to confirm the delay is by your train company. They are also obliged to do so. The Deutsche Bahn has a passenger rights form ready for this. Processing usually takes four weeks. According to the ordinance, payment of the compensation will be made within one month of submitting the application.

baggage

For damage or loss of their luggage, travelers are entitled to compensation from railway companies if they or their employees are at fault. In the case of baggage check-in, the carrier is liable for damage, loss or late delivery, even without proof of fault, between delivery and delivery.

However, compensation is capped. If damage is proven, there are 80 invoice units per missing kilogram of luggage or 1200 invoice units per piece of luggage. If the damage is not proven, there is a flat-rate compensation of 20 invoice units per missing kilogram of gross mass or 300 invoice units per piece of luggage.

The value of a unit of account changes. It is currently (at the end of March 2018) just under EUR 1.18. In the event of damage caused by defects in the luggage, its properties or circumstances caused by the traveler, the carrier is released from his liability.

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