German airlines are escalating pressure on Deutsche Bahn, advocating for the national rail operator to assume liability for missed connecting flights experienced by Rail&Fly passengers. The proposal, spearheaded by the Bundesverband der Deutschen Fluggesellschaften (BDF), highlights a significant disparity in consumer protection compared to traditional connecting flights, where airlines typically offer compensation or rebooking options in cases of delays.
Peter Gerber, president of the BDF, argues that the current system leaves Rail&Fly passengers vulnerable to financial losses when delays cause them to miss their onward flights. “Unlike established connecting flight arrangements, passengers are currently without insurance coverage if they miss a flight due to a train delay, leaving them to bear the costs of the missed connection” he stated. The proposal aims to incentivize the attractiveness of Rail&Fly packages for consumers by providing a safety net against the common frustration of delayed train travel impacting flight connections.
Rail&Fly tickets, bundled flight and train travel options offered by airlines or travel agencies, represent a key component of German aviation’s strategy for environmentally conscious travel and alleviating pressure on congested airports. These tickets grant passengers flexibility in accessing departure airports and returning home, often with a generous validity period. However, the system’s inherent reliance on the punctuality of Deutsche Bahn poses a recurring challenge.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the rail operator, Gerber suggests that Deutsche Bahn is facing limitations in its ability to address the issue. Beyond liability for delays, the BDF is also pushing for improvements in passenger comfort, specifically advocating for a baggage transfer service. The prospect of passengers being able to check luggage at train stations with guaranteed delivery directly to the airport, eliminating the need for personal handling, is presented as a significant driver of passenger satisfaction and a potential boost to Rail&Fly uptake.
The BDF’s demands highlight a broader debate about the responsibilities of critical infrastructure providers in Germany and the need for more robust consumer protection within intermodal travel solutions. The suggestion reflects a growing recognition of the fragility of the Rail&Fly model and the potential for increased financial strain on airlines if the system’s reliability cannot be guaranteed through shared responsibility and service enhancements. The implicit critique is that while Deutsche Bahn strives to improve, its current capabilities are insufficient to ensure a consistently positive passenger experience, particularly when a crucial flight connection is at stake.