European Rail Travel - 26 y.o....youth fare?

Just wondering...I'm 26 y.o. and was wondering how strict they are when it comes to the youth fare? I want to get a Rail pass for Germany/Switzerland and saw how much more cheaper it is to get the youth fare. My friend who would be tagging along is 25 and we want to get the saverpass if at all possible. Your thoughts?

they usually ask for ID - so I wouldn't count on getting the youth fare. sometimes they give discounts for students, too - so that may be an option if a student card can be provided...

Just wondering...I'm 26 y.o. and was wondering how strict they are when it comes to the youth fare? I want to get a Rail pass for Germany/Switzerland and saw how much more cheaper it is to get the youth fare. My friend who would be tagging along is 25 and we want to get the saverpass if at all possible. Your thoughts?

No real chance, I'm afraid. Your date of birth will be written on the pass, and it won't be issued if you are too old.

No real chance, I'm afraid. Your date of birth will be written on the pass, and it won't be issued if you are too old.

On top of that, your 25yo friend will not be able to travel with you together on the same seat row, as the youth saver passes are only 2nd class and the regular adult passes are only 1st class.

On the European Rail forum, there are reports of conductors not allowing people on 1st class passes to travel on 2nd class as to avoid 2nd class overcrowd and, of course, when a required reservation is involved, you surely can't reserve a 2nd class seat/couchette/sleeper (if applicable) with a 1st class pass.

No real chance, I'm afraid. Your date of birth will be written on the pass, and it won't be issued if you are too old.

I would say "no chance at all" rather than just "no real chance".

The OP will fall at the first hurdle - i.e., when filling in the application form.

We used to send each other messages of commiseration on our 26th birthdays when I was in that age group (this was in the days before adult Interrails, when once you had reached 26 you couldn't roam around Europe at all)

Thanks for all the informative responses.

On the European Rail forum, there are reports of conductors not allowing people on 1st class passes to travel on 2nd class as to avoid 2nd class overcrowd and, of course, when a required reservation is involved, you surely can't reserve a 2nd class seat/couchette/sleeper (if applicable) with a 1st class pass.

Never heard this. The rules for 1st class passes specifically allow passengers to travel in either class.

You certainly can reserve in 2nd class with a 1st class pass.

i could safely say the chances are 0.00000%
you have better chances winning any lottery than this.