European Rail Travel - DYKWIA Bahn style.

Last week I was on a German train about 80-90% full in the 1st Class carriage. The train broke down at some station and the majority of passengers had to board the next hourly departure when it pulled into the same station.

Obviously this led to massive overcrowding. In the 1st class carriage I was in - at least twenty+ standing in the aisles. Shortly after a gentleman came charging down the aisle to a bahn comfort seat which was obviously taken. He demanded the person sitting there (a lady in at least her late sixties) to move - she didn't and a standoff (literally!) ensued. Eventually a conductor passed by - words were exchanged but judging by the conductor's body language and the fact nothing happened I got the impression he said to sort it out amongst yourselves.

The lady started to read a book - and the guy just stood right over her. Sick of standing I departed at the next station.

Question: Was the guy correct in his actions? Should the conductor have enforced the bahn comfort rules?

I side against the guy because - (a) he was rude, (b) given the extremely crowded train I doubt he was the only card holder without a seat; and (c) there's more than one bahn.comfort seat so I think he saw the elderly lady as a "weak target".

In his defence - how often would he be able to take advantage of this benefit and isn't an extreme situation exactly the time he should be able to take advantage of his "loyalty" - I mean it's not like there's a whole lot of other benefits.

Interested in thoughts of others - esp. Bahn.Comfort card holders. Anyone ever been kicked out of a bahn.comfort seat?

I'm amazed.

I can't believe a German man would ask an elderly woman to give up her seat for him. Just not the sort of thing you do in Germany.

Good for her.

Mind you, I can see the funny side of this though I'm sure he couldn't.
But then, as they say, the German sense of humour is no laughing matter

Dave

Reminds of a train trip I took in the uk a year or so ago. I was in std class on a four carriage virgin voyager train (3 std class, one first class)

Owing to problems with one of the doors the guard closed first class and the six passengers were moved into our carriage. I heard the guard say they would still get their food and drink and a refund on the ticket premium. That wasn't good enough for one wannabe apprentice star, she asked if the guard could empty the entire cabin of standard class passengers. Fortunately he made comments to the effect 'wasn't a refund and free food and drink enough'.