Originally Posted by
worldiswide
So a couple more questions. We have looked on the OEBB and DB on the Munich to Bologna and the pricing looks to be different on each site, and the type of tickets (descriptions) are hard to compare. We would like to book first class which on DB is 193 euros for a sparpreis ticket with automatic seat assignments, The flexible ticket is 463 euros for 2. On the OBB site, a standard ticket for 2 is 242 and to upgrade to first class is another 203 euros. Can we just book on DB and then do our seat assignment on OBB. Is there usually such a difference or are we missing something in the ticket class/description. This is on the 9:33 am Munich to Bologna on April 24. Thanks.
The DB sparpreis fare doesn't include any seat reservations - you have to check the seat reservation box and pay €13 extra (for two). If you don't buy seat reservations you aren't allocated seats - you just look for any unreserved seats when you board the train which is not recommended and can be stressful, especially at busy times.
Instead you can, as you say, buy the tickets on the DB site and then buy the seat reservations separately on the OeBB site. It's cheaper (only €6 for two) and you get to choose from a seat map.