Are you not allowed to choose your seat numbers on OBB?

Understanding Seat Selection Options on OBB: What You Need to Know

Traveling with family or loved ones often involves ensuring you seat together for comfort and convenience. If you’re planning to travel with ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and wondering about seat selection capabilities, you’re not alone. Many travelers have questions about how to reserve specific seats, such as sitting side by side or choosing particular locations within the train.

Overview of ÖBB Seat Reservation System

When purchasing tickets through the ÖBB website, passengers are typically presented with several seat preference options, including:

• No seat preference
• Window seat preferably
• Aisle seat preferably
• Window seat required

However, it’s important to understand what these options entail. Currently, the system allows you to specify preferences rather than select exact seats or seat numbers. This means that even if you specify “window seat preferred,” the system may assign two separate window seats in different rows or locations, not necessarily adjacent or within the same area.

Limitations of Current Seat Selection Features

A common concern is the inability to specify multiple, specific seats when purchasing tickets for multiple passengers. For example, attempting to reserve one window seat and one aisle seat for two travelers might result in the system assigning seats that are not next to each other or even in different train carriages.

This can be particularly problematic for travelers who do not speak the primary language of the website or are traveling with companions who need to sit together, such as family members. In such cases, flexibility and clarity in seat assignments are essential.

Strategies for Sitting Together

While the online reservation system offers limited options for precise seat selection, there are a few strategies you can consider:

1. Book Tickets Simultaneously: Try purchasing both tickets in a single transaction and select the same preferences in hopes that the system will assign seats close to each other.

2. Contact Customer Support: Reach out directly to ÖBB customer service after booking to request seat adjustments or to confirm if specific seats can be allocated. This may require additional assistance or confirmation.

3. Use the Mobile App: Sometimes, the ÖBB mobile app provides more detailed seat maps and options. Check if it allows for more precise seat selections or seat pairing.

4. Visit the Ticket Counter: If possible, visiting an ÖBB ticket office or station ahead of travel can provide an opportunity to request specific seat arrangements in person.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind that seat assignments are ultimately subject to availability and the policies of the