I am trying to book Basel SBB to Interlaken OST on 17 DEC 2021. The alert displayed shows Seat Availability Unknown. I went directly to the SBB ticket shop site and am unable to book there as it will not accept the credit card. Please note: have already contacted the card company and they show they have not blocked the transaction and have verified that I am using the right card. I cannot seem to get an answer why the card cannot be accepted from SBB. There seems to be availability on the SBB site. Should I take my chances and ignore the alert and book through Eurail?
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Seat Availability Unknown in Switzerland
Best answer by rvdborgt
"The rail system in Europe” is different in every country. In Switzerland, reservations are unnecessary. In fact, hardly anyone there books a seat and trains are used like an underground or suburban train system: you just turn up and go. But you can still book seats if you really want.
A global 1st class pass satisfies the requirement to have a ticket.
You can book a seat reservation via ÖBB for 3 EUR per seat if you really want to but in fact it's unnecessary. Just board the train and find a seat.
I did go onto OBB and see that the option to choose 1st class says only if they already have a ticket. Does the Global Pass satisfy this requirement?
"The rail system in Europe” is different in every country. In Switzerland, reservations are unnecessary. In fact, hardly anyone there books a seat and trains are used like an underground or suburban train system: you just turn up and go. But you can still book seats if you really want.
A global 1st class pass satisfies the requirement to have a ticket.
Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
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