How to Use the DB ‘Komfort Check-in’ to Avoid Ticket Inspections

GermanInsightsByInsights Team Published Updated
How to Use the DB 'Komfort Check-in' to Avoid Ticket Inspections

Check yourself in digitally so the train conductor sees your seat as “validated” and skips you during ticket inspections.

Why Use It?

  • Uninterrupted Sleep: The conductor will not wake you up to ask for your ticket.
  • Focus: Great for working without interruptions.
  • Privacy: No need to fumble for your phone or paper ticket when the staff walks by.

Prerequisites (Check Before You Board)

To use Komfort Check-in, you need:

  1. The DB Navigator App: Installed on your smartphone (logged in).
  2. A Digital Ticket: A mobile phone ticket or an online ticket loaded into the app.
    • Note: It works for Flexpreis, Saver, and Super Saver fares.
  3. A Long-Distance Train: Currently available on ICE, IC, and EC trains within Germany.
    • It does not work on regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Board and Sit Down

You must be physically on the train to check in. Find your seat (either your reserved seat or a free seat).

Step 2: Open the Trip in DB Navigator

  1. Open the DB Navigator App.
  2. Go to the “Journeys” (Meine Reise) tab.
  3. Select your current active ticket.

Step 3: Locate the Button

  1. Tap on the “Itinerary” (Reiseplan) tab or look for the header above your ticket QR code.
  2. You should see a button labeled “Komfort Check-in”.
    • Note: This button usually appears shortly before departure or right after the train has started moving.

Step 4: Check-In

  1. Tap “Komfort Check-in”.
  2. If you have a reservation: The app will likely pre-fill your Wagon and Seat number. Confirm it.
  3. If you sat in a free seat: Manually enter the Wagon (Wagen) and Seat (Platz) numbers. You can find these numbers on the display above the seat or on the seat frame.
  4. Tap “Check in now” (Jetzt einchecken).

Step 5: Relax

You will see a confirmation message. On the conductor’s mobile terminal, your seat now shows up as “checked-in.” They will walk past you without stopping.

Troubleshooting & Common Questions

I don’t see the Komfort Check-in button

  • Are you on the train? The feature uses GPS and train data; it often won’t activate until the journey has technically begun.
  • Is the train supported? Some older IC trains or international partner trains (e.g., ÖBB Nightjet) may not support it.
  • Is your ticket valid? If your ticket doesn’t match the specific train (e.g., you are using a Flex ticket on a different train than originally booked), you may need to add the new train to your journey manually in the app to check in.

I bought my seat reservation separately from my ticket

This is a common issue. If your ticket doesn’t “know” your seat number, the app won’t automatically offer check-in.

Solution:

  1. Start the Komfort Check-in process.
  2. When it asks for the seat, tap “Link reservation” (Reservierung hinzufügen) or simply enter the Wagon/Seat manually.
  3. You may need the booking order number (Auftragsnummer) from your separate reservation confirmation email.

What if I change seats?

If you move to a different seat, you must update your check-in.

  1. Go back to the Komfort Check-in screen in the app.
  2. Select “Change seat” (Sitzplatz ändern).
  3. Enter the new Wagon and Seat numbers.
    • Warning: If you sit in a new seat without updating, the conductor will inspect you because their system thinks that seat is empty or occupied by someone else.

Will they ever check me anyway?

Yes, in two rare cases:

  1. Random Spot Checks: Conspiracies aside, DB staff are required to perform random ID checks occasionally.
  2. System Sync Failures: If the train’s Wi-Fi/Server is down, the conductor’s device might not update with your check-in data.

Pro-Tips

  • BahnCard: If you used a BahnCard discount, have your physical or digital BahnCard ready just in case of a spot check (though they rarely ask for it if you are checked in).
  • Check-in Status: You can verify your status at any time by looking at your ticket in the app; it should say “Checked in” below the QR code.

If you’re looking for more blog like German Train Delays: How to Claim Compensation via the DB App and Do You Actually Need a Seat Reservation on German Trains? (DB Guide) subscribe to join us.

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