Germany's travel and transport arbitration board has announced a record number of complaints for the first half of 2026, with over 29,400 arbitration applications filed. The surge is blamed on spring bad weather, war in the Gulf region, and - perhaps most alarmingly - consumers becoming more aware of their rights thanks to artificial intelligence. The board noted that other consumer complaint offices are seeing a similar phenomenon, suggesting AI is teaching people everywhere to be as assertive as a German on a delayed train.

Aviation accounted for 83% of complaints, with cancellations due to weather, strikes, and war taking the top spots. Rail travel came in second at 14%, with delays caused by poor and overburdened infrastructure - because nothing says 'efficient German engineering' like a train system held together with hope and spare parts.

The board boasts it reached agreement in over 80% of cases, with travellers usually receiving full compensation. It expects another record in the second half, as summer high season brings more delays and cancellations. The board has been operating since 2010, handling complaints about flight and train delays or cancellations, funded by some 400 participating travel companies who apparently enjoy paying for the privilege of being yelled at.