Lufthansa does provide compensation to passengers when flights are cancelled, but the eligibility and amount depend on various factors governed mainly by European Union Regulation EC 261/2004. This law protects passengers on flights departing from EU airports or operated by EU-based airlines, including Lufthansa. When a Lufthansa flight is cancelled, passengers may be entitled to compensation if the cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date and if the cause of the cancellation lies within the airline’s control. Compensation is generally not paid if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, political unrest, air traffic control restrictions, or strikes that are outside Lufthansa’s influence.
The compensation amounts are determined by the flight distance. For flights up to 1,500 kilometers, Lufthansa must pay passengers €250 per person. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation rises to €400. For long-haul flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers, passengers may receive up to €600. This compensation aims to cover the inconvenience and expenses caused by the cancellation, though it does not cover any additional costs such as accommodation or meals beyond what Lufthansa provides.
Besides monetary compensation, Lufthansa is obligated to offer assistance to passengers affected by cancellations. Passengers are entitled to a choice between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on the next available Lufthansa flight to their final destination. If passengers opt for rebooking and face long delays, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation if overnight stays become necessary, along with transportation between the airport and hotel. Communication facilities such as free phone calls or emails are also part of the support Lufthansa must offer.
If Lufthansa notifies passengers about the cancellation more than 14 days in advance, no financial compensation is required, but passengers still retain the right to a refund or rebooking. Additionally, if Lufthansa offers an alternative flight that arrives close to the original scheduled arrival time—generally within two hours for short flights or within four hours for long-haul flights—the compensation may be reduced by 50%. This reduction recognizes that the delay was minimized by the airline’s rebooking efforts.
Passengers seeking compensation for cancelled flights can file a claim through Lufthansa’s official customer service channels or their website. Providing accurate booking information and flight details will help expedite the process. Lufthansa usually processes claims within a few weeks, though processing times may vary depending on the volume of requests.
It is important to understand that compensation is separate from reimbursement for additional expenses incurred due to the cancellation, such as hotel stays or meals not provided by the airline. Passengers may seek compensation for those costs through travel insurance or credit card protections but not directly from Lufthansa unless these services were part of the airline’s assistance.
In summary, Lufthansa complies with EU regulations by compensating passengers for cancellations within its control, offering refunds or rebooking options, and providing care during delays. Passengers affected by cancellations have clear rights, and knowing these rights ensures travelers receive fair treatment and adequate support when plans are disrupted.
The compensation amounts are determined by the flight distance. For flights up to 1,500 kilometers, Lufthansa must pay passengers €250 per person. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation rises to €400. For long-haul flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers, passengers may receive up to €600. This compensation aims to cover the inconvenience and expenses caused by the cancellation, though it does not cover any additional costs such as accommodation or meals beyond what Lufthansa provides.
Besides monetary compensation, Lufthansa is obligated to offer assistance to passengers affected by cancellations. Passengers are entitled to a choice between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on the next available Lufthansa flight to their final destination. If passengers opt for rebooking and face long delays, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation if overnight stays become necessary, along with transportation between the airport and hotel. Communication facilities such as free phone calls or emails are also part of the support Lufthansa must offer.
If Lufthansa notifies passengers about the cancellation more than 14 days in advance, no financial compensation is required, but passengers still retain the right to a refund or rebooking. Additionally, if Lufthansa offers an alternative flight that arrives close to the original scheduled arrival time—generally within two hours for short flights or within four hours for long-haul flights—the compensation may be reduced by 50%. This reduction recognizes that the delay was minimized by the airline’s rebooking efforts.
Passengers seeking compensation for cancelled flights can file a claim through Lufthansa’s official customer service channels or their website. Providing accurate booking information and flight details will help expedite the process. Lufthansa usually processes claims within a few weeks, though processing times may vary depending on the volume of requests.
It is important to understand that compensation is separate from reimbursement for additional expenses incurred due to the cancellation, such as hotel stays or meals not provided by the airline. Passengers may seek compensation for those costs through travel insurance or credit card protections but not directly from Lufthansa unless these services were part of the airline’s assistance.
In summary, Lufthansa complies with EU regulations by compensating passengers for cancellations within its control, offering refunds or rebooking options, and providing care during delays. Passengers affected by cancellations have clear rights, and knowing these rights ensures travelers receive fair treatment and adequate support when plans are disrupted.