Yes, Lufthansa does compensate passengers for cancelled flights under specific conditions, in accordance with both European Union regulations and the airline’s own policies. If your flight is cancelled, your eligibility for compensation will depend on several factors, including the reason for the cancellation, the notice period given, and whether alternative travel arrangements were offered.
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers flying from an EU country or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline like Lufthansa may be entitled to compensation if their flight is cancelled without sufficient notice and the cancellation was within the airline's control (e.g., operational issues, staffing shortages). Compensation amounts vary based on the flight distance and can range from €250 to €600 per person.
You may be eligible for compensation if:
You were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days before the scheduled departure.
The cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, political instability, or security risks.
Lufthansa did not offer a comparable alternative flight within a reasonable time frame.
The specific compensation amounts are:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
€400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
€600 for flights over 3,500 km (reduced to €300 if the delay is less than 4 hours).
In addition to financial compensation, Lufthansa is also obligated to provide assistance in the event of a cancellation. This includes:
Meals and refreshments during the waiting period.
Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary.
Transportation between the airport and the hotel.
Access to communication, such as phone calls or emails.
Passengers can also request a full refund of their unused ticket if they choose not to travel, or opt for re-routing to their final destination at the earliest opportunity under comparable transport conditions. If re-routing is inconvenient, passengers may ask for an alternative travel date that suits their schedule.
To claim compensation, affected passengers should submit a request directly through the Lufthansa website, under the “Feedback and Complaints” section. You’ll need your booking reference, flight details, and a brief explanation of the cancellation. Lufthansa will evaluate the claim and determine whether compensation is owed, typically responding within a few weeks. In complex cases, claims may take longer to process.
Note that compensation is not automatic; passengers must file a claim to receive it. It is also recommended to keep all travel documents, boarding passes, and receipts in case additional evidence is needed.
In conclusion, Lufthansa does compensate for cancelled flights if the cancellation meets the criteria outlined in EU regulation EC 261/2004. Travelers are encouraged to understand their rights, keep documentation, and contact the airline promptly after a disruption. If Lufthansa is responsible for the cancellation and fails to notify passengers within the required time frame, eligible travelers can claim compensation as well as reimbursement for expenses incurred due to the cancellation.