Eurowings, a German low-cost carrier, has a cancellation policy that varies based on fare type, booking conditions, and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information:
Within 24 Hours of Booking: You can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking without a cancellation fee and receive a full refund, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours from booking). This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and aligns with policies like the Eurowings Reporting Corporation (ARC) for U.S. bookings.
After 24 Hours:
- Non-Flex Fares (Basic, Smart, Best): Most Eurowings bookings, especially low-cost fares, are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for a refund due to their low prices. Instead, you can change the travel date or passenger name for a fee, but not the route. Cancellation fees, if applicable, range from $100 to $500, depending on the route, fare type, and timing (e.g., within 7 days of departure).
- Flex Option (Smart or Best Fares): If you booked with the Flex option, you can cancel your flight free of charge up to 40 minutes before departure. Cancellations on the same day as the original departure (even after the flight departs) are also free if done via phone or at an airport counter. Without cancellation by the departure date, a fixed fee applies.
- Premium Flex: Allows cancellations even after the original travel date, free of charge, if cancelled on the same day as departure via phone or airport counter. A fixed fee applies if not cancelled by the end of the departure date.
Airline-Cancelled Flights: If Eurowings cancels your flight, you’re entitled to:
- A full refund, processed within 5–7 business days for credit card payments or 15–20 days for cash/check payments.
- Rebooking on an alternative Eurowings flight at no extra cost, with automatic rebooking attempted and notified via email, SMS, or app.
- A flight voucher or, for domestic flights cancelled at short notice, a DB rail voucher.
- Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (€250–€600 per person, based on flight distance) if the cancellation occurs less than 14 days before departure, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes). Compensation claims can be submitted via Eurowings’ online form.
Special Circumstances:
- Medical or Serious Issues: Cancellations due to serious medical conditions may waive fees with valid documentation, but you must contact Eurowings’ customer service.
- Specific Routes: Flights to/from Tel Aviv (until July 31, 2025) or Beirut (until June 30, 2025) not yet cancelled can be refunded free of charge via the call center.
- Long-Haul Routes: Cancellations are not permitted for routes like Frankfurt to Mauritius or Windhoek; only rescheduling is allowed with extra charges.
How to Cancel:
- By Phone: Call Eurowings’ customer service at +1-877-240-6770 or regional numbers. Have your booking reference ready.
- In Person: Visit an Eurowings airport ticket counter or kiosk.
- Through a Travel Agent: If booked via a tour operator or agent, contact them directly, as Eurowings’ self-service options may be limited.
Refund Process:
- Submit refund requests online via the refund form on eurowings.com, providing booking details. Refunds for eligible cancellations (e.g., within 24 hours or airline cancellations) are processed within 5–7 days for credit cards or 15–20 days for cash/check.
- No refunds are issued if the cancellation deadline is missed or for non-refundable fares without the Flex option.
- For group bookings, contact the support team to process cancellations.
Passenger Rights (EU 261/2004): For flights departing from or arriving in the EU, you’re entitled to compensation (€250–€600) for cancellations notified less than 14 days before departure, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances. Additional care (e.g., meals, accommodation) is provided for significant disruptions. Claims can be submitted online. For flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Lufthansa, with non-EW flight numbers), contact the operating airline.
Additional Notes:
- Eurowings emphasizes low fares, so non-Flex tickets prioritize changes over cancellations. Name or date changes are often more cost-effective.
- For codeshare flights, claims go to the operating airline, not necessarily Eurowings.
- Ensure contact details are updated in “My Eurowings” or the app for real-time notifications.
- Refunds are not available for partially used tickets or extras (e.g., seats, baggage) unless the flight is cancelled by Eurowings.