Lufthansa’s cancellation policy varies based on ticket type, fare conditions, and booking method. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
- For tickets booked directly through Lufthansa’s website, app, or office, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the flight departs at least 7 days from the booking date. This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and aligns with U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S.
- For intra-EU travel or tickets not meeting the 7-day rule, the 24-hour cancellation may still apply, but some sources suggest restrictions; confirm with Lufthansa directly.
Fare Type Rules:
- Refundable Tickets (e.g., Business Flex, First Flex): Can be canceled without fees up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund.
- Non-Refundable Tickets (e.g., Economy Low Fare, Premium Economy Basic): Cancellations after 24 hours are not permitted, or only taxes/fees are refunded. Exceptions include:
- Cancellation within 24 hours of booking (as above).
- Lufthansa-initiated cancellations or significant schedule changes (e.g., delays over 2 hours or time shifts over 1 hour).
- Partially Used Tickets: Refunds are calculated pro-rata for unused segments, including taxes and fees.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations:
- If Lufthansa cancels your flight or significantly changes the schedule (e.g., over 2-hour delay or 1-hour advancement), you’re entitled to:
- A full refund, including taxes and fees, to the original payment method.
- Rebooking on the next available Lufthansa Group flight or another airline within 48 hours, free of charge.
- On certain routes, conversion to a Deutsche Bahn rail ticket.
- EU/UK passengers may also claim compensation (up to €600) under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather).
Special Circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies or Bereavement: Refunds or date changes may be granted with documentation (e.g., medical/death certificate). Contact Lufthansa or your booking agent.
- Israeli Consumer Protection Law: Senior citizens, new immigrants, or passengers with disabilities may have additional cancellation rights for tickets purchased in Israel. Submit requests with documentation via Lufthansa’s website or email.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover cancellations due to personal emergencies not covered by Lufthansa’s policy.
Cancellation Process:
- Phone: Contact Lufthansa’s Service Center at +1-877-240-6770. Be prepared for potential wait times.
- Airport: Visit a Lufthansa ticket counter.
- Travel Agency: For third-party bookings (e.g., Expedia, Alternative Airlines), contact the agent directly, as Lufthansa’s 24-hour policy may not apply, and refunds depend on the agent’s terms.
Refund Processing:
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 7 days for credit card payments or up to 20 days for cash/check, though backlogs may cause delays.
- For unused tickets, the full ticket price, including taxes and fees, is refunded. For partially used tickets, only the unused portion is refunded.
- Flight Value Vouchers can be refunded if unused.
Fees and Restrictions:
- Non-refundable ticket cancellations after 24 hours may incur fees (e.g., USD 500 for Premium Economy Basic Plus II or First Basic Plus) or result in no refund except taxes.
- Specific fare types (e.g., Premium Economy Basic, Business Basic) cannot be canceled after the 24-hour window.
EU/UK Passenger Rights:
- For flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK with an EU carrier, Regulation (EC) 261/2004 applies. You may be entitled to:
- Compensation (€250–€600) for cancellations or delays over 3 hours, depending on flight distance, unless due to extraordinary circumstances.
- Care (meals, refreshments, hotel, transport) for delays over 2 hours or cancellations.
- Refund or re-routing if delayed over 5 hours.
Customer Feedback:
- Some passengers report issues with refund processing or miscommunication about the 24-hour policy, especially for non-refundable tickets or third-party bookings. Always confirm fare conditions at booking and retain documentation
