Overview
Lufthansa allows passengers to modify flight bookings, including changes to dates, times, or destinations, subject to fare rules and availability. Changes must be made before check-in closes to avoid no-show penalties, which result in cancellation of the reservation and loss of ticket value. Fees and fare differences may apply based on fare type, route, and timing. Destination changes are not permitted for Economy Light fares but are allowed for other fare types.
Key Conditions
- Changes are permitted for tickets purchased through Lufthansa’s website, mobile app, contact center, ticket offices, or authorized travel agents. Tickets booked through third parties must be changed via the original booking agent.
- Modifications to codeshare or interline flights are subject to the operating airline’s policies.
- Changes must be made before check-in closes, typically a few hours before departure. Online changes are available via the “Manage Booking” section up to a short time before departure.
- Name corrections for minor spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage) are allowed with supporting documents like a passport or marriage certificate. Full name changes or ticket transfers to another person are not permitted.
- Tickets are valid for one year from issuance for wholly unused tickets or from the first travel date for partially used tickets, unless otherwise specified.
24-Hour Change Policy
Passengers can change or cancel their booking within one day of purchase without a fee, provided the flight is at least a week away and was booked directly through Lufthansa’s website, app, contact center, or ticket offices. This applies to most fare types, excluding group or promotional fares. Fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.
Fare Type Policies
- Economy Light: Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if the new flight is more expensive. Destination changes are not permitted. Non-refundable.
- Economy Classic: Changes are permitted with possible fare differences but no change fee. Non-refundable.
- Economy Flex: No change fees, but fare differences apply if the new flight is more expensive. Refundable under certain conditions.
- Premium Economy: No change fees, but fare differences apply. Refundable under certain conditions.
- Business Saver: Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if applicable. Non-refundable.
- Business Flex: No change fees, but fare differences apply. Refundable under certain conditions.
- First Class: No change fees, but fare differences apply. Refundable under certain conditions.
Change Fees
- Fees for Economy Light and Business Saver fares vary by route and timing, with higher fees closer to departure.
- Fare differences are charged if the new flight is more expensive; no refund or credit is issued if the new fare is lower.
- Economy Classic, Economy Flex, Premium Economy, Business Flex, and First Class fares have no change fees, but fare differences apply.
- Name corrections incur a fee after ticket issuance, except for minor spelling errors or legal name changes with documentation.
- Service fees may apply for changes made via contact center or ticket offices, charged per passenger per transaction.
- Changes due to exceptional circumstances, such as illness or death of a family member, may have fees waived with supporting documentation like a medical or death certificate.
How to Change a Flight
Passengers can modify their bookings through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the “Manage Booking” section on the Lufthansa website or app, enter the booking code and last name, select new flight details, and pay any fees or fare differences. Not available for all fare types or complex bookings.
- Customer Service: Contact the Lufthansa Contact Center for assistance, especially for same-day changes, destination changes, or bookings not eligible for online modification. A service fee may apply.
- In-Person: Visit a Lufthansa ticket office or airport counter to process changes, subject to availability and fees.
- Travel Agency: If booked through a third party, contact the agency to manage changes, which may involve additional fees.
Flight Disruptions
- For cancellations or significant schedule changes, Lufthansa will automatically rebook passengers on the next available flight at no cost or offer a refund or voucher valid for one year. Notifications are sent via email or SMS if contact details are provided.
- Compensation may be provided under EU regulations for flights within or departing from the EU, unless disruptions are due to extraordinary circumstances like weather or air traffic control issues.
- For U.S. flights, passengers are entitled to refunds for significant delays or cancellations under U.S. DOT regulations.
Additional Notes
- Passengers should review fare rules in the “Manage Booking” section or booking confirmation to understand change restrictions and costs.
- Changes to bookings with additional services (e.g., baggage, seats, meals) may require re-selection, as services may not transfer to the new flight.
- Travel credits or vouchers issued for changes are valid for one year, non-transferable, and applicable only to Lufthansa Group flights (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss).
- Miles & More award tickets may incur fees or mileage adjustments for changes, with exemptions for certain membership tiers.
