+1-833-845-1858 Is Lufthansa compensation for cancellation of flights?

+1-833-845-1858 Is Lufthansa compensation for cancellation of flights?

Yes, Lufthansa does offer compensation for flight cancellations, but it depends on the circumstances and the reason for the cancellation. According to European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to compensation if their Lufthansa flight is cancelled without sufficient notice and the cancellation is within the airline’s control. If Lufthansa cancels a flight less than 14 days before the scheduled departure and it is not due to extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, political unrest, air traffic control strikes, or other situations beyond the airline’s control, passengers could be eligible for financial compensation. The compensation amount is based on the distance of the flight. For flights of 1,500 kilometers or less, compensation is typically €250. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, passengers may receive €400. For flights over 3,500 kilometers, the compensation can be as high as €600. However, if Lufthansa offers an alternative flight that allows passengers to reach their final destination with a delay of only a few hours, the compensation amount may be reduced by 50%. In addition to financial compensation, Lufthansa also has obligations to care for passengers affected by cancellations. This includes providing meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time, hotel accommodation when an overnight stay becomes necessary, and transportation between the airport and the place of accommodation. Passengers also have the right to choose between a full refund of the unused portion of the ticket or rerouting to their final destination at the earliest opportunity or at a later date of their choosing, subject to seat availability. It's important to note that Lufthansa will not offer compensation if the flight was cancelled due to reasons that are classified as extraordinary and unavoidable. These include natural disasters, security threats, medical emergencies, or any kind of force majeure that makes it unsafe or impossible to operate the flight. Furthermore, if passengers are informed of the cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled departure, they are not entitled to compensation. To claim compensation, passengers can contact Lufthansa customer service or submit a claim form through the Lufthansa website. In some cases, third-party services and legal firms can assist with the claim process, although they may charge a fee or take a percentage of the compensation. Lufthansa typically reviews claims and, if valid, processes compensation within a few weeks, although timelines can vary. Passengers should keep copies of all travel documents, such as boarding passes and receipts, and note the exact details of the delay or cancellation, as this information will be required during the claim process. In summary, Lufthansa does provide compensation for cancelled flights under certain conditions, especially when the cancellation was within the airline's control and not communicated well in advance. Passengers have legal rights under EU law, and Lufthansa is generally required to fulfill these obligations to ensure travelers are not unfairly affected by changes to their flight schedules.