Yes, Lufthansa compensates passengers for flight cancellations under European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, provided certain conditions are met. If your Lufthansa flight is cancelled and you were informed less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to compensation, unless the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as severe weather, political instability, or air traffic control strikes. The compensation amount depends on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay upon arrival at your final destination:
€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
However, if Lufthansa offers an alternative flight that arrives within a specific time frame after the original scheduled arrival, the compensation may be reduced by 50%. For instance, if the new arrival time is within two hours for short-haul flights, three hours for medium-haul flights, or four hours for long-haul flights, the compensation is halved.
In addition to financial compensation, passengers are entitled to certain rights under the regulation. Lufthansa must provide assistance, including meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if necessary, as well as transportation between the airport and the hotel. These rights apply even if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
To claim compensation, passengers can use Lufthansa's online compensation request form, providing flight details and any supporting documents. It's advisable to submit claims promptly, as there may be time limitations for filing.
It's important to note that compensation is not provided if passengers were informed of the cancellation well in advance, as specified by the regulation, or if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances.