Lufthansa does provide compensation for cancelled flights under certain conditions, primarily governed by European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, which protects passengers traveling within, to, or from the EU. If your Lufthansa flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the timing and reason for the cancellation. If Lufthansa cancels your flight less than 14 days before the scheduled departure and the cancellation is due to reasons within the airline’s control—such as operational issues or staffing problems—you are generally eligible for financial compensation. The amount depends on the flight distance: for flights up to 1,500 kilometers, passengers can claim €250; for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, €400; and for longer flights over 3,500 kilometers, the compensation is typically €600. However, if Lufthansa offers you an alternative flight that allows you to reach your destination with only a minor delay—specifically arriving less than two, three, or four hours later depending on the flight distance—the compensation amount may be reduced by 50%. Beyond financial compensation, Lufthansa is obligated to provide assistance to affected passengers. This includes offering meals and refreshments relative to the waiting time, arranging hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary, and providing transport between the airport and hotel. Passengers also have the right to choose between a full refund of the unused ticket portion or rerouting to their final destination at the earliest opportunity or at a later date that suits their schedule, depending on seat availability. It’s important to understand that Lufthansa is not required to pay compensation if the flight cancellation results from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. These include extreme weather events, natural disasters, political unrest, security threats, air traffic control strikes, or any other force majeure event that makes operating the flight unsafe or impossible. Additionally, if passengers receive notification of the cancellation at least 14 days before the flight’s scheduled departure, they are not eligible for compensation. The airline must still offer assistance and options for refund or rebooking but is exempt from paying compensation. To claim compensation, passengers can submit a request directly through Lufthansa’s customer service or online claim forms. Many travelers also turn to third-party claim companies or legal services that specialize in flight compensation, though these services usually charge fees or take a percentage of any awarded compensation. It is recommended that passengers keep all relevant documentation, such as boarding passes, booking confirmations, and communication from the airline about the cancellation, as these will support any claim. Refunds and compensation payments generally take a few weeks to process but can sometimes take longer depending on the volume of claims and individual circumstances. In summary, Lufthansa does compensate passengers for cancelled flights if the cancellation occurs within 14 days of departure and is caused by factors within the airline’s control. Passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to financial compensation, assistance during delays, and the right to rebooking or refunds. However, cancellations due to extraordinary events or those notified well in advance are not subject to compensation, though other passenger rights still apply. Understanding these rules can help travelers know when they qualify for compensation and how to proceed with claims.