Lufthansa provides compensation for flight cancellations under certain conditions, especially those outlined by European Union Regulation EC 261/2004. This regulation applies to all flights departing from any EU airport and also to flights arriving in the EU if operated by an EU-based airline like Lufthansa. According to this rule, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is canceled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure and if the cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary circumstances refer to situations beyond the airline's control, such as extreme weather, natural disasters, political instability, air traffic control strikes, or security risks. If the cancellation was caused by something within the airline's control, like operational or technical issues, passengers are likely eligible for compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight. For flights up to 1,500 kilometers, passengers are entitled to €250. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation is €400. For flights over 3,500 kilometers, passengers can receive up to €600. However, if Lufthansa offers an alternative flight that allows passengers to reach their destination with only a short delay—two hours for short flights, three hours for medium-haul flights, or four hours for long-haul flights—the compensation can be reduced by 50%. In addition to monetary compensation, Lufthansa is required to offer passengers assistance when a flight is canceled. This includes meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time, hotel accommodation when an overnight stay is necessary, transportation between the airport and the hotel, and two free telephone calls or emails. If the cancellation results in a delay of at least five hours, passengers have the right to cancel their journey and request a full refund for the unused portion of the ticket and, if applicable, for the part of the journey already made if the flight no longer serves its original purpose. If the cancellation is communicated more than 14 days before departure, Lufthansa is not required to pay financial compensation, but passengers are still entitled to a refund or an alternative flight. When making a claim for compensation, passengers should provide their booking reference, personal details, flight information, and any relevant documents, such as boarding passes or confirmation emails. Claims can be submitted directly through Lufthansa’s customer service channels. It’s recommended to keep a copy of all documents and communications for records. Sometimes, claims may take time to be processed, especially if the airline needs to investigate the cause of the cancellation. If Lufthansa rejects a claim, passengers have the right to escalate the issue to a national enforcement body or seek help from alternative dispute resolution bodies. In summary, Lufthansa does offer compensation for canceled flights if the conditions meet EU regulations, especially when the cancellation is the airline’s responsibility and passengers were not informed in time. Understanding these rights is crucial for travelers to ensure they receive what they are legally entitled to in the event of a flight disruption.