Lufthansa provides compensation for cancelled flights in certain situations, especially when the cancellation is within the airline’s control. According to European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled and you were informed less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The amount of compensation is based on the distance of your flight. For short flights under 1,500 kilometers, passengers can receive €250. For medium-distance flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation is €400, and for long-haul flights over 3,500 kilometers, the amount can be up to €600. However, Lufthansa is not required to pay compensation if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as bad weather, natural disasters, or airport strikes. Even if compensation is not granted, Lufthansa still has an obligation to assist passengers. This includes offering a choice between a full refund or an alternative flight to the same destination. If the cancellation causes a long wait, Lufthansa must provide free meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation when necessary, as well as transportation to and from the hotel. Passengers should keep all documents, including boarding passes and booking confirmations, to help with compensation or refund requests. Claims can be submitted online through Lufthansa’s official website or by contacting customer support. If Lufthansa provides a replacement flight that arrives close to the original arrival time, the compensation might be reduced by 50 percent. For example, if the new flight arrives within two hours for short-haul or within four hours for long-haul, the total amount paid out may be lower. Lufthansa typically processes valid claims within a few weeks, but some cases may take longer depending on the situation. If a claim is denied and the passenger disagrees, they can appeal through national enforcement bodies or seek help from a legal support service. Lufthansa also sometimes offers travel vouchers instead of cash payments, but this is optional and must be accepted by the passenger. It’s important to remember that passengers who booked their tickets through a travel agency should contact the agency first for cancellations or changes. In summary, Lufthansa does offer compensation for cancelled flights under EU rules, except when the reason is outside of their control. Passengers are also entitled to care and support, even when financial compensation is not available. Knowing your rights can help you take the correct steps if your Lufthansa flight is cancelled.