Yes, Lufthansa does offer compensation for flight cancellations, but whether a passenger is eligible depends on the reason for the cancellation and the specific circumstances. Compensation is largely governed by European Union regulation EU 261/2004, which applies to all flights departing from an EU country or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline like Lufthansa. According to this regulation, if Lufthansa cancels your flight less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, you may be entitled to financial compensation, unless the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as extreme weather, political instability, security risks, or air traffic control strikes. If the cancellation is within Lufthansa’s control, such as technical issues or operational problems, passengers may receive compensation in addition to the choice between a full refund or rebooking on a different flight. The compensation amount depends on the flight distance. For short-haul flights up to 1,500 kilometers, compensation is usually €250 per passenger. For medium-haul flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, it is €400, and for long-haul flights over 3,500 kilometers, compensation can be €600. However, these amounts may be reduced by 50% if the airline rebooks the passenger and the new flight arrives within a certain time window compared to the original schedule. Lufthansa also offers care and assistance during disruptions. If your flight is canceled and you are stuck at the airport, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodations if an overnight stay is needed. They are also responsible for arranging transportation between the airport and hotel. In addition, Lufthansa must give passengers access to communication, such as phone calls or emails. If a passenger chooses not to travel due to the cancellation, they are entitled to a full refund of the unused portion of the ticket. If a connecting flight is part of the journey, and the cancellation affects reaching the final destination, passengers can also claim a return flight to the original point of departure. It’s important to note that Lufthansa must inform passengers of cancellations promptly. If they notify passengers more than 14 days in advance, no compensation is required under EU law. Also, if Lufthansa offers an alternative flight that departs and arrives at times similar to the original flight, compensation might not apply. To claim compensation, passengers can submit a request through Lufthansa’s website or contact customer service. They may be asked to provide details such as booking reference, flight number, and reason for the claim. Some cases might take time to resolve, especially if the cause of the cancellation is disputed. In summary, Lufthansa does offer compensation for flight cancellations under EU regulations, but eligibility depends on the timing of the cancellation, the cause, and whether the airline provided an acceptable alternative. Passengers affected by last-minute cancellations due to reasons within Lufthansa’s control have clear rights to compensation and assistance, making it important to understand these policies when facing flight disruptions.