Lufthansa has a structured cancellation policy that depends on the type of ticket you purchase. The flexibility of cancellation and the refund amount you can receive are mainly determined by the fare class. There are generally three types of fares: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Within each class, there are different fare options such as Basic, Flex, and Saver. Flex fares typically allow for free cancellation and full refunds, while Basic or Saver fares may not be refundable or may come with high cancellation fees.

One key feature of Lufthansa’s policy is the 24-hour cancellation rule. If you book a flight and then change your mind, you are allowed to cancel the reservation within 24 hours of booking without any penalty, as long as the booking was made at least seven days before the scheduled departure. This rule applies to all types of fares, offering passengers a short window for risk-free cancellation.

If you cancel after 24 hours, your eligibility for a refund depends on your fare conditions. Refundable tickets will let you cancel at any time before departure and receive your money back, either in full or with a small service charge. Non-refundable tickets, however, often return only the taxes and fees, while the base fare is forfeited. In some cases, you can request a voucher instead of a refund, which can be used for future travel within a certain timeframe.

In cases where Lufthansa cancels the flight, such as for weather disruptions or operational reasons, passengers are usually entitled to a full refund or can opt for a rebooking. European Union regulations also provide rights to compensation if the cancellation is sudden and not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

During unexpected global events, Lufthansa has provided more flexible policies. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, passengers were often allowed to rebook flights without paying change fees, and some were given travel vouchers even when their fare class was not normally refundable.

The process of canceling a flight can be done online through Lufthansa’s official website, through their mobile app, or by contacting customer service. If you booked the ticket through a travel agency or third-party website, you must contact them directly for cancellation. Lufthansa cannot process cancellations or refunds for bookings made outside their system.

Refund processing times can vary. Credit card payments may be refunded faster, while other methods may take longer. Passengers can check their refund status online. Lufthansa usually sends confirmation emails once the refund has been processed.

If your ticket is non-refundable but you have travel insurance, you might be able to recover the costs depending on the policy coverage. Always check your insurance terms before filing a claim.

Understanding the conditions of your specific fare is essential before canceling a Lufthansa flight. Not all tickets have the same rules, so checking the fare details at the time of booking or before canceling is always recommended to avoid unexpected charges or losses.