Lufthansa’s cancellation policy is designed to accommodate different types of tickets and travel situations. The rules for canceling a flight depend on the fare class you choose when booking. If you purchase a fully refundable fare, you can cancel your flight before departure and receive a full refund without paying a cancellation fee. However, if you buy a non-refundable fare, such as an Economy Light ticket, you may not get a refund for the ticket price, though certain taxes and airport fees might still be refunded.
Lufthansa follows a 24-hour cancellation rule that allows passengers to cancel a booking within 24 hours of purchase without a cancellation fee, as long as the departure is at least seven days away. This applies to most types of tickets and gives passengers time to adjust their plans without a penalty. After this 24-hour window, the amount you can get back depends on your fare type. Flexible fares, like Economy Flex or Business Flex, offer more generous refund and change options, while cheaper fares often come with restrictions.
Passengers who need to cancel due to special reasons like illness or the death of a close family member may request a refund by providing proper documents such as a medical certificate or death certificate. These situations are usually handled with more flexibility, especially if they are sudden and unavoidable. In such cases, Lufthansa reviews each request individually.
If Lufthansa cancels your flight or there is a significant schedule change, you have the right to a full refund or a free rebooking. The airline also follows EU regulations, so if your flight is from or to a country in the European Union, and it gets canceled or delayed for several hours, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the reason for the disruption. These rules apply even if your ticket was non-refundable.
For changes or cancellations, passengers can manage their bookings online through Lufthansa’s website or app. If the ticket was bought through a travel agency or another platform, you need to contact them directly to cancel or request a refund. Refunds usually go back to the original form of payment and can take some time to process.
Lufthansa also allows rebooking in many cases, depending on your fare conditions. Some tickets let you change your flight date for free or for a small fee, while others may charge a higher change fee. During special situations, like global disruptions or travel bans, Lufthansa may offer more flexible policies to help travelers adjust their plans.
Overall, Lufthansa’s cancellation policy offers both flexible and non-flexible options depending on the ticket type. Reading the specific fare conditions before booking is important so you know your rights and options in case you need to cancel. This helps ensure a smoother experience if your travel plans change unexpectedly.