Lufthansa’s cancellation policy depends on the type of ticket you purchase. If you cancel your booking within 24 hours of purchase and the flight is at least seven days away, you are eligible for a full refund, regardless of the fare type. This 24-hour grace period applies to bookings made directly through Lufthansa's website or customer service.
Beyond the 24-hour window, cancellation terms vary by fare class. Generally, Economy Basic and Economy Saver fares are non-refundable. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you may only receive a refund for unused taxes and fees. Higher-tier fares, such as Economy Flex, Premium Economy Flex, Business Flex, and First Flex, are usually fully refundable without any cancellation fees. Other fare types, like Economy Basic Plus or Premium Economy Basic Plus, may be refundable but usually involve a cancellation fee that can range from around $200 to $500, depending on the cabin class and route.
If you booked a flight using Lufthansa’s Miles & More program (award ticket), canceling the ticket will typically result in a service fee, often around €50. Refunds for these tickets are processed after the fee is deducted.
If Lufthansa cancels your flight or makes significant schedule changes, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of the fare type. You may also be eligible for additional compensation under passenger rights laws, especially for flights departing from the EU.
To cancel your flight, you can go to the Lufthansa website, log in under “My Bookings” using your last name and booking code, and follow the cancellation steps. Refunds are usually processed within 7 days for credit card purchases and can take longer for other payment methods.
For special circumstances, such as illness or bereavement, Lufthansa may allow cancellations or refunds even for non-refundable fares, provided valid documentation is submitted.
If your ticket was booked through a travel agency or third party, you must contact them directly to process cancellations or refunds.
In summary, Lufthansa offers a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy and more generous terms for higher fare classes. Non-refundable tickets have strict conditions, but Lufthansa makes exceptions when the airline initiates cancellations or under special circumstances.