Lufthansa offers a cancellation policy that aims to be flexible while also depending on the type of ticket purchased. The rules for cancellations and refunds vary based on fare class, route, and time of cancellation. Passengers are encouraged to understand the specific fare conditions associated with their booking to know exactly what their options are.

One of the most customer-friendly aspects of Lufthansa’s cancellation policy is the 24-hour grace period. If you book your ticket directly with Lufthansa and cancel it within 24 hours, and if your flight is more than seven days away, you are eligible for a full refund. This applies to nearly all ticket types and provides passengers a short window to change their minds without penalty.

After this 24-hour window, the cancellation terms depend entirely on the fare class. Lufthansa’s Economy Light and Basic fares are usually non-refundable, meaning if you cancel your trip, you won’t receive a refund for the ticket price. However, you may still be eligible for a refund of unused government taxes and airport fees. These refunds can typically be requested through Lufthansa’s online portal.

On the other hand, more flexible fare types such as Economy Flex, Premium Economy Flex, Business Flex, and First Flex usually allow cancellations without a penalty and offer full refunds. These tickets are more expensive but come with the benefit of flexibility. Other fare types like Basic Plus or Business Basic Plus may allow cancellations but charge a fee that can vary depending on the route and travel class. Fees can range from approximately $200 to $500 per passenger.

Passengers who booked flights using Lufthansa’s frequent flyer miles—such as through the Miles & More program—are also allowed to cancel, but they must pay a processing fee, generally around €50. The miles are then credited back to the passenger’s account, and any taxes paid can usually be refunded after the fee is deducted.

If Lufthansa cancels the flight or makes significant changes to the schedule, passengers have the right to receive a full refund regardless of the fare type. Additionally, under European Union regulations, if a flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure or is significantly delayed, passengers may also be eligible for compensation, unless the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances.

To cancel a flight, passengers can log into the “My Bookings” section on Lufthansa’s website or mobile app. After entering their last name and booking code, they can view their trip and use the cancellation option if it’s available for their ticket. If the booking was made through a travel agent or third-party website, passengers will need to contact that party directly to process any changes or refunds.

In special cases, such as a medical emergency or death in the family, Lufthansa may offer an exception and allow refunds for non-refundable fares if proper documentation is provided.

In conclusion, Lufthansa’s cancellation policy offers a mix of flexibility and restrictions based on the ticket type. Understanding the fare rules before booking is essential to avoid unwanted costs.