1_8338451858 Is Lufthansa compensation for cancellation of flights?| DIRECT CALL|

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Yes, Lufthansa does offer compensation for the cancellation of flights, 1_8338451858 

but whether a passenger is eligible and how much they may receive depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the cancellation. The foundation of Lufthansa’s compensation policy for flight cancellations is EU Regulation 261/2004, a passenger protection law that applies to all flights departing from a European Union (EU) airport or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline, including Lufthansa. This regulation mandates that travelers are entitled to both assistance and financial compensation under certain conditions when their flights are canceled, significantly delayed, or they are denied boarding due to overbooking.

 

If Lufthansa cancels a flight and fails to provide adequate notice, passengers may be eligible for compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per person, depending on the flight distance. According to EU 261, compensation is due if the airline cancels the flight less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, and if the cancellation was within the airline’s control (i.e., not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather, political instability, or air traffic control strikes). Specifically, for short-haul flights under 1,500 kilometers, passengers are entitled to €250. For medium-haul flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, compensation increases to €400. For long-haul flights over 3,500 kilometers, travelers may receive up to €600.

 

However, Lufthansa can avoid paying compensation if they notify the passenger of the cancellation more than 14 days in advance, or if they offer a rerouted flight that departs and arrives within a close time frame of the original schedule. For example, if your replacement flight departs no more than two hours earlier or arrives no more than four hours later than the original, the airline may be exempt from paying compensation. Still, Lufthansa is always obligated to offer a choice between rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost or a full refund of the unused portion of the ticket, regardless of whether the cancellation was the airline’s fault or not.

 

In addition to compensation, Lufthansa must provide assistance at the airport in the event of a last-minute cancellation. This includes access to meals and refreshments, free hotel accommodation for overnight delays, and transportation between the airport and hotel if required. They must also offer two free telephone calls or emails to help you inform loved ones or employers. These benefits are intended to minimize inconvenience and are mandatory under EU law when travelers face long delays or cancellations.

 

In situations where a flight is canceled due to extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, bird strikes, or air traffic control issues, Lufthansa is not required to pay financial compensation, although the airline must still provide care and assistance. This legal distinction often causes confusion among passengers, especially when the cause of the cancellation is unclear. Lufthansa typically communicates the reason for cancellations, but if a passenger believes the justification is inadequate or unfair, they have the right to file a claim or escalate the matter to a national enforcement body or court.

 

Lufthansa provides a straightforward process for passengers seeking compensation. You can file a claim directly through the Lufthansa website under their “Feedback and Claims” section, where you’ll be asked to input your booking details and reason for the request. If you believe you qualify under EU 261, it's important to reference the regulation explicitly in your claim, and to attach any supporting documentation such as boarding passes, cancellation notices, or expense receipts. Lufthansa generally responds within a few weeks, but during periods of high volume, such as during strikes or operational issues, response times may be longer.

 

For passengers who are unsatisfied with the outcome of their claim, there are other options. They may reach out to the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), Germany’s civil aviation authority, which handles passenger rights complaints. Additionally, passengers can use alternative dispute resolution services or pursue legal action through small claims court. There are also third-party services and legal firms that specialize in flight compensation claims under EU 261. These companies often operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, taking a percentage of the compensation if they are successful.1_8338451858 

 

It is also worth noting that Lufthansa’s compensation obligations differ when the flight is booked via a codeshare agreement with another carrier. In such cases, responsibility for compensation depends on which airline operated the flight, not which one issued the ticket. So, if you booked through Lufthansa but the flight was operated by United Airlines, EU 261 may not apply unless the flight departed from within the EU.

 

In addition to EU protections, Lufthansa passengers on flights departing from the United States may benefit from separate rules enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). While the U.S. does not mandate compensation for delayed or canceled flights unless passengers are involuntarily bumped, it does require prompt refunds for cancellations made by the airline. So, if Lufthansa cancels your flight to or from the U.S., you are entitled to a full refund even if you purchased a non-refundable fare if you choose not to travel on the rebooked flight. This applies regardless of the cause of the cancellation.

 

When filing a claim for compensation, travelers are encouraged to act quickly. While EU 261 doesn’t specify a strict deadline, individual countries impose statutes of limitation—in Germany, for instance, passengers generally have up to three years to submit a claim. It's also advised to keep detailed records of your flight status, ticket confirmation, communication with the airline, and any expenses incurred due to the cancellation.

 

In summary, Lufthansa’s compensation policy for canceled flights is largely governed by EU Regulation 261/2004, which provides comprehensive rights to travelers. If Lufthansa cancels a flight within 14 days of departure and the reason was within their control, passengers are typically entitled to financial compensation of up to €600, along with care and rebooking options. However, if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, compensation may not be available, though support services must still be provided. The process to claim compensation is accessible through Lufthansa’s website, and travelers also have the right to escalate unresolved disputes through legal or regulatory channels. By understanding these rules and acting promptly, passengers can protect their rights and minimize the inconvenience caused by flight cancellations.