Lufthansa Flight Downgrade Compensation

Lufthansa flight downgrade compensation.

Do you qualify for it? What amount can you demand? What are the regulations?

Imagine you book a first-class seat, but at the airport, you find out that you’ll be travelling in business class or even economy. Or let’s say you book a business class ticket, but later you’re told to fly in economy instead. There are specific guidelines for situations like these. And yes, you can receive compensation from Lufthansa. This applies to all Lufthansa flights to and from Europe.

Airline downgrade compensation should be offered to you right on the spot.

1. Lufthansa Flight Downgrade Compensation

In the EU, passenger rights in the air industry are strictly controlled.

• If your flight gets delayed, you are eligible for flight delay compensation.
• If it’s cancelled – flight cancellation compensation.
• If you are denied boarding – denied boarding compensation.

But what about Lufthansa flight downgrade compensation?

If you are downgraded, you can claim airline downgrade compensation. This compensation ranges from 30 to 75% of the ticket price. The amount depends on the distance of your flight. Importantly, this compensation does not affect your Lufthansa baggage allowance. If you are downgraded on a Lufthansa flight, your baggage allowance stays the same.

This applies to all Lufthansa flights to and from Europe.

With non-EU airlines, it applies only to flights departing from Europe.

All of this is made possible by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

2. How to Claim Lufthansa Flight Downgrade Compensation?

Flight downgrade compensation should be paid on the spot.

So, under regular circumstances, you should not have to take any action.

If that hasn’t happened, ensure you contact Lufthansa and file a claim. Otherwise, if you don’t make a claim, Lufthansa will not pay anything. Be aware that this compensation should be sent to your bank account. You don’t have to accept any coupons or vouchers. In case of any problems, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

3. How Much Can You Claim for a Flight Downgrade?

How much is Lufthansa flight downgrade compensation?

The compensation quantities are defined by the EU.

Here is how to figure out your Lufthansa compensation:

• 30%, if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres,
• 50%, if the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
• 75%, if the distance of your flight is more than 3500 kilometers.

These percentages are the price you paid for your flight.

4. What About Free Upgrades?

Let’s imagine all the seats in economy are occupied, and you’re offered a place in business class. That’s acceptable, but remember, the airline cannot ask for any additional payment for this upgrade.

It’s just an involuntary Lufthansa upgrade.

EU and Non-EU Airlines

What if you are travelling with airlines such as Emirates or Etihad, rather than Lufthansa?

Under these circumstances, EU regulations are only applicable to flights leaving Europe.

If you are flying with a non-EU airline such as Etihad Airways or Emirates, these rules only apply to their flights from Europe, not the other way around. In other situations, you would need to follow the local laws of the country you are flying from and the airline’s policies on downgrades.

For European airlines like Lufthansa, these rules apply to all commercial flights to and from Europe.

First Class vs. Business Class

Air travel presents clear distinctions between First Class and Business Class, both in regards to pricing and the spectrum of services offered. Nevertheless, the quality of service in both classes is significantly superior when compared to the Economy class.

First Class

First Class is widely considered the standard of comfort provided by airlines.

It includes a fully reclining seat, gourmet meals, a variety of beverages, and personalized service. You also get access to private lounges and priority boarding at the airport. Some airlines even provide private cabins for first-class passengers, ensuring privacy and luxury.

Business Class

Business Class is a step up from Economy, offering more spacious and comfortable seats.

While they may not always recline into a fully flat bed, they still provide a higher level of comfort. The meals are of high quality, and there’s a good selection of drinks. Business Class passengers enjoy airport lounge access and priority boarding.

However, it’s important to note that the level of privacy and personalized attention may not be as pronounced as in First Class.

Frequently Asked Questions

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

What is your experience with Lufthansa downgrades? Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been downgraded on a Lufthansa flight from Business to Economy?