Lufthansa refund for cancellation.
Are you eligible to it? If so, what are the applicable rules?
The rules that apply are outlined in European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which sets out what airlines must do and what your rights are as a passenger. This regulation details the steps that European airlines must follow when cancelling a flight, as well as your entitlements in such situations.
Lufthansa Refund For Cancellation
There are two possible scenarios.
So, let’s start with a question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s due to the fault of Lufthansa).
It is considered a last-minute flight cancellation.
Lufthansa provides two options if they cancel your flight no more than 14 days before you travel: a full refund or a new booking to your intended destination. You have the freedom to choose which option you prefer. If it was Lufthansa’s error, you may qualify for flight cancellation compensation as well.
Both the refund and compensation will be sent to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Read more: Lufthansa flight cancellation compensation
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight to your destination.
If your trip is cancelled more than 14 days prior to departure, you are not entitled to compensation. Nonetheless, you still have the option to receive a refund in place of the flight. Lufthansa is obligated to offer you the choice between a new flight or a refund, and you have the right to choose the option that is most suitable for you.
You should receive your Lufthansa refund within 7 days.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
You will be taken care of.
If your flight is cancelled and you miss your connecting flight, Lufthansa will book you on a new flight to your destination for free. What about compensation? Similar rules apply as with delayed flights. You should check how much later you will arrive at your destination compared to the original arrival time. If it’s 2 or more hours, you might be entitled to compensation.
See our guide to Lufthansa missed connection compensation.
Lufthansa Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
1. If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
If you are flying with Lufthansa, and it’s a flight from or to Europe, then yes.
You can choose to get a refund instead of rebooking. But you can’t have both.
However, if Lufthansa cancels your flight less than 14 days before the trip and it’s their fault, you might be eligible for both a refund (or new flight) and Lufthansa flight cancellation compensation.
2. Lufthansa Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if Lufthansa is offering you a voucher instead of compensation?
If Lufthansa offers you a voucher instead of monetary compensation, you can decline and request money instead. It is important to note that European Union regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004) require airlines to provide compensation and refunds in cash or via bank transfer.
Have you already been given a voucher?
Ask Lufthansa to exchange travel voucher to cash.
3. Lufthansa Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
If Lufthansa is denying you a refund, don’t lose hope.
Remember that you have the right to ask for one. You can mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Articles 5 and 8, which require airlines to refund passengers in certain circumstances. If Lufthansa still doesn’t cooperate, contact the national enforcement body in the country where your flight started for further help.
4. Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
Yes, there are cases where you can receive both.
If Lufthansa cancels your flight less than 14 days prior to departure because of their mistake, you are eligible for a complete refund as well as compensation from Lufthansa. Note that the refund and compensation must be transferred to your bank account and not provided in the form of vouchers.
If you have already received a voucher or coupon from Lufthansa, you can exchange it for a cash refund by contacting Lufthansa.
In all situations you also have a right to care.
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.