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Lufthansa Strike Compensation

Lufthansa strike compensation in the EU.

Are you eligible to it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?

Many passengers are unaware that strikes are not always considered as extraordinary circumstances. If the Lufthansa staff (and not airport staff) goes on strike, resulting in flight delays or cancellations, passengers may be eligible for flight compensation from Lufthansa. This applies to all qualifying flights and passengers. Additionally, passengers are entitled to receive care.

You can claim this compensation yourself or work with a flight compensation company.

1. Lufthansa Strike Compensation

The requirements for receiving Lufthansa strike compensation are straightforward.

The flight must have been delayed or cancelled altogether:

  • The flight delay must be a at least of 3 hours, measured from the moment the airplane doors are opened at the destination, allowing passengers to deplane. If the delay is 3 or more hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, passengers may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
  • The flight cancellation must be last-minute. That includes all Lufthansa flights cancelled up to 14 days before departure date. In all of these situations, you may be entitled to Lufthansa flight cancellation compensation (not only Lufthansa refund for cancellation).

Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?

If your Lufthansa flight is delayed or cancelled, and you think you might miss a connecting flight, check out our guide on Lufthansa missed connection compensation. The rules for compensation are the same as for flight delays. You’ll need to see how much later you reached your destination compared to your original arrival time.

Lufthansa will provide a free new flight to help you reach your destination.

In essence, it’s not a specific compensation for Lufthansa strikes (such compensations don’t exist in Europe), but rather compensation for delays or cancellations.

These rules apply to all Lufthansa flights to, within, and from Europe.

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.

1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances

Keep in mind that airline staff strikes aren’t extraordinary circumstances.

Just like technical issues and staffing shortages aren’t extraordinary circumstances.

However, airlines may still excuse a delay or cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance when it is not. It is best to directly contact the airline for clarification in the case of a flight delay or cancellation.

Airlines may claim that a flight delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, even if it was not, in order to avoid paying compensation. This is because airlines prefer extraordinary circumstances as it relieves them of the obligation to pay. Therefore, it is advisable to verify the information provided by the airline before accepting it. It is recommended to double-check all information regarding flight compensation and refunds.

1.2 Right to Care

Whenever you have to wait longer than planned, you have a right to care.

This entitles you to certain free services. For example, if you wait at the airport for three or more hours, you might qualify for a free meal and drink. Additionally, if the delay extends more than three hours during nighttime, you could be eligible for free accommodation and airport transfers.

According to the law, Lufthansa must offer food and drinks to passengers based on how long they have to wait. If you haven’t received any help, please speak to Lufthansa employees at the airport.

Entering hotel room
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

2. How to Claim Lufthansa Strike Compensation?

You can file for EU flight compensation in two ways.

To claim compensation for a Lufthansa strike yourself, you can contact Lufthansa directly by visiting their website and requesting compensation through their customer support team. However, it’s important to note that the process may take several months and you may need to negotiate to reach a satisfactory outcome.

You can also take the easiest path — legal representation.

If you don’t want to go through any troubles, you can choose to get legal help to solve your problem. There are companies in Europe that specialise in compensation for flight-related issues and they can take care of everything for you. You just need to fill out one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners offer such services.

When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:

Go to
this page

Fill in a claim form

Upload documents*

Sign online

And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.

* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.

Read more: How to Claim Lufthansa Compensation?

2.1 How Long Does It Take?

What is the expected timeline for receiving compensation?

The process typically takes at least 2-3 months. In recent times, there have been more instances where the process takes longer, particularly if you file a claim on your own and the airline chooses to ignore your claim.

It’s not a fast process, so don’t be surprised if it takes time.

Euro banknotes
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

3. How Much Can You Claim?

The compensation amounts are fixed and range from €250 to €600.

These amounts are regulated by the EU regulations.

Here is how you can calculate the amount of your Lufthansa compensation:

When your destination is within the EU/UK:

€250

If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km

€400

If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km

When your destination is outside the EU/UK:

€250

If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km

€400

If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km

€600

If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km

3.1 Lufthansa Voucher Refund or Cash?

Many airlines offer vouchers instead of compensation.

This is a common practice among airlines, as it is cheaper for them than providing cash refunds and compensation. However, you have the right to decline the voucher and request a cash or bank transfer refund instead. Because airline compensation and refunds should be given in cash or bank transfer, and it is important to always ask for it to be provided this way. It is the law in the EU.

Lufthansa Strike Compensation: FAQ

What if my flight was very cheap. Can I get compensation?

Yes.

All long as you are entitled to compensation, you can get it.

If your flight was heavily delayed, cancelled last minute, or you have been denied boarding involuntarily, you can  can get compensation. The price of the ticket doesn’t matter. Remember — you are paid for the inconvenience. 

What about travel insurance? Do I need to have it if I want to claim compensation?

No.

You can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance. According to Regulation EC 261/2004, every passenger whose flight has been disrupted due to the airline’s fault, can get compensated.

Yes, even if they don’t have travel insurance.

Can my child/baby get compensation from Lufthansa?

Yes.

The age does’t matter. Even your baby (with a special infant ticket) can get the same amount as you. 

Can I claim compensation for my friend or family member?

Yes, you can.

Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.

You can file a compensation for your friend, family member, relative or an acquaintance, as long as they provide you with a boarding pass and passport copy. They will also have to sign any documents Lufthansa may ask to sign.

How far back can I claim compensation?

It depends on the laws of the country.

If you are flying from the EU, you can claim compensation even for old flights, flights that were 2-3 years ago. However, for the best results, we would recommend you not to wait and claim compensation right after your trip. 

What to do if Lufthansa is refusing my compensation claim?

Is Lufthansa is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it?

Contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help solve your case. There are national enforcement bodies in all EU countries. If your flight departed from a third country, contact the NEB of your destination country. If you don’t want any more hassle, you can choose to work with a flight compensation company. Hand your case over to them. They will claim compensation Lufthansa owes you.

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?

If you’re flying with Lufthansa then yes.

Lufthansa is a EU airline. According to the EU flight compensation regulations, you are protected on all Lufthansa flights from and also to the EU, UK and EEA. Basically, you are protected on all their flights.

I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?

With Lufthansa you can.

I am not a citizen of the EU. Can I get compensation?

Yes. Absolutely. 

The EU Regulation 261/2004 protect all passengers — tourists from overseas and Europeans alike. These laws protect everyone.

Other Situations

Lufthansa provided me with a free hotel room and a free flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for my disrupted flight?

Yes. 

You are entitled to both right to care and a new flight to your destination. 

In Europe, passengers have a right to receive care from the airline no matter the reason for delay or cancellation. And if you’re eligible for compensation, receiving care doesn’t affect your chances of receiving this compensation. 

Lufthansa took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?

You might.

If you arrived 3+ hours later than scheduled, and the delay/cancellation was due to the fault of the airline, you can get compensation. Even if you were given a new ticket to your destination, and received a free hotel stay, you are still entitled to compensation. 

Have you ever had an experience with Lufthansa strike compensation or refund? Did Lufthansa pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about Lufthansa compensation policies? Ask in the comments.

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