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Lufthansa Vouchers: Refund Status & Exchange for Cash

This article will discuss Lufthansa vouchers.

What are Lufthansa voucher types? How to exchange a Lufthansa voucher to cash?

Airline vouchers are frequently given as compensation for flight disturbances, but they should not be mistaken for compensation. This piece will address the typical scenarios where Lufthansa vouchers are issued and clarify your entitlements in these situations. It’s important to note that accepting a voucher is frequently optional.

It’s crucial to understand that a voucher is not the same as flight compensation.

1. Lufthansa Vouchers

Vouchers are coupons with a predetermined value that can be utilized as payment.

Airlines often issue vouchers to their customers, and Lufthansa also offers vouchers to its passengers. There are two main types of Lufthansa vouchers: Lufthansa gift cards and flight compensation vouchers.

  • Lufthansa Gift Cards – regular travel gift cards that can be purchased from the airline’s website. These can be used to pay for flights that you are booking from Lufthansa. You can purchase such a gift card yourself.
  • Lufthansa compensation vouchers – vouchers that can be used in the same way as gift cards. The difference is that such vouchers are given by Lufthansa when there are problems with a flight (i.e., flight delay, cancellation, overbooking).

Receiving a gift card is pretty straightforward – someone gives it to you as a present. Or you have bought it yourself for your own use.

But what about flight compensation vouchers or vouchers that you receive as a refund for an unused flight? If you want to know more, keep reading.

2. Lufthansa Voucher as Refund/Compensation

What happened that you were given a voucher?

2.1 Your Flight Was Cancelled

If your flight is cancelled, you must be given a choice.

If Lufthansa cancels your flight, they are required to provide you with two options: a refund or an alternate flight to your final destination. The substitute flight can be with Lufthansa or a different airline and should be provided free of charge. In certain instances, you may also be eligible for compensation due to the flight cancellation.

Keep in mind that Lufthansa refund and compensation should be paid to your bank account. The airline may offer you a voucher, but you don’t have to accept it.

2.2 You Cancelled a Flight

If you, as a passenger, decide to cancel your flight, the rules are a bit different.

Lufthansa’s policy states that whether you are eligible for a refund or not largely depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.

If you have purchased a refundable ticket, then you can get your money back. In case of a non-refundable ticket, you might not be eligible for a complete refund. Instead, Lufthansa may provide a voucher that can be used for future travel with the airline.

However, it’s essential to review the specific terms and conditions related to your ticket to confirm your entitlements in the event of cancellation.

2.3 Your Flight Was Delayed

There are two most likely scenarios. 

Either it was due to the fault of Lufthansa, or it wasn’t the airline’s fault.

If Lufthansa is responsible for your flight delay, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation. It is essential to confirm your eligibility and demand no less than what you are entitled to.

The process and amount of flight compensation are governed by regulations established by the European Union. Compensation amounts typically range from 250 to 600 euros. However, Lufthansa may offer a voucher instead of compensation. First and foremost, it’s important to note that accepting a voucher is often optional. Secondly, if you do accept a voucher, make sure that its value matches what the law mandates.

If Lufthansa is not to blame for your flight delay, then a voucher cannot be exchanged for cash, assuming they have even issued you one. Since they are not responsible for the delay, they are not legally required to provide any form of compensation.

2.4 You Were Denied Boarding

In situations where the flight is overbooked, you and other passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding. As a passenger, you have the right to receive an alternate flight or a refund to your bank account. Moreover, you may also be eligible for compensation due to being denied boarding as a result of overbooking.

Just like with flight delays and cancellations, if the compensation is due you don’t have to accept a non-refundable voucher. You can request the funds to be sent to your bank account.

If you agree to give up your seat (voluntary denied boarding), you may be presented with various options such as cash, Lufthansa flight vouchers, or gift cards. It is essential to carefully review the terms of the offer, including whether it is refundable or non-refundable, its duration of validity, and any restrictions on its use.

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.

2.5 Other Situations

As always, pay attention to what you are offered.

If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s advisable to conduct your own research to determine if you’re being treated fairly. Our website covers various situations in which you may be entitled to compensation or a refund. It’s worth noting that in many cases, Lufthansa is obligated to provide a full refund/compensation instead of a voucher, even if they offer the latter as an option.

Here’s a summary of what you can get in every situation:

SituationEU flight compensationRefund
Flight delayed for 3+ hoursIf it’s due to the fault of Lufthansa, you are entitled to flight delay compensationNo
Flight delayed less than 3 hoursNoNo
Flight cancellation less than 2 weeks before the flightIf it’s due to the fault of Lufthansa, you are entitled to flight cancellation compensationChoice between a refund and new flight (You can choose either)
Flight cancellation more than 2 weeks before the flightNoChoice between a refund and new flight
You have cancelled a flightNoDepending on the ticket
Boarding denial (due to overbooking)You can get denied boarding compensationChoice between a refund and new flight
You have given up your seat (voluntary denied boarding)NoAs per agreement with Lufthansa

The type of compensation you may receive will depend on the specific situation, and could include a refund, compensation, or both. It’s important to note that any payment you are entitled to must be made in cash or transferred directly to your bank account, depending on the circumstances.

3. How to Exchange Lufthansa Voucher for Cash?

In the context of voucher exchange to cash, there are two situations to consider.

Firstly, if you possess a refundable voucher, you have the option to convert it into monetary value. By contacting the airline, you can inquire about the process and requirements for exchanging the voucher for cash.

Secondly, there may be cases where you are given a voucher instead of compensation or refund, despite regulations stating that you should be provided with monetary compensation. In this scenario as well, it is necessary to contact the airline to address the issue. By reaching out to them, you can express your concerns and request the proper compensation in cash instead of a voucher. It is important to assert your rights and ensure that you receive the appropriate reimbursement according to the law.

4. How to Request a Refund From Lufthansa?

To get a refund for your Lufthansa flight, apply for it through the “My Bookings” section by selecting “Flight Details”. Or you can also fill out this form on Lufthansa’s website. The refund amount will be transferred using the same payment method that you used while booking your ticket.

Depending on your ticket type and the circumstances surrounding your request, you may be eligible for a full refund of your ticket cost, any additional services purchased through Lufthansa, or compensation for a flight disruption owed to you by Lufthansa.

4.1 Demand a Lufthansa Refund (or Compensation), Not Voucher

In many situations you should have a choice.

Under the law, you have the right to refuse Lufthansa gift cards or vouchers as compensation or refund. It is because EU regulations require both refund and UK/EU flight compensation to be paid to your bank account, unless you, as a passenger, agree to anything else. So Lufthansa must provide that instead of vouchers.

For a comprehensive overview of all potential situations, please refer to the table provided above.

What if you have already accepted a voucher? 

If Lufthansa has given you a voucher instead of cash refund, but you think that you were entitled to cash compensation, you can try to request a swap. However, the success of obtaining a full cash refund will depend on the specifics of your case. If Lufthansa did not provide a satisfactory explanation or did not offer you the option to choose between a voucher and monetary compensation/refund in the beginning, it is still worth trying to obtain the money.

What is your experience with Lufthansa vouchers? Have you ever been given one? Was it a refundable Lufthansa voucher or you could use it only for Lufthansa flights?

Featured photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels

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