When a flight is cancelled by Lufthansa, the airline follows a set of regulations and policies regarding compensation, especially when the cancellation is within the airline's control. The amount Lufthansa pays for cancelled flights can vary depending on the reason for the cancellation, the timing of the notice provided to passengers, and whether the cancellation is within the airline’s control or due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, strikes, or other unforeseen events. In general, compensation is governed by European Union regulations (EC) No 261/2004, which set out specific rights for passengers traveling from or to EU member states.
Under EC 261/2004, if a flight is cancelled by Lufthansa and passengers are not informed at least 14 days before the scheduled departure, they may be entitled to financial compensation. The amount of compensation varies based on the flight's distance and the length of the delay caused by the cancellation. If the cancellation occurs, and the passenger opts for a refund instead of rebooking, compensation is due as follows:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometers.
€400 for flights within the EU exceeding 1,500 kilometers or for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers outside the EU.
€600 for flights over 3,500 kilometers (outside the EU).
These amounts are typically offered to passengers who were not notified of the cancellation at least 14 days before departure. If the flight is cancelled less than 7 days before departure, the compensation amounts are set at the higher end of the scale, with €250, €400, or €600 depending on the distance of the flight.
In addition to compensation, Lufthansa is responsible for offering alternative travel options to passengers whose flights are cancelled. This may include rebooking on another Lufthansa flight, on a partner airline, or on another airline altogether. If a rebooking is offered but the alternative flight results in a long delay, passengers may still be entitled to compensation under EC 261/2004. If there is a significant delay caused by the rebooking, passengers can claim compensation in line with the original cancellation rules.
However, it’s important to note that the rules for compensation do not apply in certain situations. If the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances—for example, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, or political instability—Lufthansa is exempt from paying compensation. In such cases, the airline is not required to provide financial compensation but is still obligated to offer rebooking, refunds, or other assistance. For example, if a flight is cancelled due to a snowstorm, Lufthansa will likely offer passengers the option to rebook on the next available flight or issue a refund, but no compensation will be provided under EU regulations.
In the case where Lufthansa cancels a flight with sufficient notice (e.g., more than 14 days before the departure), the airline is not obligated to pay compensation, but they are still required to offer a refund or the option of rebooking. In such situations, passengers can choose whether they want to be rebooked on the next available flight or receive a full refund for their ticket. If the cancellation occurs due to a situation where Lufthansa is not at fault (e.g., air traffic control strikes), the airline must still provide these options, but compensation for the inconvenience is not required under EU law.
Passengers are also entitled to certain assistance while waiting for rebooking or a rescheduled flight. If a long delay or overnight stay occurs as a result of the cancellation, Lufthansa is required to provide passengers with meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary. Additionally, Lufthansa will typically cover transportation between the airport and the accommodation if an overnight stay is required due to the cancellation.
To summarize, Lufthansa compensates passengers for cancelled flights in accordance with EU regulation EC 261/2004, providing €250, €400, or €600 depending on the distance of the flight, if the cancellation is within the airline's control and the passenger is not informed of the cancellation in advance. However, Lufthansa is not obligated to pay compensation if the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances outside of their control, such as weather or natural disasters. Regardless of the cause, Lufthansa will always offer rebooking or a refund, along with assistance such as meals, accommodations, and transport if needed. Always check the specific circumstances and timing of the cancellation, as compensation can depend on these factors.