Lufthansa·Star Alliance
Lufthansa Cancellation & Refund Policy
Lufthansa Cancellation & Refund Policy — Summary
Lufthansa refund rules: refundable vs non-refundable fares, travel credit validity, and when US DOT rules entitle you to cash back instead of a voucher.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Refundable fares: Flex fares refund to the original form of payment..
- Non-refundable fares: Light and Classic fares are non-refundable; taxes remain claimable..
- How long credits last: Lufthansa vouchers carry a defined validity from issue..
- Your rights when the airline cancels: EU261 applies to all Lufthansa departures from the EU and to Lufthansa flights arriving in the EU: €250–€600 cash compensation per passenger for cancellations with under 14 days' notice and arrival delays over three hours, unless extraordinary circumstances apply..
Refundable fares
Flex fares refund to the original form of payment.
Non-refundable fares
Light and Classic fares are non-refundable; taxes remain claimable.
How long credits last
Lufthansa vouchers carry a defined validity from issue.
Your rights when the airline cancels
EU261 applies to all Lufthansa departures from the EU and to Lufthansa flights arriving in the EU: €250–€600 cash compensation per passenger for cancellations with under 14 days' notice and arrival delays over three hours, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.
Cancelling before departure
No-show forfeits restricted fare value. Note Lufthansa strictly enforces sequential segment use — miss the outbound and the return is automatically cancelled.
How to request a refund
lufthansa.com and the Lufthansa app handle changes, seat selection and refund requests.
If the airline does not respond
Lufthansa's feedback form is the first step; unresolved EU261 claims escalate to the German aviation authority (LBA) or an ADR body.
Lufthansa cancellations & refunds — common questions
Can I get a refund from Lufthansa?
Flex fares refund to the original form of payment. Light and Classic fares are non-refundable; taxes remain claimable.
How long is a Lufthansa travel credit valid?
Lufthansa vouchers carry a defined validity from issue.
Do I get cash back if Lufthansa cancels my flight?
EU261 applies to all Lufthansa departures from the EU and to Lufthansa flights arriving in the EU: €250–€600 cash compensation per passenger for cancellations with under 14 days' notice and arrival delays over three hours, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.
More Lufthansa help
Booking Lufthansa? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.