Quick Facts Table About Lufthansa Cancellation Compensation
Question | Answer |
What is EU261 for cancellations? | EU law awards 250€ to 600€ for last minute cancellations that were not affected by extraordinary circumstances. |
Eligible for Lufthansa? | Yes, for EU departures and many EU-bound flights. |
Compensation amounts | €250-€600 depending on the flight distance. |
AireClaim success rate? | 98%, no upfront costs. |
Time limit to claim? |
Up to 6 years in EU (5 years in UK). |
When You Qualify for Lufthansa Cancellation Compensation
You may claim EU261 compensation if Lufthansa cancels your flight less than 14 days before departure for reasons within the airline’s control, such as operational planning or crew rotation. The replacement flight must result in a delay of 2–4 hours, depending on route length, and you must hold a confirmed booking and have complied with check-in requirements.
Claims do not apply in cases of extraordinary circumstances, including severe weather or air traffic control restrictions, nor for voluntary schedule changes by the passenger.
Example: A Frankfurt–Paris flight cancelled 10 days before departure with a 3-hour arrival delay on the replacement flight qualifies for €250 per passenger.
Lufthansa Compensation Amounts Under EU261
Fixed amounts independent of ticket price:
Distance
| Compensation | Wizz Air Example |
<1,500 km | €250 | Frankfurt to Paris |
1,500-3,500 km | €400 | Munich to Athens |
>3,500 km | €600 | EU to South Africa |
Lufthansa must provide full refunds if you choose not to travel, free rebooking alternatives, and care including meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation during extended waits.
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Lufthansa Voucher Versus Cash Compensation
Lufthansa may offer optional travel vouchers after a cancellation, but EU Regulation 261/2004 guarantees separate cash compensation when eligibility conditions are met.
Accepting a voucher does not waive your right to money compensation unless you explicitly agreed to do so.
AireClaim assesses voucher implications and pursues the maximum lawful recovery on your behalf.
Lufthansa Europe Cancellation Statistics 2025
Lufthansa improved operations in 2025. November showed 29208 arriving flights at 95 percent on time. Recorded 155 cancellations down 64% year over year. Group punctuality beat 2019 pre crisis levels first half 2025.
These stats show trackable cancellations often qualify EU261 when not extraordinary.
Lufthansa EU261 Compensation Reference Table
| Flight Distance
|
Notice Less 14 Days
| Compensation | Lufthansa Example |
Source
|
<1,500 km | Yes | €250 | Frankfurt to Paris |
EU261 Art 5
|
1,500-3,500 km | Yes | €400 | Munich to Athens |
EU261 Art 5 |
>3,500 km | Yes | €600 | Lisbon to Dubai |
EU261 Art 5 |
Any distance | During disruption | Meals/Hotel | All routes |
EU261 Art 9 |
Claim Lufthansa Compensation with AireClaim Steps
- Enter flight details, route, date.
- Upload proof booking email, and documents.
- Free EU261 review.
- AireClaim negotiates with Lufthansa.
- Escalate complaints legal if needed.
- Paid no win no fee success fee only.
Why choose AireClaim for Lufthansa claims
There are no upfront costs: you only pay if the claim succeeds. Our EU261 specialists apply Lufthansa’s distance thresholds accurately and challenge unjustified extraordinary-circumstances denials.
We manage all paperwork and airline communication, pursuing cash compensation, refunds, and reimbursable expenses end to end.
Benefits of Lufthansa Claim Service
- Higher success rates than direct airline claims, especially where payouts are initially denied.
- Minimal effort for passengers with full end-to-end case management.
- Legal escalation (ADR or court) when disputes arise.
- Accurate EU261 application, ensuring distance rules and delay thresholds are correctly applied.
Lufthansa Flight Cancellation Compensation FAQs
EU Regulation 261/2004 gives you between 250 and 600 euros when Lufthansa cancels your flight with less than 14 days notice. The exact amount depends on your flight distance. Short flights up to 1500 kilometers pay 250 euros. Longer routes qualify for more. This cash comes regardless of ticket refunds or vouchers.
Yes, absolutely. EU Regulation 261/2004 looks at your flight route, not your passport. Any Lufthansa flight departing from an EU airport qualifies you. Passengers from Spain, the US, or anywhere else hold the same rights.
Severe weather usually counts as an extraordinary circumstance. This means no compensation payment of 250 to 600 euros. You still get a full refund or free rebooking. Meals and hotel assistance apply during long waits.
You have up to 6 years in most EU countries to file your Lufthansa cancellation claim. The UK allows 5 years since Brexit. Start sooner rather than later. Airlines challenge older claims more aggressively.
Yes, you maintain full rights. Lufthansa vouchers remain completely optional. EU261 requires separate cash compensation when you qualify. Claim both the voucher value plus your statutory payment.
Gather your booking confirmation and Lufthansa cancellation notice. Include flight details like airports and dates. AireClaim retrieves any missing records directly from Lufthansa. Upload whatever documents you have.
Yes when the strike involves Lufthansa crew or ground staff. General air traffic control strikes do not qualify. AireClaim successfully overturns 98 percent of these airline rejections.
Yes if both flights share the same booking reference, you claim compensation for your entire journey. This includes final arrival delays over 3 hours plus related expenses.
EU261 requires Lufthansa to pay for meals and hotel stays during extended waits. Coverage starts after 2 to 4 hours depending on flight distance. Keep all receipts for reimbursement.
UK261 replaced EU261 but keeps identical compensation amounts. AireClaim handles both regulations seamlessly for your Lufthansa claim.
Routes around 2000 kilometers qualify for 400 euros per passenger. This fixed amount applies when notified less than 14 days before cancellation.
AireClaim immediately escalates your case. We handle formal complaints, mediation, and court proceedings. Our 98 percent success rate applies with only 30% fee after victory.