ESL001 Discussion: Talking About Yourself

Lufthansa Airlines Cancellation Policy – Updated Guide (2024–2025)

If you're flying with Lufthansa and might need to cancel your trip, it's important to understand the airline’s rules to avoid extra charges. Lufthansa offers both flexibility and some restrictions, depending on your ticket type. Here’s a clear and straightforward look at their cancellation policy.

1. Free 24-Hour Cancellation Option

Lufthansa allows all customers to cancel their booking for free within 24 hours of purchase — as long as the flight was booked at least 7 days before departure.

• You’ll get a full refund to your original payment method.

• This rule applies to most fare types and routes, especially flights starting from the U.S. or Canada.

• Group bookings and certain discounted fares may not be eligible.

Tip: Always double-check your fare rules when booking.

2. Refundable vs Non-Refundable Tickets

Not all tickets are the same. Lufthansa sells both refundable and non-refundable fares:

Refundable Tickets

• You can cancel at any time before the flight and get a full refund.

• These tickets are more expensive but ideal for flexible travel plans.

Non-Refundable Tickets

• You won’t get a full refund, but you might receive a partial refund (like unused airport taxes).

• If you cancel late or don’t show up, you may lose the full value of your ticket.

• Sometimes, Lufthansa offers a travel credit instead of a refund.

3. Lufthansa Fare Class Cancellation Rules

Lufthansa charges different fees based on the class of your ticket:

Economy Class

• Saver & Basic fares: Non-refundable.

• Basic Plus fares: May allow cancellation with a fee.

• Flex fares: Usually allow free cancellation.

Premium Economy

• Basic: Limited refund or none.

• Plus & Flex: Higher refundability, sometimes full with no fee.

Business & First Class

• Flex fares: Often fully refundable.

• Basic or Plus fares: May include cancellation fees, up to $750.

Note: Exact fees can vary by route, country, and time of cancellation.

4. How to Cancel Your Lufthansa Flight

You can cancel your Lufthansa ticket in three easy ways:

Online:

• Visit lufthansa.com

• Go to “My Bookings”

• Enter your last name and booking code

• Click "Cancel" and follow the instructions

Mobile App:

• Open the Lufthansa app

• Tap “My Bookings”

• Find your trip and tap “Cancel”

Customer Service:

• Call Lufthansa at 1-833-845-1858 

• Give them your booking reference

• Ask for cancellation and refund details

5. Lufthansa Refund Timelines

After canceling, Lufthansa usually processes refunds as follows:

• Credit/debit card: Refund in about 7 business days.

• Cash, voucher, or other methods: Up to 20 business days.

If your refund is delayed, contact customer support with your booking details.

6. Travel Vouchers (When Refunds Are Not Allowed)

If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, Lufthansa may give you a travel voucher:

• Valid for 12 months from issue date.

• Can be used on any Lufthansa Group airline (including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines).

• The value may not match the full ticket cost, depending on the fare rules.

7. Special Cases: Illness, Delays, or Airline Cancellations

In certain situations, Lufthansa may offer full refunds, even on non-refundable fares:

• If Lufthansa cancels or changes your flight (significantly): You may request a full refund.

• Illness, emergencies, or death in the family: You might be eligible for a refund if you submit medical or legal documents.

• Flight delay over 5 hours: You can often claim a full refund or opt for rebooking.

8. Award (Miles) Ticket Cancellations

Booked your ticket using Lufthansa Miles & More points?

• You can cancel and get your miles back.

• Taxes and fees might be refunded or turned into a voucher.

• A small cancellation fee may apply, depending on the fare type and when you cancel.

9. Lufthansa Cancellation Policy – Summary Table

Final Thoughts: How to Avoid Extra Charges

• Book refundable tickets if your plans are likely to change.

• Cancel within 24 hours when possible.

• Use the Lufthansa app for fast updates.

• Keep all confirmation emails and receipts.

• Check your fare rules before confirming your booking.