Lufthansa Airlines Cancellation Policy: A Comprehensive Guide
Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and understanding an airline's cancellation policy is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees and complications. Lufthansa Airlines offers a structured cancellation policy designed to accommodate various passenger needs. This guide provides an in-depth look at Lufthansa Airlines' cancellation policies, offering clarity on how to navigate the process effectively.
1. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
Lufthansa provides a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window for flights originating from the United States and Canada. To qualify:
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Booking Timeframe: The flight must be booked at least 7 days before the scheduled departure.
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Cancellation Window: You must cancel the flight within 24 hours of booking.
If both conditions are met, passengers are eligible for a full refund, including taxes and fees, regardless of the fare type. This policy applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets. However, group bookings and award tickets are excluded from this policy. (airlinespolicy)
2. Refundable Tickets
For refundable tickets, Lufthansa offers the most flexibility:
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Full Refund: You can cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund to your original payment method.
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Processing Time: Refunds are typically processed within 7 business days for credit card payments and within 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
3. Non-Refundable Tickets
Non-refundable tickets are more restrictive:
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24-Hour Cancellation: If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and meet the 7-day advance purchase requirement, you are eligible for a full refund.
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After 24 Hours: If you cancel after the 24-hour window, the fare is forfeited. However, you may receive a refund of taxes and fees.
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Special Circumstances: In cases of flight cancellations by Lufthansa, significant delays, or other exceptional situations, you may be entitled to a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets.
4. Fare Class-Specific Cancellation Fees
Lufthansa's cancellation fees vary based on the fare class purchased:
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Economy Class:
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Saver and Basic: Non-refundable.
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Basic Plus I: Cancellation fee of approximately $300.
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Flex II: Free cancellation.(Airlines Details)
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Premium Economy:
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Basic: Non-refundable.
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Basic Plus II: Cancellation fee of approximately $500.
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Flex: Free cancellation.
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Business Class:
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Basic: Non-refundable.
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Basic Plus II: Cancellation fee of approximately $500.
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Flex: Free cancellation.
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First Class:
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Basic: Non-refundable.
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Basic Plus: Cancellation fee of approximately $500.
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Basic Plus II: Cancellation fee of approximately $750.
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Flex: Free cancellation. (Airlines Details)
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5. How to Cancel a Lufthansa Flight
Canceling a flight with Lufthansa Airlines can be done through various methods, depending on the convenience and preferences of the traveler. Below are the detailed steps for canceling a flight online, via mobile app, and by phone.
Online Cancellation
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Visit the Lufthansa website and log in to your account.
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Navigate to the "My Bookings" section.
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Enter your reservation details, such as the booking reference and passenger's last name.
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Select the flight you wish to cancel.
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Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process.
Mobile App Cancellation
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Open the Lufthansa app on your mobile device.
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Log in to your account.
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Go to the "My Bookings" section.
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Select the reservation you want to cancel.(Airlines Details)
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Tap on the cancellation option and follow the instructions.
Phone Cancellation
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Call Lufthansa's customer service at 1-800-645-3880 for assistance.
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Provide your reservation details to the representative.
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Request the cancellation of your flight.
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Follow any additional instructions provided by the representative.
6. Refund Processing Times
Refund processing times vary based on the method of payment used:
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Credit Card Payments: Refunds are typically processed within 7 business days.
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Other Payment Methods: Refunds are generally processed within 20 calendar days. (Lufthansa)
If your refund is delayed beyond these timeframes, it's advisable to contact Lufthansa customer service for assistance.
7. Travel Vouchers
If you choose not to cancel within the 24-hour window or if your ticket is non-refundable, Lufthansa may offer a travel voucher for future travel. These vouchers are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. However, the value of the voucher may be less than the original ticket price, depending on the fare conditions.