Air travel plans can change at any moment due to personal emergencies, weather disruptions, or unexpected events. That’s why understanding the Lufthansa cancellation policy is crucial for anyone planning to fly with this premium European carrier. Lufthansa , one of the largest airlines in the world, offers a comprehensive and passenger-friendly cancellation policy designed to give travelers flexibility and peace of mind.
In this guide, we break down the key elements of the Lufthansa cancellation policy, including the rules for refundable and non-refundable tickets, 24-hour risk-free cancellations, award bookings, COVID-19-related updates, and how to cancel your ticket properly to receive a refund or travel credit.
Lufthansa ’s cancellation rules vary depending on several factors, including your fare class, booking method, time of cancellation, and reason for canceling. The airline categorizes its fares as Economy Light, Economy Classic, Economy Flex, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class—each with its own level of flexibility.
In general, Lufthansa offers:
A 24-hour risk-free cancellation window
Refunds for fully flexible (refundable) tickets
Travel vouchers for non-refundable ticket cancellations (depending on fare type)
A straightforward online cancellation process
Fee waivers in special or emergency circumstances
Understanding these elements will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary charges.
If you book your Lufthansa flight directly via the airline's official website, app, or customer service, you are entitled to a 24-hour risk-free cancellation period. This policy applies to all fare classes and allows you to cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided your flight is scheduled at least seven days in the future.
This policy aligns with international aviation standards and offers travelers flexibility right after booking, especially when planning multi-stop or international itineraries.
If you’ve purchased a refundable ticket—usually Economy Flex, Business Flex, or First Class—you can cancel your booking at any time before departure and receive a full refund. These premium fares offer maximum flexibility and are ideal for travelers with unpredictable schedules. Refunds for refundable tickets are typically processed back to the original payment method within 7–10 business days.
Most travelers book non-refundable tickets due to their lower prices, especially in fare categories like Economy Light or Classic. If you cancel a non-refundable Lufthansa ticket, you will not receive a refund to your original payment method. However, you may still be eligible for:
A travel voucher for the value of your ticket (minus a cancellation fee)
Rebooking options with applicable fare differences
The refund of unused airport taxes and fees
Cancellation fees for non-refundable tickets vary based on route, fare, and time of cancellation but are clearly listed during the booking process.
Passengers using Miles & More points to book flights with Lufthansa can also benefit from flexible cancellation rules. If you cancel an award booking, Lufthansa will generally recredit your miles to your account and refund the taxes and surcharges you paid during booking—after deducting a small service fee (typically around €50).
In case of medical emergencies or special circumstances, Lufthansa may waive the fee upon submission of proper documentation.
Canceling a Lufthansa flight is a straightforward process. You have multiple options available, depending on how you booked:
Visit Lufthansa .com
Click on “My Bookings”
Enter your booking code and last name
Select the flight you wish to cancel and follow the prompts
Open the Lufthansa mobile app
Navigate to “My Trips” or “Bookings”
Choose the reservation and initiate the cancellation
If your booking is complex or involves special circumstances, call Lufthansa customer service for assistance. Dial the U.S. support line or your local Lufthansa office.
If your ticket was booked through a third-party platform or travel agent, you must contact them directly to handle the cancellation. Lufthansa cannot process refunds or changes for such bookings unless directed by the agent.
Lufthansa understands that life can be unpredictable. If you need to cancel due to illness, death in the family, or another emergency, the airline may waive cancellation or change fees under certain conditions. You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:
A medical certificate or hospital record
A death certificate
Official travel restrictions or government notices
Contact Lufthansa customer service immediately and explain your situation to see if you're eligible for a waiver.
Lufthansa , like many global airlines, revised its policies during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer more flexible travel options. While some temporary measures have ended, many of the flexible rebooking and cancellation options remain in place. Notably:
Lufthansa removed rebooking fees for most fare classes
Travel vouchers can still be issued for COVID-related disruptions
Passengers can rebook flights for future dates without penalty (fare difference may apply)
Check the Lufthansa website regularly for the latest updates regarding health-related policy changes and entry regulations.
While Lufthansa provides refunds on eligible tickets, not every item on your booking may qualify. Here’s a breakdown:
Full fare (for refundable tickets)
Unused government taxes and airport fees
Paid seat selection (in some cases)
Cancellation or service fees
Travel insurance
Some ancillary services like lounge access
Always read the fare conditions carefully before finalizing your booking to understand what you're entitled to.
Cancel as early as possible: The sooner you cancel, the higher your chances of minimizing penalties.
Book directly with Lufthansa : This gives you access to full policy protections and smoother refunds.
Review fare conditions before booking: Each fare has different cancellation terms—know them in advance.
Use travel insurance: This can provide coverage for cancellation fees and emergency refunds.
Understanding the Lufthansa cancellation policy is essential for managing your travel plans with confidence. Whether you’re canceling a refundable ticket, seeking to rebook a non-refundable fare, or redeeming miles, Lufthansa offers a variety of flexible solutions designed for today’s travelers. From the 24-hour risk-free cancellation to award ticket flexibility and emergency support, Lufthansa stands out as a customer-centric airline.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for a refund or need help canceling, contact Lufthansa customer support or visit their official website. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate flight cancellations with ease and avoid unnecessary expenses.