Planning a trip with Lufthansa? Before confirming your reservation, it’s crucial to get familiar with the Lufthansa cancellation policy to avoid surprises if your plans shift. Lufthansa offers a well-structured and fairly flexible cancellation system that varies by ticket class—from Economy Light and Economy Classic to Business and First Class. Travelers who purchase refundable fares benefit from the most freedom: you can cancel anytime before departure and get your money back to the original payment method.

If you opt for a non-refundable ticket, don't worry—you can still cancel, but instead of a refund, Lufthansa usually offers you travel credits, which can be used later. One of the best things about Lufthansa’s policy is their 24-hour free cancellation rule. This means that if you cancel within 24 hours of booking (as long as the flight is at least two days away), you get a full refund, even if you booked the more restrictive Economy Light fare.

If you’ve redeemed your flight using Miles & More award points, Lufthansa offers generous terms: your miles will be redeposited, and taxes or fees paid will also be refunded if canceled before departure. However, Economy Light remains the least flexible option and typically doesn’t allow cancellations or changes unless you have a serious reason, like a medical emergency—with proof, Lufthansa may consider a refund or credit.

Want to make a change instead of canceling altogether? Lufthansa gives you that option, and if you’re part of their frequent flyer program, you might be eligible for free same-day changes. Otherwise, fees may apply based on your fare type.

Need to cancel your flight? You can do it easily through several channels—log into your booking on lufthansa.com, use the Lufthansa mobile app, visit the airport counter, or call their customer support at +1-833-845-1858.

Lufthansa also accommodates travelers facing flight disruptions, military deployment, or significant delays. In such cases, even non-refundable ticket holders are eligible for full refunds. Following the global travel disruptions caused by COVID-19, Lufthansa made many customer-friendly changes permanent, such as eliminating change fees for most short-haul and domestic routes and making travel credit usage more straightforward.

These credits are usually valid for 12 months from the ticket's original issue date and are non-transferable. So, keeping track of expiration dates is essential.

In the end, Lufthansa’s cancellation policy is all about providing practical flexibility for today’s traveler. Whether you’re booking a premium fare or trying to save with Economy Light, understanding your fare conditions will help you make smart travel choices. Adding travel insurance during booking is also a great idea to protect against the unexpected. Knowing what to expect means you're ready to handle cancellations or changes without stress.