Claims against Lufthansa: delays, cancellations and refunds

Lufthansa is a German airline, so its flights are generally covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, including long-haul flights departing from the EU. Passenger claims are mostly about long delays, cancellations, missed connections, refunds and baggage. In Germany, independent conciliation bodies handle passenger disputes free of charge for passengers.

Delay and cancellation compensation: Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (and its UK copy, UK261), passengers can claim fixed compensation for long delays at arrival, late cancellations and denied boarding, unless the airline shows the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. The amount depends on the flight distance.
Missed connections: When connecting flights are booked together and you reach the final destination more than three hours late, compensation is generally calculated on the distance to the final destination.
Refunds and care: When a flight is cancelled, passengers are entitled to choose between a refund and re-routing, and to care (meals, and a hotel if an overnight stay is needed) while they wait. Customers have brought complaints where refunds were slow or only vouchers were offered.
Baggage: Lost, delayed or damaged luggage is covered by the Montreal Convention, which has short notice periods: report it at the airport and send a written claim to the airline quickly.
Deadlines: There is no single EU deadline for flight compensation: the limitation period is set by the law of the country where you bring the claim, and it varies considerably between countries. Baggage claims under the Montreal Convention have much shorter notice periods (days, not years) and a two-year limit for court action. In Germany, the regular limitation period is three years from the end of the year in which the claim arose. Use the limitation checker for other countries. Indicative period in Germany (contract claims): 3 years (from knowledge).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to claim compensation from Lufthansa?

Usually not for the first step: you can claim directly with the airline for free. A claim company or no-win-no-fee lawyer can help if the airline refuses or does not reply, in exchange for a share of the compensation.

Does Lufthansa have to pay if the delay was caused by weather or strikes?

Not if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided with reasonable measures, such as severe weather. Courts have held that strikes by the airline's own staff are not normally extraordinary, while strikes by third parties such as air traffic controllers can be. Each case depends on its facts.

How much compensation can I get?

Under EU261 the fixed amounts are 250, 400 or 600 euros depending on distance (UK261 uses pounds). Our flight compensation calculator shows which band applies. Refunds and expenses for care are separate from compensation.

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