Yes, Lufthansa does compensate for canceled flights under certain conditions, in line with European Union regulation EC 261/2004, which protects passengers’ rights in the event of flight cancellations, delays, or denied boarding. If your flight with Lufthansa is canceled, you may be eligible for compensation, but this depends on several factors, including the timing of the cancellation, the reason for it, and the length of the flight. If the cancellation occurs within 14 days of the scheduled departure, Lufthansa is generally obligated to offer compensation, unless the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, political unrest, or air traffic control strikes. In these cases, the airline is not required to pay compensation but must still offer alternative travel options or a full refund.

When eligible for compensation, the amount depends on the flight distance. For flights under 1,500 kilometers, passengers can receive up to €250 in compensation. For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation increases to €400, and for flights longer than 3,500 kilometers, passengers may be entitled to €600. These amounts are set by EU law and are typically non-negotiable unless you are rebooked on an alternative flight that arrives within a few hours of the original scheduled time, in which case the compensation may be reduced by 50%. In addition to financial compensation, Lufthansa is required to offer assistance in the form of rebooking or a full refund, meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if the cancellation results in long delays or an overnight stay. This ensures that passengers are not left stranded and have necessary support during the disruption.

It’s important to note that the 24-hour rule for cancellations also applies to Lufthansa flights. If your flight is canceled, and the cancellation is made within 14 days of departure, Lufthansa must notify you as soon as possible and provide options like rebooking or a full refund. However, compensation is not guaranteed if the cancellation is caused by exceptional circumstances, such as technical faults that are beyond the airline’s control or unavoidable external factors. In those cases, while you may not receive compensation, Lufthansa must still provide assistance with rebooking or refunds.

To claim compensation for a canceled flight with Lufthansa, passengers typically need to submit a request through their website, providing details like the booking reference, flight number, and relevant documents, such as receipts for any expenses incurred. If Lufthansa refuses compensation or fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe, passengers have the option to escalate the matter by contacting national aviation authorities or using third-party claims services. Overall, Lufthansa compensates for cancellations when the rules apply, and the airline provides adequate support to minimize the inconvenience caused by the disruption.