Handling flight disruptions can be very annoying. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has regulations to help travelers when things don’t go as planned. If you’re flying in the EU, it’s wise to be aware of these regulations. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make handling travel problems less stressful. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can reduce your anxiety when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws make sure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Refreshments and snacks
- Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to inquire with airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They are obligated to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Lufthansa Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from Lufthansa can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re delayed for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What is important is when you land, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
Your compensation depends on the length of your journey. A short flight won’t be compensated as highly as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Want to know exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see the potential reimbursement amounts:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Lufthansa Flight Cancellation Compensation
The European Union has laws to assist you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you should know:
In the event of a flight cancellation within two weeks of you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation as much as €600. However, there’s a condition – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they offer you an alternative flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they arrange a replacement flight that meets the following conditions:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
If you choose to board an alternative flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. The most important thing is your arrival time at your destination.
Your potential compensation depends on two things:
- The distance of your flight
- The delay in your arrival
So, even if the new flight doesn’t get there on time, you may still receive some compensation.
Look at the table below to understand better:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
The airline may not need to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Lufthansa
It’s important to understand how to request the compensation you’re eligible for under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Remember that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed due to operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Lufthansa Flights are Covered by EU261?
The EU’s air passenger protection laws are far-reaching. They cover all flights departing from an airport within an EU country and every flight landing at a European Union member state airport if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also cover airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s important to be aware of these laws – they’re in place to assist you if issues arise with your flight. They make sure you’re not left on your own when your trip arrangements don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Lufthansa is not always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, situations arise that the airline has no control over, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an urgent situation at the airport, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Lufthansa isn’t responsible. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these things happen, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline isn’t viewed as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties come up.