Dealing with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the good news is that the European Union has laws to help travelers when things get messed up. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s a good idea to understand these protections. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted.
These protections are known as air passenger rights, which are legal entitlements under EU regulation that safeguard travelers in cases of flight cancellations, delays, and overbookings.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make handling travel issues less stressful. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can help you feel less stressed when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws guarantee airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Meals and beverages;
- Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight;
- Alternative transportation if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed;
- 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;
- A different flight option;
- Compensation to make up for the trouble.
Remember to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They must inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Lufthansa Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Lufthansa can be really annoying. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re stranded for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What counts is when you reach your destination, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on how far you’re flying. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time.
Interested in learning 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 |
To check your eligibility for Lufthansa delay compensation, simply enter your flight details into the our claim checker to verify your rights.
Lufthansa Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has laws to assist you if your flight is cancelled. Here’s the important information:
If your flight gets cancelled less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you might get compensation as much as €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they can get you on another flight that doesn’t mess up your plans too much.
The airline may not need to compensate you 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 agree to take a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The key factor is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation is based on two things:
- How far you’re flying
- How late you arrive
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the following table to see more details:
| 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 might not be required 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 eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Lufthansa
It’s important to understand how to claim the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws well and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee 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 as a result of operational reasons or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which Lufthansa Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union have a wide-ranging scope. They apply to any flight taking off from a European Union member state airport and any flight coming into an airport within an EU country provided the airline is based in the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also include airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means when you travel with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s good to know about these laws – they’re there to support you if issues arise with your flight. They ensure you’re not abandoned when your trip arrangements fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Lufthansa isn’t necessarily at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, situations arise that the airline has no control over, like extreme weather or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s a sudden storm, an airport emergency, or a strike by air traffic controllers, Lufthansa is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these situations occur, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise. However, Lufthansa must prove that the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances in order to avoid paying.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
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