Lufthansa Cancellation Policy

Lufthansa’s business class cancellation policy varies based on the ticket type, fare conditions, and timing of the cancellation. Below is a concise overview based on the most current and reliable information available:

24-Hour Free Cancellation: Lufthansa allows cancellations for a full refund without fees within 24 hours of booking, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later and was booked directly through Lufthansa (website, app, or customer service). This applies to all fare types, including business class, for flights originating from the U.S., Canada, or within the EU.

Fare-Specific Policies:

• Business Flex: Fully refundable with no cancellation fees if canceled at least 24 hours before departure. Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
• Business Basic: Non-refundable; cancellations are not permitted, and no refund is issued unless within the 24-hour window or under specific exceptions.
• Business Basic Plus: Refundable with a cancellation fee of approximately $500-$900 (e.g., $900 for flights from Los Angeles to Frankfurt). The remaining amount is refunded or issued as a credit, depending on fare rules.
• Business Green: Similar to other business fares but includes sustainable aviation fuel contributions. Cancellation terms align with the specific fare (e.g., Flex, Basic). Refunds follow standard fare conditions.

Cancellation Fees:

• For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Business Basic Plus) canceled after the 24-hour window, fees range from $500-$900 per passenger, depending on the route and fare type. No fees apply for Flex fares or within the 24-hour rule.
• If canceled after the 24-hour window, non-refundable tickets may forfeit most of the fare, except for government taxes, which are refundable.

Exceptions and Waivers:

• Lufthansa-Canceled Flights: If Lufthansa cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund (including taxes and fees) or rebooking on an alternative flight. EU regulations may also provide compensation for cancellations or long delays.
• Medical or Family Emergencies: Cancellations due to severe illness or death of the traveler, companion, or immediate family member may qualify for a refund with proper documentation (e.g., medical certificate). Contact Lufthansa’s customer service for review.
• Significant Delays: Refunds are available for delays over 2 hours (if caused by issues more than a day before departure) or over 5 hours (on the day of departure).
• Israeli Consumer Protection Law: For tickets purchased in Israel, senior citizens, new immigrants, or disabled persons can cancel within 4 months of booking (up to 7 days before departure) with documentation, subject to fare conditions.

How to Cancel:

• Online: Log into “My Bookings” on lufthansa.com with your surname and booking code. If eligible, a “Cancellation” button will appear. Confirm the cancellation, and refunds (if applicable) are processed automatically for tickets bought directly from Lufthansa.
• At Airport/Office: Visit a Lufthansa ticket counter or office with your booking reference.
• Travel Agency: If booked through an agency, contact them directly. Lufthansa advises following up with the airline if the agency doesn’t respond promptly.

Refund Process:

• Refunds for fully unused tickets include the ticket price, taxes, and fees. For partially used tickets, only the unused portion is refunded on a pro-rata basis.
• Credit card refunds typically process within 7 business days; cash or check refunds may take up to 20 days, though backlogs can cause delays.
• Check refund status online via Lufthansa’s refund form, by phone, or through the ticket office/travel agent.
• If a Flight Value Voucher was issued and is no longer needed, it can be refunded via the Flight Voucher Refund page.

Additional Notes:

• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before departure for refunds or credits. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may forfeit the ticket value, except in exceptional cases.
• Award tickets (e.g., Miles & More) incur a cancellation fee of approximately $60 (USD) or €50 (EUR).
• If a non-refundable fare is combined with a refundable fare in a single itinerary (e.g., round-trip), the entire ticket is treated as non-refundable.
• For specific fare conditions, check your booking confirmation or contact Lufthansa, as fees and refundability depend on the ticket’s rules.