Introduction
When booking a flight, the last thing any traveler wants is a delay. But sometimes, despite the best efforts of airlines, delays are unavoidable. In such a situation, the passengers are entitled to compensation for the inconvenience caused. In this blog post, we will be exploring Lufthansa's policies on flight delays and compensation.
Lufthansa's Basic Policy on Flight Delays
Lufthansa understands that delays are frustrating for passengers and goes to great lengths to minimize them. However, sometimes delays are unavoidable, and that’s when the airline has its policies on flight delays kick into action. After a delay of 3 hours, Lufthansa provides its passengers with meals, refreshments, and access to communication facilities like phones and emails. The airline also provides its passengers with accommodation and transportation to the accommodation if the delay is an overnight stay.
Flight Delay Compensation Lufthansa: When is it Applicable?
Flight delay compensation Lufthansa policy applies when a flight is delayed more than three hours, and the delay is the airline's fault. According to the European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Lufthansa is obligated to pay compensation to passengers whose flights are delayed beyond a reasonable amount of time. There are exceptions to this compensation policy, such as weather-related delays, medical emergencies, and security-related delays.
How Much Compensation Can One Expect for a Delayed Lufthansa Flight?
The amount of compensation a passenger can expect for a delayed Lufthansa flight depends on the duration of the delay and the distance of the journey. If the delay was more than three hours but less than four hours for a journey of fewer than 1,500 km, the passenger is entitled to 250 euros. For journeys of more than 1,500 km but within the EU, the compensation is 400 euros, while for journeys of more than 1,500 km outside the EU, the compensation is 600 euros.
Claiming Lufthansa Flight Delay Compensation: The Process
To claim Lufthansa flight delay compensation, passengers need to provide their flight details, reasons for the delay, ticket, and boarding pass. The passenger can file a claim online, via email, or at Lufthansa's customer service desk. The period for filing claims varies from one country to another; however, it's recommended to file the claim as soon as possible.
Lufthansa's Policies on Missed Connecting Flights
If a passenger misses a connecting flight due to a delay from an earlier Lufthansa flight, the airline takes responsibility for the missed connection. The passenger is rebooked on the next available flight and provided with necessary accommodations if there is an overnight stay. Lufthansa does not provide compensation for missed connections, unless it's the airline's fault (such as a delay in departure or poor organization at the airport).
Conclusion
Flight delays are a reality of air travel, and airlines like Lufthansa do their best to minimize them. However, when they do happen, passengers are entitled to certain compensation. Understanding Lufthansa's policy on flight delays and compensation is essential to know what to expect if a delay occurs. As a passenger, it’s important to be informed and know your rights to ensure a smooth travel experience.
As Lufthansa is an EU-based airline from Germany, you may get flight delay compensation from Lufthansa for flights departing from or arriving in the EU.
However, in most cases, airlines are not eager to compensate their passengers, consequently filing a claim for compensation with Lufthansa might be a hassle.
As a result, the ultimate way to claim is to use a flight claims management company’s services.In accordance with EC Regulation 261/2004, passengers have the right to claim compensation from Luftansa for denied boarding due to overbooked flights as well as for flight delayed for 3 hours or cancelled without any prior notice.
If you have experienced disruption when traveling with Lufthansa, we’ll fight to uphold your right to compensation.
It is possible to check if your flight qualifies by making use of our free online calculator.The amount of compensation is dictated by the distance of the flight - not on the total amount you paid for your ticket.
Your claims are valid up to 6 years retrospectively.
