At Lufthansa, we understand the frustration and inconvenience caused by flight delays. As a customer-centric airline, we strive to provide the highest level of service and ensure that our passengers' journeys are as smooth as possible. In line with this commitment, we have developed a comprehensive Lufthansa Flight Delay Compensation Policy to address any disruptions experienced by our valued travelers.
What Constitutes a Flight Delay?
Before delving into the intricacies of our compensation policy, it's crucial to define what constitutes a flight delay. A delay is typically defined as any instance where a flight arrives at its destination later than the scheduled arrival time. This delay could be caused by various factors, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, technical issues, or air traffic congestion.
Lufthansa's Compensation Framework
1. EU Regulation 261/2004
Lufthansa operates within the framework of EU Regulation 261/2004, which outlines the rights of passengers in the event of flight disruptions, including delays. According to this regulation, passengers may be entitled to compensation depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.
2. Compensation Eligibility
Passengers flying with Lufthansa may be eligible for compensation if their flight meets certain criteria:
- The flight departed from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, or it arrived at an EU airport and was operated by an EU carrier.
- The delay exceeded three hours upon arrival at the final destination.
- The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond Lufthansa's control, such as natural disasters or security threats.
3. Compensation Amount
The amount of compensation varies depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay:
- For flights covering a distance of up to 1,500 kilometers, passengers may be entitled to €250.
- For flights within the EU covering a distance of over 1,500 kilometers or flights outside the EU between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation amount may be €400.
- For flights covering a distance of over 3,500 kilometers and departing from or arriving at an EU airport, passengers may be entitled to €600.
4. Additional Services
In addition to monetary compensation, Lufthansa is committed to ensuring the comfort and well-being of affected passengers. Depending on the circumstances, passengers may also be entitled to:
- Meals and refreshments: In the event of a significant delay, passengers will be provided with vouchers for meals and refreshments.
- Accommodation: If an overnight stay is necessary due to a lengthy delay, Lufthansa will arrange and cover the cost of accommodation.
- Alternative transportation: Passengers may be rebooked on alternative flights, either with Lufthansa or another airline, to minimize further inconvenience.
How to Claim Compensation
1. Contact Lufthansa
To initiate the compensation process, affected passengers should contact Lufthansa's customer service team as soon as possible. This can typically be done through our website, mobile app, or by calling our dedicated helpline.
2. Provide Necessary Information
When submitting a compensation claim, passengers will be required to provide certain information, including:
- Flight details: The flight number, date of travel, and departure/arrival airports.
- Booking reference: The booking reference or ticket number associated with the affected flight.
- Proof of delay: Any documentation or evidence of the delay, such as a delay certificate issued by the airline.
3. Await Processing
Once the compensation claim has been submitted, Lufthansa will conduct a thorough review to assess the eligibility of the claim and determine the appropriate compensation amount. This process may take some time, but rest assured that we are committed to resolving all claims promptly and fairly.
Conclusion
At Lufthansa, we recognize the importance of providing our passengers with a seamless travel experience. In the rare event of a flight delay, we are dedicated to upholding our obligations under EU Regulation 261/2004 and ensuring that affected passengers are fairly compensated for any inconvenience caused. Our transparent compensation policy, coupled with our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, sets us apart as a trusted airline partner.
Read more: Lufthansa Airlines manage Booking
