When travel plans change unexpectedly —due to personal reasons, health concerns, or airline disruptions —the first question you ask is: “How long does Lufthansa take to refund my money?” Lufthansa, one of Europe’s largest and most trusted airlines, offers refund rules that are governed by both its own policies and the European Union Regulation (EU261). However, the time it takes for you to receive a refund can vary depending on who initiated the cancellation, the type of ticket, and how you paid for your booking.
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Lufthansa Refund Policy: What are the New Rules for Airline Refund?
It is essential to understand when you are eligible for a refund, and each situation follows a different refund timeline and process. But how long does Lufthansa take to refund? Lufthansa divides cancellations into two main categories:
- Passenger-initiated cancellations – when you cancel your own booking.
- Airline-initiated cancellations – when Lufthansa cancels or changes your flight.
When You Cancel Your Lufthansa Flight
How long does Lufthansa take to refund? If you choose to cancel your Lufthansa flight, the refund amount and processing time depend on your fare type and how you purchased your ticket.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
- Refundable Tickets:
These tickets allow cancellation with a full or partial refund, depending on fare rules. If you cancel a refundable ticket, your refund is usually processed within 7 to 10 business days if you paid by credit card, or up to 20 business days for cash or bank payments. - Non-Refundable Tickets:
These are the most common among economy class deals. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you typically won’t get a refund for the base fare; only taxes and airport fees are refunded.
How Long Does Lufthansa Take to Refund, If I Cancel My Ticket?
If you booked through a third-party agent or travel portal, Lufthansa cannot process your refund directly. You will need to contact the agency, which can extend the total refund time to 3–6 weeks.
| Payment Method | Refund Processing Time |
| Credit/Debit Card | 7–10 business days |
| Bank Transfer | 10–20 business days |
| Cash/Check | Up to 30 business days |
| Travel Agency Booking | Varies (depends on agency policy) |
How to Cancel a Flight Ticket on Lufthansa?
However, you can cancel your Lufthansa flight up to 2 hours before departure, and a cancellation fee will apply. But how long does Lufthansa take to refund? The refund processing time ranges from 5 to 12 working days, depending on your payment method.
- Go to Lufthansa’s official website and navigate to the “My Bookings” section.
- Enter your booking details, including your booking code (PNR) and last name, to access your reservation.
- Choose your flight ticket that you want to cancel, choose “Cancel Booking,” and confirm your choice.
- Check refund eligibility, as Lufthansa will display how much of your ticket is refundable.
- Submit a refund request if eligible; click “Request Refund.” You will get a confirmation email once your submission is complete.
- Wait for refund confirmation, and the airline processes refunds based on payment method and booking channel.
Refunds for Additional Services
If you prepaid for services like:
- Extra baggage
- Seat selection
- Lounge access
- In-flight Wi-Fi
You can cancel your flight. Lufthansa refunds these extras only if the base ticket is refundable or if Lufthansa cancels the service itself. You can contact us to know: how long does Lufthansa take to refund?
Why Refunds May Take Longer?
How long does Lufthansa take to refund, and why does it take longer? In some cases, Lufthansa may take 4–6 weeks to issue refunds, though most are completed within 10–20 days. If you cancel your flight, several factors can delay your refund:
- High volume of refund requests, especially during travel disruptions.
- Complex multi-leg trips.
- Payment made via travel agencies or third-party portals.
- International bank transfers.
When Lufthansa Cancels or Changes Your Flight
If Lufthansa cancels your flight, significantly changes the schedule, or you miss a connection due to their fault, you are entitled to compensation. You are entitled to a full refund or alternative travel arrangements. But how long does Lufthansa take to refund?
Full Refund Eligibility: How to Get a Full Refund on Flight Cancellation?
When Lufthansa cancels your flight, you can request:
- A full refund of the unused ticket value, including taxes and fees.
- Rebooking to another flight at no extra cost.
Refunds in this case are processed more quickly, usually within 7–14 business days, since the cancellation originates with the airline.
Rebooking Instead of Refund
If you still wish to travel, Lufthansa offers free rebooking to:
- The next available flight.
- A later date, if you prefer to postpone your trip.
If Lufthansa’s new flight option does not suit you, you can still opt for a cash refund instead of a voucher or rebooking.
Compensation for Lufthansa Cancellations
If the cancellation is Lufthansa’s fault (not weather-related), and you experience a long delay or overnight stay, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261 rules.
You can also claim:
- Meals and refreshments during delays.
- Hotel accommodation if you must stay overnight.
- Transportation between the airport and hotel.
| Flight distance | Delay | Compensation |
| Up to 1,500 km | 3+ hours | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | 3+ hours | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | 4+ hours | €600 |
Weather Exemptions
If Lufthansa cancels your flight due to bad weather, air traffic control strikes, or any other issues, the airline is not required to pay compensation. However, you will still receive:
- A full refund, or
- Free rebooking to the next available flight
Lufthansa Refunds in Case of Partial Use
If you have used one leg of a round-trip and canceled the return flight, Lufthansa refunds only the unused segment. The refund is calculated proportionally in accordance with the fare rules.
Need refund help? Our travel experts can guide you through Lufthansa’s refund process and help you claim your money faster.
How to Track Your Refund?
How long does Lufthansa take to refund? After you request a refund, you can track its progress:
- Go to Lufthansa’s “My Bookings” page.
- Enter your booking reference and surname.
- Check refund or rebooking status.
You can also contact Lufthansa’s team via the helpline or on Twitter for real-time updates.
Refund for Tickets Booked with Miles
If you booked your flight through Miles & More, Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program:
- Canceled award flights are refunded in miles.
- Taxes and fees are refunded in cash.
- Processing time: up to 10 business days.
However, if the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of departure, Lufthansa may charge a mileage redeposit fee, unless the cancellation is due to their fault.
How Much is the Change Fee for Lufthansa Flights?
The fee to change a Lufthansa flight depends on your fare class, the route, and the flexibility of your ticket. There is no flat fee for everyone; some tickets allow free changes, except for fare differences.
What Affects the Lufthansa Change Fee
Here are the main things that determine how much you will pay when changing your Lufthansa booking:
- Fare class/ticket type, like Light, Basic, Flex, Business, First.
- Route/origin-destination, domestic vs. international; long-haul vs. short-haul.
- When you make the change, how far in advance of departure, and what special policies are there for same-day changes and the 24-hour rule after booking?
- If the fare is refundable or non-refundable
- If there is a difference between your old fare and the new one
- Any special promotions or exceptions for flexible fares, schedule changes made by Lufthansa, and elite status members.
| Class Type | Change Fee |
| Economy (Basic / Basic Plus) | USD 300 |
| Economy Light | Change not allowed |
| Economy Flex / Flexible Economy | No fixed change fee |
| Premium Economy (Basic / Basic Plus) | USD 300 |
| Premium Economy Flex | no fee |
| Business Class (Basic / Basic Plus) | USD 450 |
| Business Flex | No fixed change fee |
| First Class (Basic / Basic Plus) | USD 450 |
| First Class | no fixed fee |
Some Special Situations & Rules for Flight Change
- 24-Hour Rule: Lufthansa allows free changes or cancellations (or minimal fees) if you make the change within 24 hours of booking, especially if departure is some days out. But this depends on fare class and region.
- Same-Day Changes / Award Tickets: There may be special fees (or none) for same-day changes or changes to award bookings. These rules vary a lot.
- Destination Changes: Changing the destination (not just the date/time) is often more restrictive and sometimes not permitted under certain (Basic / Light) fare classes.
- Fare Difference Always Applies: If your new flight price is higher, expect to pay the difference. Even when there is no change fee, a fare difference is charged.
How to Find Out Your Exact Fee?
Because of all the variables, the best way to know exactly how much your change will cost is to.
- Log in to Lufthansa’s website, go to “Manage Booking”, and enter your booking reference.
- Check your fare rules to see whether changes are allowed, what the fee is, whether only the fare difference applies, etc.
- If booked through a travel agent or third party, contact them; sometimes fees differ or there are additional service charges.
- Be aware of time: the earlier you make the change, the more favorable the fees or the more options you have.
Refund Delays: How Long Does Lufthansa Take to Refund?
Sometimes, you experience longer refund times due to some common causes. However, if it’s been more than 30 business days, contact Lufthansa support or file a refund status complaint through the airline’s feedback portal.
- Payment made through third-party agencies, Lufthansa must coordinate with them.
- Group bookings require additional verification and multiple ticket numbers, which slows the process.
- Complex itineraries with code-share partners.
- Refund requests for partially used tickets require manual calculation.
- Bank delays or public holidays affect transaction times.
What Happens If You Miss a Lufthansa Flight but Don’t Cancel?
If you no-show for your flight and didn’t cancel in advance, Lufthansa marks the ticket as forfeited so that no refund will be issued.
However, if you have travel insurance or a valid reason, such as a medical emergency, you can submit documentation for consideration. In such cases, Lufthansa may refund taxes and unused segments after verification. But how long does Lufthansa take to refund? To learn about the refund process, you can contact our agents.
How long does Lufthansa take to refund?: Get Your Refund Faster
- Cancel early if you know you cannot travel; cancel online immediately to start the refund timer.
- Avoid third-party portals and book directly on Lufthansa’s website for faster processing.
- Keep your payment consistent by using a single credit card per booking to simplify processing.
- Monitor your bank account, as refunds often appear as “Lufthansa” or “LH Refund” transactions.
- Use online refund forms, as they are faster than calling customer care.
Key Takeaways
- How long does Lufthansa take to refund? It usually arrives within 7–10 business days for direct bookings.
- Cancellations initiated by Lufthansa are refunded faster than those made by you.
- Refunds through agencies can take up to 6 weeks.
- Always read fare conditions before booking; refundable tickets simplify the process.
- Under EU261, you may receive compensation up to €600 for Lufthansa-caused cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Lufthansa take to refund if I cancel my flight?
Lufthansa usually processes refunds within 7–10 business days for card payments, but up to 20–30 business days for cash or agency bookings. You can contact our agents to know your refund status.
Can I get a full refund if I cancel my flight?
You will get a full refund only if your fare is refundable. Non-refundable fares only return taxes and fees.
What if Lufthansa cancels my flight?
You are entitled to a full refund or free rebooking, and possibly compensation under EU261 if the cancellation is airline-related.
Can I speed up the refund process?
You can cancel online directly through Lufthansa’s website, provide accurate payment info, and avoid third-party agencies.
What if I don’t receive my refund after 30 days?
If you do not receive your refund from Lufthansa, you can contact Lufthansa’s team with your booking code or file a formal complaint via their “Feedback & Refund” page.
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