Lufthansa Flight Delay Compensation — Claim up to £520
Lufthansa is a German (EU) airline, giving you the broadest coverage: protected on flights departing the UK under UK261 and on flights into the UK from the EU under EU261.
This guide explains when a delayed or cancelled Lufthansa flight qualifies under UK261, how much you can claim, how to claim, and what to do if Lufthansa rejects you. To check your likely payout first, use our flight delay compensation calculator.
How Much You Can Claim
Compensation by Distance
Amounts are fixed by flight distance, per passenger, regardless of ticket price:
- £220 — short-haul, up to 1,500 km
- £350 — medium-haul, 1,500 to 3,500 km
- £520 — long-haul, over 3,500 km
- Paid in cash — a budget fare and a premium fare receive the same amount
The Three-Hour Rule
Eligibility turns on your arrival, not your departure:
- You must arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours late
- Arrival is measured when the aircraft doors open
- A late take-off that makes up time in the air may not qualify
- The delay must be within the airline’s control — not extraordinary circumstances
When Lufthansa Flights Are Covered
Your Coverage
Lufthansa’s status gives you coverage on:
- Departing any UK airport on Lufthansa — covered by UK261
- Arriving into the UK from Frankfurt or Munich on Lufthansa — covered by EU261
- Departing the EU on Lufthansa — covered by EU261
- Connecting via Frankfurt or Munich: your final destination determines the delay
What This Means in Practice
Lufthansa routes many UK passengers through Frankfurt or Munich, often onward worldwide — measure your delay at the final destination, not at the German hub.
How to Claim Against Lufthansa
Before You Claim
Gather your evidence first:
- Booking reference and ticket
- Boarding passes for each leg
- The actual arrival time at your final destination
- Any delay notification or reason the airline gave
The Steps
The process is the same for most airlines:
- Submit a claim to Lufthansa stating the flight, delay length and amount owed
- The airline should respond, typically within 30 days
- If it rejects or ignores you, escalate to an ADR scheme or court
- Prefer to hand it over? A no win no fee claim takes a cut but does the work
If Lufthansa Rejects Your Claim
Common Reasons Airlines Give
Watch for these — several are challengeable:
- Extraordinary circumstances — often over-used, ask for proof
- A technical fault — usually NOT extraordinary, normally claimable
- Crew sickness — NOT extraordinary since Lipton v BA Cityflyer
- “Operational reasons” — too vague; demand the specific cause
Your Right to Care Still Applies
Even if compensation is genuinely refused:
- The airline must provide food, drink and communication during long delays
- And hotel plus transport if you’re delayed overnight
- Keep receipts if you had to pay for these yourself
Common Questions About Lufthansa Claims
How far back can I claim?
You can claim for eligible Lufthansa flights from the last six years in England and Wales, or five years in Scotland. It’s worth acting sooner rather than later while evidence is fresh. See our how far back can I claim guide.
My flight was only delayed at departure but arrived on time. Can I claim?
No. Compensation depends entirely on your arrival time at the final destination, measured when the aircraft doors open. A late departure the crew make up in the air, leaving you under three hours late on arrival, doesn’t qualify — however frustrating the wait at the gate.
Does it matter what I paid for my ticket?
Not at all. The compensation amounts are fixed by distance and identical for every passenger on the flight. Someone on a discounted fare receives exactly the same as someone in a premium cabin — the figure reflects the disruption, not the price of the ticket.
My Lufthansa flight INTO the UK was delayed. Am I covered?
Yes. Because Lufthansa is a European carrier, UK261 (or EU261) covers its flights arriving into the UK as well as those departing — so you’re protected in both directions, provided the delay was within the airline’s control.
Should I use a claims company?
You can claim directly and for free, and for a straightforward delay that’s often the best route — you keep all the compensation. A claims company takes a percentage but handles the paperwork and any dispute, which can be worth it if the airline pushes back hard. Our do I need a claims company guide weighs it up.
Related Guides
Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Am I Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?
Extraordinary Circumstances Explained
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Delayed Flight
If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free flight delay claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
