Lufthansa Airlines Rebooking Policy: Detailed Guide
In this guide, I’ll break down Lufthansa’s rebooking policy, explain how it works, and offer tips for both beginners and seasoned travelers. Let me show you how to make the most of this policy so you can travel with peace of mind.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat is Lufthansa’s Rebooking Policy?
Lufthansa’s rebooking policy allows passengers to make changes to their flight bookings under specific terms and conditions. This policy varies depending on the type of ticket purchased, the reason for rebooking, and the timing of the request.

Key points to understand:
- Ticket Flexibility: The ability to rebook depends on whether your ticket is refundable or non-refundable, and if you purchased additional flexibility options.
- Fees and Fare Differences: Rebooking may involve paying a fee and/or fare difference depending on the ticket conditions.
- Special Circumstances: Lufthansa provides flexibility in cases of flight cancellations, delays, or exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies.
When Can You Rebook a Lufthansa Ticket?
From my own personal experience, the timing of your rebooking request plays a crucial role. Here’s a detailed look:
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Before Departure
- If your travel plans change, you can request a rebooking before your flight’s departure. This option is especially useful for non-refundable tickets as it prevents a total loss of your fare.
- Changes made early often incur lower fees compared to last-minute adjustments.
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After Departure
- If you miss your flight or need to modify a return leg, rebooking is still possible. However, fees and conditions may be stricter, particularly for economy or non-flex tickets.
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In Case of Flight Disruptions
- For flight cancellations or significant delays caused by Lufthansa, rebooking is usually free of charge. You may also be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
How to Rebook a Lufthansa Flight: Step-by-Step Guide
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Log In to Your Lufthansa Account
- Visit Lufthansa’s official website or mobile app.
- Navigate to the “My Bookings” section and log in using your booking reference and last name.
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Select Your Flight
- Identify the flight you wish to rebook and check its current rebooking eligibility.
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Choose a New Flight
- Select a suitable alternative from the available options. Lufthansa often provides multiple choices based on your original itinerary.
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Pay Applicable Fees
- Review the cost breakdown, including any fare differences and rebooking fees. Complete the payment if applicable.
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Confirm Your Changes
- Once confirmed, you’ll receive a new booking confirmation via email. Save this for your records.
What Are the Fees for Lufthansa Rebooking?
Fees for rebooking can vary depending on several factors:
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Type of Ticket
- Economy Light: Typically non-changeable unless additional flexibility was purchased.
- Economy Classic and Flex: Moderate rebooking fees or free rebooking for fully flexible tickets.
- Premium Economy, Business, and First Class: Often offer more lenient rebooking options, with lower or no fees.
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Fare Difference
- If the new flight is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference in fare, regardless of the ticket type.
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Time of Rebooking
- Last-minute changes often incur higher costs compared to early rebooking.
Tips for a Smooth Rebooking Experience
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Understand Your Ticket Terms
- Before booking, review the fare conditions for flexibility options.
- Consider purchasing refundable or flexible tickets if you anticipate changes.
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Act Quickly
- From my own personal experience, acting promptly when you know you need to rebook helps secure better options and minimizes costs.
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Utilize Lufthansa Customer Support
- For complex rebooking needs, contacting Lufthansa’s customer service can provide clarity and assistance.
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Travel Insurance
- Having travel insurance can cover rebooking fees in case of emergencies, adding an extra layer of security.
Special Cases: Free Rebooking with Lufthansa
Under certain conditions, Lufthansa offers free rebooking:
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Flight Disruptions by Lufthansa
- If your flight is delayed, rescheduled, or canceled, rebooking is typically free of charge.
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Other Related Changes
- Lufthansa introduced flexible rebooking options during the pandemic, allowing changes without penalties. Check current policies for updates.
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Medical Emergencies
- In cases of documented medical emergencies, Lufthansa may waive rebooking fees.
Advantages of Lufthansa’s Rebooking Policy
From my overall experience, Lufthansa stands out for its transparency and passenger-centric approach. Some benefits include:
- Flexibility: Options for all ticket types, ensuring travelers can adjust plans when needed.
- User-Friendly Interface: Online tools make rebooking accessible and easy for beginners.
- Global Support: With customer service available worldwide, help is just a call away.
The Different Types of Lufthansa Tickets
As we discussed earlier, the flexibility to rebook depends on the type of ticket you’ve purchased. Let’s break this down further, so you understand exactly what you’re dealing with when it comes to rebooking options.
Economy Light
This is the most basic, non-refundable ticket. It’s perfect for those traveling on a strict budget but looking for minimal flexibility. You’ll generally not be able to rebook this ticket unless you purchase additional flexibility options at the time of booking, such as Lufthansa’s Flex Option.
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- Rebooking Fee: High, with strict terms.
- Changes: Only possible if additional options are purchased.
- Refundability: No refunds available except in exceptional circumstances (flight cancellations, medical emergencies, etc.).
Economy Classic
This is a more flexible option compared to Economy Light. The Economy Classic fare allows you to make changes to your flight booking, though there are fees involved. The ability to change your dates or destinations is often available if done well in advance.
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- Rebooking Fee: Moderate, but there’s more flexibility compared to Economy Light.
- Changes: Allowed with a fee.
- Refundability: Partial refund may be available with conditions.
Economy Flex
This is the most flexible Economy ticket offered by Lufthansa. You can make changes to your booking without incurring any rebooking fees, although if your new flight is more expensive, you will need to pay the fare difference. This ticket is perfect for travelers who want the peace of mind to change their plans without financial penalties.
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- Rebooking Fee: No fee, just the difference in fare.
- Changes: Allowed freely with no penalty.
- Refundability: Full refunds are possible.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy provides an enhanced travel experience with extra legroom and additional services. Rebooking a Premium Economy ticket is typically easier than in Economy, and the fees are more reasonable compared to Business Class.
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- Rebooking Fee: Lower than Business Class, but still applies depending on the situation.
- Changes: Allowed, though subject to availability.
- Refundability: Partial refunds might be available, depending on the conditions.
Business and First Class
These are the most flexible and luxurious options with the least restrictive rebooking policies. Business and First Class passengers typically enjoy free rebooking, regardless of when the change is made, and in many cases, the airline will assist with the process.
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- Rebooking Fee: Typically no rebooking fee.
- Changes: Freely allowed, but availability may depend on the new flight.
- Refundability: Full refunds in most cases.
Pro Tip: If you know you might need to change your plans, or if there is any uncertainty, I highly recommend considering the flexibility options. Though they may come at a higher price upfront, they save you stress, time, and money in the event of a change.
How Lufthansa Handles Cancellations
Lufthansa is known for its structured and passenger-friendly approach to cancellations, especially when the airline is responsible. Let’s break down what you should know.
Lufthansa’s Cancellations Due to Flight Issues
If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed by Lufthansa, you are entitled to a rebooking free of charge. Additionally, if the delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, Lufthansa will assist in rebooking your journey.
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- Compensation: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are often entitled to compensation for cancellations, which varies based on the distance of the flight and the delay time. Compensation can range from €250 to €600.
- Options: You can either be rebooked on the next available flight or receive a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Lufthansa’s Cancellations Due to Weather or Other Force Majeure
In cases of force majeure events such as severe weather conditions, natural disasters, or strikes, Lufthansa does its best to provide rebooking options, but they are not legally obligated to compensate you financially. However, the airline usually offers the option to rebook at no additional cost.
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- What to Do: Contact Lufthansa’s customer service as soon as possible to confirm rebooking or alternative flight options.
- Compensation: While rebooking may be free, compensation is typically not provided under these circumstances.
Rebooking Your Flight on the Lufthansa App
The Lufthansa mobile app is incredibly convenient for managing bookings on the go, especially when you need to rebook your flight. From my own personal experience, using the app can make the rebooking process a lot quicker and simpler. Here’s how:
Download the App
If you haven’t already, download the Lufthansa app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It’s available for both iOS and Android users.
Log Into Your Account
Once the app is installed, log in using your booking reference number and last name.
Find Your Booking
The “My Bookings” section will show you all of your flight details. Select the flight you want to change.
Make Changes
If your flight is eligible for rebooking, you can easily select a new date, time, or destination. The app will automatically show you the available flights and calculate any fare differences.
Confirm Payment and Changes
Once you’ve selected your new flight, the app will prompt you to confirm any additional payment required. If everything looks good, finalize the changes and receive your new flight confirmation right through the app.
How to Handle Last-Minute Changes
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you find yourself needing to make last-minute changes to your Lufthansa flight. This is where knowing the specifics of Lufthansa’s rebooking policies becomes incredibly helpful. Here are some tips:
Be Aware of Higher Fees
Rebooking fees for last-minute changes can be high, especially for non-flexible tickets. It’s important to act quickly if you’re aware of the situation as soon as possible. The sooner you request a change, the lower the fees tend to be.
Check for Available Seats
Availability of new flights on the same day or the next day can be limited, especially for peak travel periods like holidays. Contact Lufthansa immediately to confirm whether any available seats match your desired new flight.
Consider Upgrading Your Ticket
If you’re stuck with a non-flexible ticket, upgrading to a higher class (Premium Economy, Business, or First Class) may give you the freedom to rebook your flight with fewer penalties, especially if you frequently travel with Lufthansa.
Use Lufthansa’s Call Center
In urgent cases, it may be faster to call Lufthansa’s customer support rather than waiting for an email confirmation. Airlines often prioritize phone support for urgent or last-minute changes.
Alternative Options for Rebooking: Through Travel Agents or Partners
If you booked your flight through a travel agent or via a third-party website, the rebooking process can sometimes be a little more complex. In such cases, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Contact the Agent
If you used a travel agent to book your flight, the rebooking process might need to go through them, as they often have access to different systems and fares.
Book Directly with Lufthansa
For easier rebooking, it’s recommended to book flights directly with Lufthansa. Rebooking through third-party platforms can sometimes cause confusion, especially when you need immediate assistance.
Customer Experiences with Lufthansa’s Rebooking Policy
From my own personal experience and what I’ve read from other passengers, Lufthansa’s rebooking process is generally efficient and well-regarded. Travelers appreciate the clarity and transparency in the process, especially when it comes to flight cancellations or changes due to personal reasons.
However, there are some mixed reviews, particularly when it comes to long delays or complicated rebooking requests. Some passengers have shared that their rebooking experience was delayed due to high call volume or system overload. To avoid such frustrations, it’s best to plan ahead and contact Lufthansa as early as possible.
Common Questions About Lufthansa Rebooking Policy
1. Can I rebook my flight on the day of travel?
Yes, but availability and fees depend on your ticket type and the time of your request.
2. What happens if I don’t show up for my flight?
You may still rebook a missed flight, but penalties and fare differences could apply. Contact customer support immediately.
3. Can I rebook a flight booked with Miles & More?
Yes, rebooking award flights is possible but may involve mileage adjustments and fees.
Notes on What to Expect
From my own personal experience, Lufthansa’s rebooking policy is both robust and passenger-friendly. Here’s what to expect:
- Seamless Process: Online tools simplify rebooking, but having your booking reference handy is essential.
- Possible Costs: Be prepared for fare differences, even when fees are waived.
- Flexibility Variations: Ticket conditions significantly impact your options, so choose wisely when booking.
Closing Thoughts: Share Your Experience!
Traveling comes with its surprises, and Lufthansa’s rebooking policy ensures you have the flexibility to adapt. Whether you’re a beginner navigating airline policies for the first time or a frequent flyer seeking to optimize your travel plans, understanding the ins and outs of rebooking can save time, money, and stress.
From my own personal experience, Lufthansa’s transparency and customer-first approach have made it a reliable choice for rebooking needs. Have you had an experience with Lufthansa’s rebooking policy? I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below, I’ll be sure to reply and keep the conversation going. Your feedback helps create a community where travelers can learn from one another. Happy travels.

Lisa is a passionate travel blogger and flight enthusiast dedicated to helping you explore the world smarter. Through currentflight.today, she shares practical tips, curated recommendations, and the latest travel updates to make your adventures seamless and memorable