Claim Compensation from Lufthansa

Don't just fire off an angry email. You need ammo. Lufthansa support is notorious for rejecting claims due to "missing information." Gather these specific items before you start typing.

• The PIR Number: If this is about luggage, you absolutely need the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number you got at the airport kiosk. No PIR, usually no payout.
• Boarding Passes: Digital or physical. They prove you were actually at the gate.
• Receipts in USD: If you bought clothes because your bag was lost, or food during a delay, scan the receipts. They won't reimburse estimates.
• The Exact Delay Time: Note the time the cabin door opened, not just when you landed. That 5-minute difference can cost you $650.
• Bank Details: Have your IBAN or SWIFT code ready, though for US customers they might mail a check.

Since Lufthansa is a European carrier, you have way more protection than with US airlines. Even if you are flying to the US from Europe, or from the US on Lufthansa, EU laws often apply.

• Airlines (EU 261/2004): This is the big one. If your flight is delayed by 3+ hours, cancelled, or you are denied boarding, you could be entitled to up to €600 (approx. $650 USD) per person. This is cash compensation, not just a voucher. It depends on the flight distance.
• Baggage (Montreal Convention): If they damage, delay, or lose your bag, their liability is capped at around $1,700 USD (1,288 SDR). You must file a claim within 7 days for damage and 21 days for delayed bags.
• US DOT Rules: For flights to/from the US, you are entitled to a full refund (to the original payment method) if they cancel the flight and you choose not to travel. Do not let them force a travel credit on you if you prefer cash.

Note: Compensation amounts are set by regulation; goodwill credits vary by case.

Subject: Formal Compensation Claim - Flight LH[Number] - Booking Ref: [Reference]

To Lufthansa Customer Relations,

I am writing to formally request compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 for the disruption to my flight LH[Number] on [Date].

The flight was [cancelled / delayed by X hours] due to reasons within Lufthansa's control. As the delay at the final destination exceeded three hours, I am entitled to statutory compensation.

Flight Details:

• Booking Reference: [Ref]
• Passenger Name(s): [Name]
• Scheduled Departure: [Time]
• Actual Arrival: [Time]

Additionally, I incurred expenses totaling $[Amount] USD for [food/hotel/clothing] due to this service failure. Receipts are attached.

Please remit the total compensation of $[Total Amount] to the account details below within 14 days. If this claim is rejected, I will escalate the matter to the Söp (German Conciliation Body) and the US Department of Transportation.

Regards,

[Your Name] [Phone Number]

Lufthansa denied your claim? Typical. They often cite "extraordinary circumstances" (like weather) even when it was a crew scheduling error. Here is how to fight back.

• The Söp (German Conciliation Body): Since Lufthansa is German, you can file a free complaint with the Schlichtungsstelle für den öffentlichen Personenverkehr (Söp). They are an independent arbitrator.
• US DOT Complaint: If the flight touched US soil, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation. It forces Lufthansa to respond to the government.
• Credit Card Chargeback: If they promised a refund for a cancelled flight and didn't pay, dispute the charge with your bank. Cite "services not received."
• Small Claims Court: If the amount is significant and you are based in the US, you can sue in small claims court in the jurisdiction where they do business.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Consult a professional for legal action.