Getting a refund from LOT Polish Airlines can feel like navigating a maze, especially when the policy has conditions buried in fine print. Most travelers have up to 24 hours after booking to cancel for a full refund on refundable fares, though non-refundable tickets complicate things fast. You'll need your booking confirmation and original payment details. Common refund reasons include flight cancellations by the airline and significant schedule changes. Trustpilot reviews skew negative, with recurring complaints about slow processing and unresponsive support. Visit the official policy at LOT Polish Airlines before filing anything.
What is the LOT Polish Airlines Refund Policy?
LOT Polish Airlines uses a fare-based refund system. Whether you get money back depends heavily on the ticket type you purchased. Refundable fares offer the most flexibility. Non-refundable fares are, well, exactly that in most cases, though exceptions exist when LOT cancels or significantly changes your flight.
| Ticket / Situation | Refund Eligibility | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Refundable fare (any class) | Eligible | Full refund to original payment method |
| Non-refundable fare, voluntary cancel | Ineligible for cash | Travel voucher or partial credit (fees apply) |
| Flight cancelled by LOT | Eligible | Full refund or free rebooking |
| Significant schedule change (2+ hours) | Eligible | Full refund or rebooking at no cost |
| No-show (missed flight, no cancel) | Ineligible | No refund, no credit |
| Award / Miles ticket | Conditionally eligible | Miles redeposited, fees may apply |
| Partially flown itinerary | Conditionally eligible | Partial refund based on unused segments |
What Items Cannot Be Refunded by LOT Polish Airlines?
Some purchases through LOT Polish Airlines are excluded from refunds entirely. These are worth knowing before you assume you're covered.
- Non-refundable base fares purchased under Economy Basic or equivalent restricted fare classes
- Seat selection fees (in most cases, these are non-refundable even if the flight is cancelled by the passenger)
- Checked baggage fees paid at booking, unless LOT cancels the flight
- Travel insurance premiums purchased through LOT at checkout
- Service fees charged for booking through a call center or third-party agent
- Tickets booked via third-party OTAs (Expedia, Kayak, etc.), which must be refunded through the original booking platform, not LOT directly
Ways to Request a LOT Polish Airlines Refund
LOT offers a few ways to submit a refund request. Each has trade-offs in speed and convenience.
| Method | Best For | Speed of Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Online Refund Form (lot.com) | Standard cancellations, refundable fares | 7–30 business days |
| LOT Contact Center (phone) | Complex cases, partially flown tickets | Varies, often 2–4 weeks |
| Airport Ticket Office | Urgent same-day issues, rebooking after cancellation | Faster for rebooking; refund still takes days |
| Email / Written Request | Documenting disputes, escalating denied claims | Slow, 2–6 weeks |
| Credit Card Chargeback | Last resort when LOT is unresponsive | 30–90 days via your bank |
The online form is the most common starting point. That said, a few users on Reddit have noted the portal times out mid-submission. Save your confirmation number before you start.
How to Request a LOT Polish Airlines Refund: Step by Step
Start by gathering your booking details before touching any form or phone line. Having everything ready upfront saves a lot of back-and-forth.
