Claim deadline
~3 years (Germany)
Care threshold
2-4 hrs by distance
Verified · checked Jun 2026
Lufthansa provides an online "Application for compensation in the event of flight irregularities" form on their own site for delays of 3+ hours, cancellations, or missed connections, checking eligibility under Article 7 of EU261.
Pattern to expect
Documented court cases (via passenger-rights firms) describe a recurring pattern: Lufthansa not responding to direct compensation requests for clear-cut, undisputed delays, but also not contesting the claim once it reaches small claims court — suggesting the airline sometimes waits to see if a passenger will pursue it formally rather than paying on first request. This doesn't mean direct claims fail, but it's a reason to keep your documentation and be ready to escalate if you hear nothing back within a reasonable window (around 6-8 weeks is a fair point to follow up).
Compensation amounts
€250 for flights under 1,500km, €400 for medium-haul, up to €600 for long-haul delays of 4+ hours (€300 for 3-4 hour delays on long-haul). Lufthansa is also required to provide meals/refreshments after 2-4 hours depending on distance, plus a hotel for overnight disruptions.
If Lufthansa denies your claim
Germany's relevant alternative dispute resolution body is Schlichtungsstelle für den öffentlichen Personenverkehr (SÖP) — a free option before considering legal action, and worth using if your claim seems clearly valid but gets an initial refusal.
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