Lufthansa offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy for tickets booked directly through its website, app, call center, or airport counters, provided the flight departs at least seven days after booking. Passengers who cancel within 24 hours of ticket issuance are eligible for a full refund, including taxes and fees, with no penalty applied. This rule applies to all fare types, including non-refundable Economy Light or Basic tickets. To cancel, passengers should use the "My Bookings" tool online or via the app or contact customer service. Refunds are typically processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days for credit cards, or up to 20 days for other payment methods.

After the 24-hour window closes, standard fare conditions take effect. Economy Light and Basic fares become non-refundable, and cancellations usually yield a credit or refund of only unused airport taxes, minus a small administrative fee. For more flexible fare classes—Economy Classic, Flex, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class—cancellations after the initial window are allowed with varying fees depending on the fare rules, route, and timing of cancellation. Refundable tickets, such as higher-tier fares, can be canceled at any time before departure for a full refund minus any applicable fees.

If Lufthansa cancels or significantly delays a flight, passengers may choose a full refund, rebooking on an alternative flight, or in some cases travel credit, regardless of fare type. Compensation or assistance may also apply under EU Regulation 261/2004 when applicable. Award or Miles & More bookings are subject to separate conditions; fully flexible award tickets can be canceled and points redeposited with minimal or no fee, while basic reward tickets may incur fees and may be non-refundable after booking.

The 24-hour policy does not apply to bookings made through third-party travel agencies or online travel sites; such cancellations must be handled through the original seller and subject to their rules. Group bookings and some promotional fares may also be excluded from the policy and subject to fare-specific restrictions.

Passengers should note that the 24-hour window is measured from the time the ticket is officially issued in Lufthansa’s system and not merely when payment is processed. This means cancellations made after issuance but close to the deadline may be rejected. To ensure compliance, travelers should verify the exact booking timestamp and cancel promptly via Lufthansa’s official channels.

In rare cases, users report delays or system issues that prevent timely cancellations; preserving booking confirmation and cancellation receipts, contacting customer support promptly, and following up are recommended to secure eligibility. If disputes arise, passengers may seek redress via credit card chargebacks or regulatory bodies depending on the jurisdiction.

In summary, Lufthansa’s 24-hour rule provides full refunds with no fees for eligible direct bookings canceled within 24 hours of issuance, provided the flight is scheduled at least seven days away. Outside that window, standard fare rules apply. Always book directly, monitor timestamps, act promptly, and retain documentation to maximize refund chances.