Lufthansa’s 24-hour cancellation policy is designed to give travelers peace of mind and flexibility immediately after booking. Under this policy, if a passenger books a flight directly through Lufthansa’s official website, mobile app, call center, or airport ticket desk, they are entitled to cancel the reservation and receive a full refund if the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of ticket issuance. However, one important condition is that the departure of the flight must be scheduled at least seven days (168 hours) in the future from the time of booking. This allows customers to review their plans and make adjustments without financial penalty.

The 24-hour window starts from the exact moment the ticket is issued, not from the moment of payment authorization or booking initiation. This means travelers need to be cautious and aware of the official time their booking confirmation is issued. Lufthansa provides access to the booking time through confirmation emails and the “My Bookings” section of its website. If a passenger decides to cancel within the 24-hour grace period, they must do so through the same channel they used to book, or via Lufthansa customer service. Cancellations made by phone or online typically result in an automatic and full refund to the original payment method, which can take up to 10 business days depending on the bank.

Outside the 24-hour window, Lufthansa’s standard fare rules apply. Basic Economy or Economy Light fares are generally non-refundable, and passengers canceling after the grace period may only receive a refund of unused airport taxes, minus processing fees. Economy Classic and Flex fares, as well as Business and First Class fares, often allow for cancellations with a fee or partial refund, depending on the fare conditions at the time of booking. Fully flexible tickets can be canceled with little to no penalty, but passengers must always check the terms before confirming a booking.

It’s important to note that the 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply to tickets booked through third-party travel agencies or online platforms such as Expedia or Booking.com. In these cases, travelers must follow the cancellation policy of the booking platform, which may or may not mirror Lufthansa’s direct policy. Additionally, group bookings, promotional fares, and award tickets may have different rules. Lufthansa’s Miles & More program may allow cancellation and redeposit of miles, often for a fee, but this is separate from the standard 24-hour policy and should be confirmed when redeeming miles.

If Lufthansa cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule change—such as a long delay or change in departure time—passengers are entitled to a full refund, regardless of when the ticket was booked or the fare type. This applies even outside the 24-hour cancellation period and is supported by EU passenger protection regulations. In these cases, Lufthansa will usually notify passengers of their options, including refund, rebooking, or travel credit.

In conclusion, Lufthansa’s 24-hour cancellation rule gives passengers a risk-free opportunity to cancel their bookings within one day of purchase, as long as the flight is at least seven days away. This policy ensures full refunds for qualifying cancellations and allows travelers time to reconsider their travel plans. After 24 hours, the fare conditions determine eligibility for refunds and fees. Passengers should always review the exact time of ticket issuance, act promptly if cancellation is needed, and keep a record of all communications and confirmations to ensure a smooth refund process.