Lufthansa Airlines Flight Change Policy: Fees, Rules & Steps

lans don’t always go as expected, and sometimes you need to adjust your travel dates or departure time. Lufthansa Airlines offers flexible change options depending on your ticket type, route, and timing. Understanding the Lufthansa flight change policy helps you avoid unnecessary fees and make modifications quickly and confidently.

This guide explains when you can change your flight, what charges apply, and how to complete the process step-by-step.

Can You Change a Lufthansa Flight?

Yes. Lufthansa allows passengers to modify most bookings, including:

• Travel date
  
  

• Departure time
  
  

• Destination (fare difference applies)
  
  

• Connecting flights
  
  

However, the cost and flexibility depend on the fare category you purchased.

Lufthansa Ticket Types and Change Flexibility

Your ticket rules determine whether you’ll pay a fee or only a fare difference.

Economy Light (Basic)

• Usually most restrictive
  
  

• Change fee applies
  
  

• Fare difference required
  
  

Economy Classic & Flex

• Lower change fee or no fee (depending on route)
  
  

• Fare difference applies
  
  

• More flexibility
  
  

Premium Economy, Business & First Class

• Often free changes
  
  

• Only fare difference required
  
  

• Highest flexibility
  
  

Tip: Even when change fees are waived, you must still pay if the new flight costs more.

24-Hour Risk-Free Changes

Lufthansa typically allows free corrections within 24 hours of booking if the reservation was recently purchased. During this time you can:

• Change dates
  
  

• Correct schedule mistakes
  
  

• Cancel and rebook
  
  

This is helpful if you accidentally selected the wrong travel day.

Same-Day Flight Changes

If you need an earlier or later flight on the same travel day, Lufthansa may offer a same-day change:

• Available depending on fare rules
  
  

• Seat availability required
  
  

• Small fee may apply for lower fares
  
  

• Often free for flexible or premium tickets
  
  

This option is especially useful for business travelers with changing schedules.

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Flight?

Costs vary by route (domestic vs international), fare class, and timing.

You may pay:

• Change fee (for restricted tickets)
  
  

• Fare difference (almost always applies)
  
  

• Airport service charge (rare cases)
  
  

In many situations, long-haul tickets have lower penalties than basic short-haul fares.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Lufthansa Flight

You can modify your reservation online in minutes.

Step 1 — Go to the Lufthansa Website
Open the “My Bookings” section.

Step 2 — Enter Booking Details
Provide your booking code and last name.

Step 3 — Select the Flight
Choose the segment you want to change.

Step 4 — Pick a New Flight
View available options and price differences.

Step 5 — Pay Fare Difference or Fee
Confirm payment if required.

Step 6 — Receive Confirmation
Your updated ticket arrives via email.

You can also make changes through customer support or at the airport counter.

Special Situations

Flight Disruption by Lufthansa

If Lufthansa changes or cancels your flight, you can rebook for free or request a refund.

Medical or Emergency Cases

In serious situations, support agents may provide flexibility or travel credit depending on documentation.

Award Tickets

Miles bookings can also be changed, usually for a smaller fee than cash tickets.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Extra Fees

Choose Flexible Fare When Unsure
Paying slightly more initially may save large penalties later.

Change Early
Prices increase closer to departure — adjusting early reduces fare differences.

Use Same Cabin Class
Switching to higher cabin classes increases costs significantly.

Check Alternative Airports
Nearby airports sometimes have cheaper replacement flights.

Final Thoughts

The Lufthansa Airlines flight change policy offers solid flexibility, especially for travelers who choose standard or premium fares. While basic tickets may involve change fees, most passengers only pay the fare difference when modifying their trip.