Lufthansa EU261 Compensation: How to Claim

Does EU261 apply to Lufthansa both ways?

Yes. Lufthansa (LH) is a German EU-registered carrier. EU261 applies to all EU-registered carriers on ALL flights regardless of departure airport. A Lufthansa flight from Bangkok to Frankfurt is covered exactly the same as Frankfurt to Bangkok. There is no limitation for EU carriers based on departure country. Lufthansa Group airlines (SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) follow the same rule — all are EU or Switzerland-registered.

How much compensation for a Lufthansa delay?

EU261 compensation for Lufthansa delays: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km (e.g. FRA–London, MUC–Amsterdam), €400 for 1,500–3,500 km (e.g. FRA–Casablanca, FRA–Istanbul, FRA–Cairo, FRA–Dubai is long-haul), €600 for flights over 3,500 km (e.g. FRA–Dubai ~4,900 km, FRA–New York ~6,200 km, FRA–Bangkok ~9,000 km). A 3+ hour arrival delay or cancellation within 14 days triggers compensation.

What is Germany's deadline for Lufthansa EU261 claims?

Germany applies a 3-year limitation period for EU261 claims (standard contractual prescription under the German Civil Code BGB §195). This is better than Belgium's 1 year but less than France's 5 years or Spain's 5 years. The German national enforcement body is the LBA (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt). The SÖP (Schlichtungsstelle Öffentlicher Personenverkehr) is Germany's free ADR scheme for aviation disputes, typically resolving claims within 90 days.

Lufthansa rejected my EU261 claim citing extraordinary circumstances — is this valid?

Airlines frequently reject EU261 claims citing extraordinary circumstances. For Lufthansa rejections: check whether the delay reason is genuinely extraordinary. Technical faults are NOT extraordinary per the CJEU Wallentin-Hermann ruling. Crew unavailability, scheduled maintenance delays, and operational issues are generally not extraordinary. Genuine extraordinary circumstances include ATC strikes (but not airline staff strikes), severe weather grounding the specific aircraft, security threats, and acts of sabotage. If in doubt, escalate to LBA or SÖP.

Does SunExpress follow the same EU261 rules as Lufthansa?

No. SunExpress is a Turkish-registered carrier (joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines) — it is NOT an EU carrier. EU261 applies to SunExpress on EU/UK departures only. A SunExpress flight from Frankfurt FRA to Antalya AYT → EU261 applies (EU departure). Antalya AYT → Frankfurt on SunExpress → EU261 does NOT apply (Turkish carrier, non-EU departure). This is the same rule as Turkish Airlines itself. Ownership by Lufthansa does NOT change SunExpress's Turkish registration status.