General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage (GCCs for air travel)

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Unless otherwise indicated from the wording or the context, the following expressions have the meaning defined as follows:

We
refers to Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft.

You
refers to any persons who are passengers (cf. also definition of "passenger").

Travel class
refers to Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class and/or First Class.

Booking
includes all information about the planned carriage.

Coupon
is the part of the ticket that entitles the passenger to carriage on an individual leg.

Passenger
refers to any person in possession of a ticket who is carried or is due to be carried on an aircraft with our consent.

Ticket
numbered confirmation of a paid flight recorded electronically, documented by a ticket receipt (passenger receipt). "Flight ticket" and "ticket" are used as synonyms in the following.

Flight interruption
is a journey interruption requested by the passenger at a place between the place of departure and destination that has been approved by us in advance.

Baggage receipt
is that part of the ticket that refers to the carriage of your checked baggage.

Air carrier
is the carrier who carries the passenger and/or the passenger’s baggage as stated on the ticket and whose airline designator code appears on the ticket.

Check in deadline
is the time specified by us or the respective carrier by which you must complete your check-in formalities and be in possession of a boarding pass.

Damage
includes death, injury, damage arising from delays, loss or other damage of any kind arising from or in connection with carriage on flights or any other services provided by the carrier.

SDRs
are Special Drawing Rights as defined by the International Monetary Fund.

Days
are full calendar days, including Sundays and bank holidays; for purposes of notification, we will not count the day on which the notice is sent; for the purposes of determining the validity period of a ticket, we will not count the day on which the ticket was issued, or the day of departure.

General

2.1. These General Conditions of Carriage apply to such flights that bear the airline code "LH" on the ticket.

Code share

2.2. We have concluded agreements with other airlines known as "code shares". This means that another airline may operate a flight, even if Lufthansa (LH) is indicated as the carrier in the carrier box on the ticket. In the case of a code share flight, Lufthansa will advise you of the carrier operating the flight at the time of booking.

These General Conditions of Carriage shall apply to code share services on flights operated by other carriers.

If the flight is operated by a different carrier, you should familiarize yourself with the special characteristics, e.g. check-in times, provisions regarding the re-confirmation of bookings, requirements and policies regarding the carriage of unaccompanied minors, carriage of animals, refusal of carriage, oxygen devices, operational irregularities, denied-boarding compensation and free baggage allowance/acceptance, etc. of the carrier operating the flight.

Information about Lufthansa’s code share partners is available on our website lufthansa.com.

Interlining

2.3. These General Conditions of Carriage do not apply to carriage that does not bear the code “LH” on the ticket, even if the ticket was issued by us. In this case, we are not the carrier but the agent of the transport service. The fare regulations and General Conditions of Carriage of the airline whose airline designator code is specified on the ticket shall apply.

General

3.1.

3.1.1. We provide carriage only to the passenger named on the ticket when a confirmed booking exists. We reserve the right to deny carriage if the passenger is unable to verify his/her identity.

3.1.2. Tickets are not transferable.

3.1.3. The conditions for the refund of tickets are regulated by the respective fare provisions valid when the ticket is issued. Please choose the airfare that is best suited to your requirements. It may be advisable to take out travel cancellation insurance.

Duration of validity

3.2.

3.2.1. Unless otherwise stated either on the ticket, in these Conditions, or in applicable fares (which may limit the validity period of a ticket according to the information contained in the ticket), a ticket is valid for:

3.2.1.1. one year from the date of issue, or

3.2.1.2. one year from the planned commencement of travel, providing this is within one year after the date of issue of the ticket.

Changes at the passenger’s request

3.3.

(3.3.1. and 3.3.2. have been deleted)

3.3.3. If you have chosen a fare that requires you observe a fixed ticket sequence, please note that we will recalculate the fare according to your amended routing if carriage is not used on all individual legs or not used in the sequence specified on the ticket with otherwise unchanged travel data. The airfare will be determined in accordance with the fare you would have had to pay for your actual routing in your price group on the day of your booking. This fare may be higher or lower than the fare you originally paid.

If the price group you originally booked was not available for the altered routing on the day of the booking, the cheapest available former price group for your altered routing will be taken as the basis for the recalculation.

If a higher fare would have been determined on the day of the booking for your altered routing, we will subsequently collect the difference taking into account the fare already paid. Please note that we may make carriage dependent on whether you have paid this difference in price.

If you have a refundable ticket, as defined by the fare conditions, and have still not flown a single segment of it, you may ask for a refund of the price of the ticket in accordance with fare conditions. This means that you will forfeit your entitlement to carriage.

This Article 3.3.3. does not apply to the carriage of passengers resident in Austria.

3.3.4. The following applies to the carriage of passengers resident in Austria:
If you have chosen a fare that requires observance of a fixed ticket sequence, please note that if carriage is not used on all individual legs or not used in the sequence specified on the ticket, with otherwise unchanged travel data, we will recalculate the airfare in accordance with your amended routing. This does not apply if your travel plans simply change or if you are prevented from commencing carriage on all legs, or on individual legs in the order indicated on the ticket, due to force majeure, illness or another reason for which you are not responsible. Whenever possible, please notify us of the reasons for such changes as soon as you become aware of them. In the event of a recalculation, the airfare determined will be based on the fare you would have had to pay for your actual routing in your price group on the day of your booking. This fare may be higher or lower than the fare you originally paid.

If the price group you originally booked was not available for the altered routing on the day of the booking, the cheapest available former price group for your altered routing will be taken as the basis for the recalculation.

If a higher fare would have been determined on the day of the booking for your altered routing, we will subsequently collect the difference taking into account the fare already paid. Please note that we may make carriage dependent on whether you have paid this difference in price.

Contractual penalty for unauthorized change of travel class

3.4. Tickets only entitle the holder to carriage in the travel class specified there. A change to a higher travel class at the passenger's request constitutes an amendment to the contract and requires our express consent. If we give our consent, this is on the condition that the fare difference is paid in full before the commencement of carriage. Any unauthorized change to a higher travel class is prohibited and the passenger's refusal to occupy the seat assigned to them constitutes a breach of contract that entitles us to refuse carriage of the passenger. If it is impossible or unreasonable for us to refuse carriage at the time of the breach of contract, a contractual penalty shall be due for the contract breach. The liable party for the contractual penalty is the person who booked the flight. In the case of a booking for a third party, the person booking is required to accept liability for the behaviour of the breaching third party. The amount of the contractual penalty is equivalent to the difference in fare between the total price paid for the carriage and the minimum total price that would have to be paid on the day of carriage for carriage in the unauthorized higher travel class, plus a surcharge of 50% of the fare difference. We may also refuse further carriage of the passenger.

End price

4.1. The end price is the fare including taxes, fees and charges.

Fares

4.2. The fare to be paid covers the cost of carriage from the airport at the actual place of departure to the airport at the actual final destination. The fare may include charges levied by the airline.

Taxes, fees and charges

4.3. All applicable taxes, fees and other charges imposed by the state or local government or by another authority, or by the operator of an airport with regard to the passenger, or for services provided to the passenger, shall be paid by you in addition to the airfare. When you purchase your ticket, you will be informed of such taxes, fees and other charges that are not included in the airfare. These are usually also shown separately on your ticket.

Conditions for reservations

5.1.

5.1.1. Each flight coupon will be accepted only for carriage in the travel class specified on the coupon and for the day and flight for which there is a seat reservation. For tickets without a seat reservation, a seat may be reserved later if there is still one available on the desired flight.

5.1.2. We or one of our Authorized Agents will record your booking(s). We will send you a written passenger receipt on request.

5.1.3. Certain fares are subject to conditions that limit your right to rebook or cancel reservations.

(5.2. has been deleted.)

Personal data

5.3. We process your personal data according to all the relevant data privacy regulations and only for the following purposes: making flight bookings, purchasing tickets, obtaining additional services, refund and rebooking of tickets and additional services, development and provision of services, facilitating immigration and entry procedures, as well as making information associated with the organization of your journey available to the relevant government agencies and other airlines, or to other providers of the aforementioned services.

Advance seat reservations

5.4.

5.4.1. You have the option of making an advance seat reservation on some Lufthansa flights. In the context of this service, you can choose – if available – a specific seating category (aisle, window or middle seat, a seat with more legroom). Some fares are subject to a charge for this service, depending on the type of seat. The price may vary based on the seat category, time and type of booking, flight and route. There is no obligation to make a (chargeable) advance seat reservation.You can find more information on the page about ​Seat reservations.

5.4.2. If you decide not to pay for a seat reservation, you will be allocated a seat free of charge at check-in. Changes to an already selected or allocated seat may incur a charge depending on the selected fare. Whenever you use the “automated check-in” service, at the end of the process you are given the option of selecting a seat other than the one assigned to you. This may incur a fee depending on the fare, providing other seats are still available. However, we cannot guarantee specific seats or the availability of a specific seat category

5.4.3 If you rebook your flight, your existing seat reservation expires and you can proceed with a new seat reservation which may incur higher costs depending on the fare, seat category, time of rebooking and flight route.

5.4.4 We reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time, even after you have boarded the aircraft. This may be necessary for operational, safety or security reasons. If you have paid for an advance seat reservation and your flight is cancelled, or the seat is otherwise reassigned for safety or operational reasons, we will refund the cost of the advance seat reservation to you. You will not be refunded if you do not take the flight of your own volition, rebook or upgrade to another travel class, or if you have given incorrect information about your suitability for using a seat by the emergency exit.

6.1. Check-in deadlines vary from airport to airport. We recommend that you inform yourself about these check-in deadlines and comply with them. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if you do not comply with the check-in deadlines. We or the travel agency that issued the ticket will advise you of the check-in deadline for the first segment of your flight with us. You can find the check-in deadlines for our flights on our website or at the travel agency where the ticket was issued. Unless otherwise stated, passengers must check in no later than 45 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.

6.2. You must be available at the boarding gate no later than the time specified by us when you check in.

6.3. We have the right to cancel your booking if you fail to arrive at the boarding gate in time.

Right to refuse carriage

7.1. We may refuse carriage to you at our discretion if we have informed you in writing before your reservation that we shall no longer provide carriage to you on our flights, with effect from the time of our written notification. This may happen if you have contravened the rules of conduct set out in Articles 7 and 11 on a previous flight and your carriage has consequently become unacceptable. In addition, we may also refuse carriage to you if

7.1.1. this measure is necessary for reasons of safety and security or public order, or to prevent any violation of applicable laws or statutory requirements of any state to or from which a flight arrives, departs or flies over; or

7.1.2. your carriage may adversely affect the safety and security, the health or wellbeing of other passengers to a significant degree; or

7.1.3. your conduct, your condition or frame of mind or physical state, for example, including the effects of alcohol or drug use, are such that you are a danger to yourself, to other passengers or to members of the crew; or

7.1.4. you have behaved on a previous flight in such a manner as to significantly violate our rules of conduct and we have reason to believe that this behaviour could be repeated; or

7.1.5. you have refused to undergo a security check; or

7.1.6. you have not paid the applicable end price; or

7.1.7. you do not possess the travel documents necessary for entry at the point of destination, or you refuse to show them to the crew despite being requested to do so; or

7.1.8. you present a ticket that you have obtained or received illegally, or in violation of the Miles & More terms and conditions of participation, or that has been reported as lost or stolen, or is a forgery, or if you cannot prove your identity as that of the passenger named on the ticket; or

7.1.9. you do not comply with our security regulations; or

7.1.10. you disregard the smoking ban in place in all of our aircraft, while boarding and on board, and you ignore the ban on the use of electronic devices on board.

Carriage of children

7.2.

7.2.1. Children under the age of five may only travel if accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. The carriage of unaccompanied children between the ages of 5 and 12 must be registered beforehand by telephone via the Lufthansa Service Centre and is subject to the fee published in each case and the provisions published in this regard.

7.2.2. Children can also travel in their own child seat secured to a seat; for this, you must book an additional seat for small children under the age of 2. You must secure the child seat throughout the entire flight with the seatbelt available on the seat. The child seat must be suitable for use on board an aircraft. When this is not the case, we are entitled to refuse carriage of the child seat in the cabin. We accept no liability for the consequences resulting from a badly secured child seat, for its improper functioning, or due to failure to comply with instructions.

Free baggage and excess baggage

8.1. The free baggage limits are based on the fares published at the time of the flight booking. You will be required to pay a charge for the carriage of baggage in excess of your free baggage allowance and for special baggage. The weight of each item of baggage must not exceed 32 kilograms.

Baggage from strangers

8.2. The carriage of baggage you have received from strangers is not permitted on our flights, either as carry-on or checked baggage.

Items not accepted as baggage

8.3.

8.3.1. You must not include in your baggage:

8.3.1.1. items which are likely to endanger the aircraft or persons or property on board the aircraft, such as those specified in the ICAO or IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. These include in particular: explosives, compressed gases, oxidizing, radioactive or magnetized materials, flammable materials, and poisonous or aggressive substances.

8.3.1.2. items for which carriage is prohibited by the applicable regulations of any state to be flown from, to or over;

8.3.1.3. Items that are dangerous or unsafe or are unsuitable for carriage due to their weight, size or type and due to their perishability, fragility or their special sensitivity;

8.3.1.4. Separate lithium batteries or rechargeable lithium batteries (commonly used in electronic consumer goods such as, for example, laptop computers, mobile phones, watches, and cameras) may only be carried in carry-on baggage. A maximum of two separate lithium batteries or rechargeable lithium batteries with a watt rating not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried as spare batteries for electronic consumer goods. The carriage of separate batteries or rechargeable batteries with a watt rating between 100 Wh and 160 Wh requires previous approval from the airline. Further details regarding the carriage of batteries and rechargeable batteries can be found in the International Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization – ICAO – which can be reviewed directly on the ICAO website under Dangerous Goods or on the website of the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt LBA (the German Federal Aviation Authority).

8.3.2. You must notify us before starting your trip if you are carrying weapons of any kind on your person or in your baggage, in particular (a) fire arms, blunt or sharp weapons and sprays used for offensive or defensive purposes, (b) ammunition and explosives, (c) articles which, judging by their outward appearance or markings, appear to be weapons, munitions or explosives. We accept such articles for carriage only if they are carried as cargo or checked baggage in accordance with the regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods. Sentence 2 does not apply to police officers who are required to carry arms in fulfilment of their official duties. They must hand over their weapons to the captain during their flight.

8.3.3. Weapons of any kind, in particular firearms, blunt or sharp weapons as well as spray devices and sports weapons may be permitted as baggage at our discretion. They must be unloaded and have the safety catch on. Carriage of ammunition is subject to ICAO and IATA regulations as specified in 8.3.1.1.

8.3.4. We are not liable for any items if these are included in your checked baggage contrary to the provisions of this section.

Right to refuse carriage of baggage

8.4.

8.4.1. We can refuse to carry baggage if it does not comply with the conditions outlined in paragraph 8.3.

8.4.2. We may refuse to carry as baggage any item that we deem unsuitable for carriage because of its size, shape, weight, content, character, or for safety reasons, or because it may negatively affect the wellbeing of other passengers. Information about items unsuitable for carriage is available on request.

8.4.3. We may refuse to accept baggage for carriage when it is not properly and suitably packed in suitcases or other similar containers to ensure secure and safe transport when subjected to the customary care during handling.

Searching of passengers and baggage

8.5. For reasons of safety and security, we may require you to consent to a search or screening of your person and your baggage, as well as an X-ray of your baggage. If you do not consent to an examination of your person or your baggage for the existence of items that are not permitted pursuant to paragraph 8.3. or have not been declared, we can refuse to carry you and your baggage.

Checked baggage

8.6.

8.6.1. After delivery of the checked baggage we will take it into our custody and will issue a baggage receipt and a baggage tag for the identification of the baggage.

8.6.2. Checked baggage must have your name or other personal identification affixed to it.

8.6.3. Checked baggage will be transported in the same aircraft in which you are carried, unless this is not possible for safety reasons. If your checked baggage is transported on a subsequent flight, we will deliver it to you at the place you are staying, unless your presence is required for customs inspection. Article 14 (Liability for damage) remains unaffected.

Carry-on baggage

8.7.

8.7.1. We shall specify the number, maximum weight and maximum dimensions for carry-on baggage. Carry-on baggage must fit either under the seat in front of you or in the baggage compartments in all cases. If your carry-on baggage does not comply with these conditions or does not meet safety and security requirements, it must be carried as checked baggage.

8.7.2. Items that are not suitable for carriage in the cargo hold, e.g. fragile musical instruments, and that do not meet the requirements in paragraph 8.7.1. above, will only be accepted for carriage in the cabin if you have given us prior notice and we have accepted the item for carriage. We may levy a surcharge for this additional service.

Return of checked baggage

8.8.

8.8.1. You are required to collect your baggage as soon as it is made available to you at your final destination or stopover airport.

8.8.2. We only deliver the checked baggage to the holder of the baggage receipt.

8.8.3. If a person claiming checked baggage is unable to produce the baggage receipt or identify the baggage by means of the baggage (identification) tag, we will deliver the baggage to this person only on the condition that their right to collect it has been established to our satisfaction.

Carriage of animals

8.9.

8.9.1. The carriage of pets requires our consent and is conditional upon the animals having valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits and other entry or transit documents required by the respective countries and, in the event that they are not recognized accompanying dogs and assistance dogs, they must be transported properly in shipment cages or approved transport containers. We reserve the right to determine the manner of carriage and limit the number of animals that may be carried on a flight.
Animals travelling in the cabin (including their transport container, where appropriate) must fit in the footwell of your seat and be suitably secured throughout their entire stay on board.
Please note the information on our website regarding the carriage of animals as additional carry-on baggage in the cabin: ​https://www.lufthansa.com/de/de/tiere-als-handgepaeck.
The weight of the animals, their shipment cages and food is not included in the passenger’s free baggage allowance. Excess baggage charges must be paid for carriage.

8.9.2. A recognized guide dog that is necessary for the passenger will be carried free of charge in the cabin where possible; please note the conditions for flights outside the United States of America. These can be downloaded from ​https://www.lufthansa.com/de/de/assistenzhunde.

8.9.3. On flights to and from the United States of America, within the scope specified by 14 CFR, Part 382 and other legal specifications, Lufthansa guarantees the carriage of an assistance dog free of charge by a person with a disability (as respectively defined in 14 CFR, Section 382.3) if the accompaniment by an assistance animal is necessary to support the passenger when carrying out work or tasks in his/her favour. Carriage is subject to the conditions for flights to/from the United States of America which can be viewed at ​https://www.lufthansa.com/de/de/assistenzhunde.

Lufthansa only accepts dogs as assistance animals. A passenger with a disability who is travelling with an assistance animal is fully responsible for the safety, health, wellbeing and behaviour of the assistance animal. This also applies to the interaction of the assistance animal with other passengers and crew members while it is on board the aircraft or in an area of the airport controlled by Lufthansa.

8.9.4. You are solely responsible for the safety, health and behaviour of your pet and are liable for compliance with all entry, departure, health and other regulations and laws, as well as requirements that apply in the country, state or territory from which or into which the animal is carried and/or in which an interim destination is located. This applies in particular to any required health certificates, permits and vaccinations. In particular, Lufthansa is not liable for costs in connection with the housing of the pet in quarantine and for fines and costs in connection with the repatriation of the animal to its place of origin.

You are liable for all costs resulting from non-compliance with these responsibilities and from laws, regulations and requirements, as well as for any damage caused by the animals accompanying you, and release us from any liability in this regard, except where we have caused the damage wilfully or by gross negligence.

Deleted

General

10.1.

10.1.1. In the event of a cancellation, rebooking or delay, the fare may be refunded under certain conditions, in addition to other claims.

10.1.2. Refunds can also be made in accordance with fare conditions. Some fares include restrictions with regard to refunds.

10.1.3. The refund value of the fare, taxes and fees will be calculated according to the fare conditions and any segments of the ticket used. We will not refund payment fees incurred when a certain method of payment is used.

Recipient of refunds

10.2. As a general rule, the refund is made to the payment method used for booking. The payment is deemed a refund to the party entitled to the refund.

Currency

10.3. The refund will be made in the same currency in which the ticket was paid. The amount refunded may differ from the amount originally paid for the refunded ticket due to conversions and fees charged by your payment service provider.

Refunds at your travel agency

10.4. In the case of tickets booked via a travel agency, the amount refunded may differ from the amount paid by you to the travel agency due to fees that the travel agency has charged. We therefore recommend that you contact the travel agency and have the amount refunded there.

General
10.1. We will refund any unused ticket or unused portion of a ticket in accordance with the following paragraphs of this article and the relevant fare conditions:

Refund Recipient
10.1.1. The refund will be made either to the passenger named on the ticket or to the person who paid for the ticket upon presentation of satisfactory proof that the payment has been made, except otherwise specified.

10.1.2. If the ticket has been paid for by a person other than the passenger named on the ticket and if the ticket indicates that there is a refund restriction, we will offer the refund only to the person who paid for the ticket or in accordance with their instructions.

10.1.3. Except in the case of a lost ticket, we will only provide the refund once you have given us the ticket and any unused flight coupons.

10.1.4. A refund made to anyone presenting the passenger coupon and all unused flight coupons and presenting themselves as the legitimate recipient of the refund in accordance with 10.1.1. or 10.1.2. will be deemed as a refund to the legitimate recipient.

Involuntary Refunds
10.2.
10.2.1. We will give you a refund as set out below if we cancel a flight, fail to operate a flight according to the timetable (i.e. delay of more than 2h for a long term irregularity or delay of more than 5h for a short term irregualarity), and a refund is owed in accordance with legal requirements.

10.2.1.1. If you have not used any portion of the ticket, an amount equal to the airfare paid.

10.2.1.2. If you have already used a portion of the ticket, not less than the difference between the fare paid and the fare applicable to the segments you have already flown.

Voluntary Refund
10.3.
10.3.1. If you request a refund for reasons other than those mentioned under paragraph 10.2.1. of this section, the amount of the refund will thus, provided the respective fare conditions stipulate as much, correspond to:

10.3.1.1. if no portion of the ticket has been used, an amount equal to the fare paid, less any reasonable service charges or cancellation fees;

10.3.1.2. if a portion of the ticket has been used, the difference between the fare paid and the applicable fare for flown segments for which the ticket has been used, less any applicable service charges or cancellation fees.

Refund for a lost ticket
10.4.
10.4.1. If a ticket or portion thereof is lost, a refund will be made upon proof of loss satisfactory to us and payment of the applicable fee, provided that:

10.4.1.1. the lost ticket or portion thereof has not been used for carriage or previously refunded or replaced without charging the ticket fare again (except where the carriage, refund or replacement by or to a third party resulted from our own negligence) and

10.4.1.2. the person to whom the refund is made undertakes, in such form as stipulated by us, to repay to us the amount refunded in the event that the lost ticket or portion thereof is presented and redeemed by a third party for carriage or a refund, except where any fraud or use by a third party resulted from our own gross negligence.

10.4.2. If we lose the ticket or a portion thereof, the loss shall be our responsibility.

Refusal of Refunds
10.5.
10.5.1. We may refuse a refund when the respective application is made later than six months after the expiry of the validity of the ticket.

10.5.2. We reserve the right to refuse a refund on a ticket that has been presented to a country’s government officials or to a carrier as evidence of your intention to depart from that country, unless you can establish to our satisfaction that you have permission to remain in the country or that you will depart from that country with a different carrier or by another means of transport.

Currency
10.6. All refunds will be subject to the government laws, rules and regulations or orders of the country in which the ticket was originally purchased and the country in which the refund is being made. Subject to the foregoing provision, refunds will be made in the same manner and currency in which the fare was paid.

Reimburser
10.7. Refunds will be made only by the carrier that originally issued the ticket.

Refund to Credit Card Accounts
10.8. Refunds for tickets paid for with credit cards can only be credited to credit card accounts originally used for the ticket purchase. The refundable amount to be paid will, in accordance with the rules stated within this article, correspond solely to the amount and the currency entered on the ticket. The refunded amount received by the credit card holder by means of a credit to his credit card account may differ from the original amount debited to the credit card company for the refunded ticket due to fees levied as well as differences in conversion applied by the credit card company. Such variances do not entitle the recipient of the refund to a claim against us.

General

11.1. The crew’s instructions are to be followed. If you conduct yourself aboard the aircraft in a manner that endangers the aircraft or any person or property on board, or obstruct the crew in the performance of their duties, or fail to comply with any instructions of the crew, including but not limited to those with respect to smoking, alcohol or drug consumption, or behave in a manner which causes discomfort, inconvenience, damage or injury to other passengers or the crew, we may take such measures as we deem reasonably necessary to prevent continuation of such conduct, including restraint. You may be refused onward carriage by us and may be prosecuted for your conduct on board the aircraft.

Electronic devices

11.2. The use of mobile phones, radios and remote-control toys is not permitted on board. However, mobile phones may be used on flights that are equipped with functional mobile phone technology. The use of mobile phones is permitted on these aircraft in accordance with the crew’s instructions. Speech telephony is prohibited in all cases.

Non-Smoking Flights

11.3. All Lufthansa flights are non-smoking flights. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the aircraft. This also applies to e-cigarettes.

Alcoholic beverages

11.4. The consumption of private alcoholic drinks is not permitted on board.

Seat belts compulsory

11.5. As a rule, you are obliged to remain in your seat throughout the flight. When seated, you are obliged to fasten your seatbelt.

Taking photographs and filming on board

11.6. The taking of photographs and filming on board is only permitted if the rights of the people photographed – in particular their privacy rights – can be safeguarded and ensured. In the event of a violation, taking photographs and filming on board may be prohibited by the crew at any time.

(11.7. has been deleted.)

12.1. If we make arrangements for you with any third party to provide services other than flight-related services, or to issue carriage documents for carriage services not relating to flights, in doing so we are acting only as your agent. In these cases, the terms and conditions of the third-party service provider will apply.

12.2. For shuttle services that we provide for our passengers ourselves, and which do not include flight services, separate conditions to those mentioned above may apply. They can be sent to you on request.

General

13.1.

13.1.1. You are obliged and solely responsible for obtaining all required travel documents and visas and for complying with all laws and regulations of countries that you will fly from or into or through which you will transit; the same applies to our regulations and instructions in this regard. Your travel documents and visas must be valid for the entire duration of your journey, including any breaks in travel. We do not accept any responsibility in this regard; in particular, we are not obliged to check the validity of documents.

13.1.2. We shall not be liable for the consequences that result from your failure to carry such documents or visas with you, or your failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or instructions.

Travel documents

13.2. Prior to travel and at our request, you must present all entry and exit documents, as well as health and other certificates required by the destination or transit countries and, if necessary, permit us to take and retain copies thereof. We reserve the right to refuse carriage if you have not complied with these requirements, or if your travel documents are incomplete, and we are not liable for any loss suffered or expenses incurred by you as a result of your failure to comply with these provisions.

Denial of entry

13.3. If, for any reason, you are denied entry into a country, you are obliged to pay the applicable airfare in the event that we must return you to your place of departure or another destination because you are not allowed to enter the respective country (a transit or destination country). We may apply to the payment of such an airfare any funds paid to us by you for unused carriage. We will not refund the fare paid for carriage to the point of refusal of entry or deportation.

Liability of passengers for fines, etc.

13.4. If we are required to pay or deposit any fines or penalties or to incur any other expenses due to your failure to comply with the laws or regulations on entry to or travel through the country concerned, or to produce the required documents in the proper form, you are obliged to repay to us on demand any amounts so paid or deposited.

Customs inspection

13.5. If required, you shall submit to an inspection of both your checked and carry-on baggage by customs or other government officials. We are not liable for any damage suffered by the passenger in the course of such an inspection or through your failure to comply with this requirement.

Security inspection

13.6. You are obliged to submit to, and have your baggage submitted to, any security checks carried out by government authorities, airport officials or by us.

Transmission of data

13.7. We are entitled to transmit your passport data and all of your personal data processed and used by us in connection with your flight to domestic and foreign authorities (including US and Canadian authorities) if these authorities request us to do so due to compelling statutory requirements and in order to fulfil the contract of carriage.

General

14.1.

14.1.1. Transport is subject to the liability order of the Agreement of Montreal of 28 March 1999 (“Montreal Convention”), which was implemented in the European Community by Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 in the version amended by Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002 and the national legislation of the member states.

14.1.2. If the injured party has contributed to causing the damage which has arisen, the norms of the applicable national law in terms of the exclusion or the reduction of the liability to pay damages with contributive fault of the injured party apply.

14.1.3. Law action in court for compensation pursuant to the Montreal Convention must be filed within two years, starting with the date of arrival of the aircraft, or the day on which the aircraft should have arrived, or on which the carriage was interrupted.

14.1.4. We are not liable for damages that arise from our fulfilment of state regulations or that arise due to your failure to fulfil your obligations.

14.1.5. Under no circumstances will our liability exceed the amount of proven damage. We are only liable for indirect or consequential damage if we or our personnel have caused it in a grossly negligent or wilful manner. This does not apply to personal injury.

14.1.6. The exclusions of liability and the liability restrictions of the Montreal Convention and of the respectively applicable national law shall apply, unless otherwise explicitly stipulated by these General Conditions of Carriage.

Compensation in the event of death or injury

14.2.

14.2.1. There are no maximum compensation amounts for liability in the event of the death or injury of passengers. For damage of up to SDR 151,880 (approx. EUR 190,000), the carrier shall not be able to contest claims for damages with reference to fault. Receivables that exceed this amount can only be averted by the carrier by the latter proving that both it itself and its people did not act in a negligent or otherwise culpable manner, and that no negligent or otherwise culpable omission is the cause.

Advance payments

14.2.2. If a passenger is killed or injured, the carrier must make an advance payment within 15 days of the identification of the person entitled to damage to cover their immediate financial needs. In the event of death, the advance payment is no less than SDR 16,000 (approx. EUR 20,000).

Damage to or loss or destruction of baggage

14.3.

14.3.1. In the case of checked baggage pursuant to Art. 8.6 of these General Conditions of Carriage, a no-fault liability exists unless the baggage was already damaged beforehand. With non-checked baggage, we are only liable for our culpable behaviour and that of our personnel.

Liability limits for baggage

14.3.2. We are liable for damage to or loss or destruction of baggage up to SDR 1,519 (approx. EUR 1,800). A higher liability limit applies if the passenger submits a special declaration regarding the amount-based interest in the delivery of the checked baggage at the destination at the latest upon check-in and pays the requested surcharge. In this case, the agreed amount is deemed to be the liability limit if the carrier cannot prove that the agreed amount is higher than the actual interest of the passenger in the delivery of the checked baggage at the destination.

Complaints with regard to baggage

14.3.3. If you accept the baggage delivered to you unconditionally, unless proved to the contrary we presume that it was delivered to you in good condition and according to the contract of carriage. In the event of damage to or loss or destruction of baggage, the passenger must request compensation from the airline as soon as possible in writing or in text format. In the event of damage to baggage, all legal action is excluded if the entitled party does not notify the carrier immediately after the damage is discovered, but in the case of checked baggage, no later than seven days after the acceptance of the baggage. This does not apply if the carrier has acted in a fraudulent manner.

14.3.4. We are not liable for damages caused by items in your baggage, unless it is due to gross negligence or an intentional act on our part. If these items cause damage to the baggage of other passengers or to our property, you are obliged to compensate us for all damages and expenses resulting therefrom.

Delays in the carriage of passengers and baggage

14.4.

14.4.1. We are liable for damages due to delays during the carriage of passengers and in the carriage of checked baggage, unless we and our personnel took all reasonable measures to prevent the damages, or if taking these measures was not possible for us or our personnel.

Liability limits for damages arising from delays

14.4.2. Liability for damages arising from delays in the carriage of passengers is limited to SDR 6,303 (approx. EUR 7,800).

14.4.3. Liability for damages arising from delays in the carriage of travel baggage is limited to SDR 1,519 (approx. EUR 1,800). A higher liability limit applies if the passenger submits a special declaration regarding the amount-based interest in the delivery of the checked baggage at the destination at the latest upon check-in and pays the requested surcharge. In this case, the agreed amount is deemed to be the liability limit if the carrier cannot prove that the agreed amount is higher than the actual interest of the passenger in the delivery of the checked baggage at the destination.

Complaints with regard to baggage

14.4.4. In the case of damage that has been caused by the delayed delivery of baggage, the passenger must notify the carrier as quickly as possible in writing or in text form. In the event of damage due to delays, all legal action is excluded if the entitled party does not give notification of the damage within 21 days after the delivery of the baggage. This does not apply if the carrier has acted in a fraudulent manner.
Contributory negligence of the passenger

Contributory negligence of the passenger

14.4.5. If the injured party has contributed to causing the damage that has arisen, the amount of the compensation claim shall be reduced in proportion to the contributory negligence of said party. In particular, the injured party is obliged not to increase the compensation amount caused by the loss or delayed carriage of his/her baggage through unreasonable replacement purchases.

The headings in these General Conditions of Carriage are only for transparency and are not relevant to any claims for damages or their interpretation.

Carriage is subject to certain additional regulations and conditions that apply to our circumstances or are published by us. These regulations and conditions may vary from time to time. They concern, among others: the carriage of minors, pregnant women and sick passengers, as well as restrictions on the use of electronic devices and on the consumption of alcoholic beverages on board. Please note our information on lufthansa.com.

We participate in dispute resolution proceedings at a consumer conciliation board. The relevant consumer conciliation board is Schlichtung Reise & Verkehr e.V. (German Conciliation Body for Public Transport), Fasanenstrasse 81, D-10623 Berlin, Germany.

The European Commission also provides a platform for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) that can be used for complaints. You will find this platform at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/