Lufthansa claimed a fare violation and demanded €414 from a passenger who changed their travel plans due to an urgent family visit and did not use the final flight segment. After the passenger’s lawyer brought the matter to court, the situation gained a legal dimension.
Although the airline withdrew its claim, the Federal Court of Germany issued a precedent-setting decision stating that passengers cannot be penalized for changing their travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances. The court emphasized that in cases of “skipped flight segments,” a passenger’s intent may be shaped by life circumstances.
This decision has forced Lufthansa to update its transport agreements in Germany and Austria. According to experts, the development may prompt new discussions on the frequently debated “throwaway ticketing” practices within the aviation sector.
