Navigating airline baggage policies can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle.
Fees, weight limits, and size restrictions can change based on your ticket, destination, and even the aircraft.
If you’re flying with Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, understanding their rules is the key to a smooth and stress-free journey.
Lufthansa Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Your carry-on allowance with Lufthansa depends on the travel class you’ve booked.
A standard piece of carry-on baggage must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Additionally, all passengers can bring one small personal item, like a laptop bag or handbag, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
Here’s a quick breakdown by class:
- Economy & Premium Economy Class: You can bring one piece of carry-on baggage (max. 8 kg) and one personal item.
- Business & First Class: You can bring two pieces of carry-on baggage (max. 8 kg each) and one personal item.
It’s important to stow your larger carry-on (like a trolley) in the overhead bin and place your personal item under the seat in front of you.
This helps ensure a timely departure and more space for everyone on board.
What about liquids?
When flying from or within the EU, the standard rules for liquids apply.
All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. These containers must fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.
Exceptions are made for essential medicines, special dietary foods, and baby food required during the flight. It’s always a good idea to carry a doctor’s note for any necessary medications.
Lufthansa Checked Baggage Policy
Your free checked baggage allowance is also determined by your travel class and route.
The standard dimension for any checked bag is a total of 158 cm (62 inches) when you add the length, width, and height.
Here are the general checked baggage allowances for intercontinental flights:
- Economy Light: No free checked baggage is included. You must purchase it separately.
- Economy Classic & Flex: One bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Premium Economy Class: Two bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business Class: Two bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- First Class: Three bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
Children under two traveling on an adult’s lap typically get one free checked bag up to 23 kg, except on Economy Light fares.
Fees for Excess and Overweight Baggage
If your bags exceed the weight or size limits of your allowance, you’ll face additional fees.
These charges can be quite steep, so it’s best to weigh your bags at home and book any extra luggage online in advance, which is often cheaper than paying at the airport.
Overweight Baggage
Fees are applied to bags that are heavier than the allowance for your travel class but within the maximum acceptable weight.
For example, an Economy passenger with a bag weighing between 24 kg and 32 kg will have to pay an overweight fee.
Oversized Baggage
Bags that exceed the standard 158 cm (62 inches) total dimension will incur a separate fee.
Extra Baggage
If you need to check more bags than your allowance permits, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance.
Prices vary significantly based on your route (continental vs. intercontinental).
Fees can range from around €70 for a second bag on a European Economy Light flight to several hundred euros for overweight and oversized bags on long-haul routes.
Always check Lufthansa’s official baggage calculator for the most accurate pricing for your specific flight.
| Baggage Type | Weight Limit | Price (Domestic) | Price (International) |
| Carry-On Baggage | Up to 8 kg | Included | Included |
| Checked Baggage (1st) | Up to 23 kg | $30 | $50 |
| Checked Baggage (2nd) | Up to 23 kg | $50 | $70 |
| Overweight Baggage | 24-32 kg | $100 | $150 |
| Oversized Baggage | Over 158 cm | $150 | $200 |
| Sports Equipment | Up to 32 kg | $80 | $120 |
Traveling with Special Baggage
What if you need to travel with items that aren’t your typical suitcase? Lufthansa has specific policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and mobility aids.
Sports Equipment
You can often check in sports equipment as part of your free baggage allowance, as long as it fits within the weight limits.
However, larger items like bicycles, surfboards, or ski equipment will require you to book them as special baggage and pay an additional fee.
This fee depends on the item and your route. It’s crucial to register your sports baggage with the airline well in advance of your flight, as space is limited.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments can be brought on board as your carry-on item if they meet the standard dimensions (55 x 40 x 23 cm) and weight (8 kg).
For slightly larger instruments, like a guitar, you can purchase an extra seat for it in the cabin. This ensures it travels safely beside you.
Very large instruments must be checked into the hold in a hard, protective case.
Baggage for Children and Infants
Traveling with little ones comes with extra gear. In addition to their regular baggage allowance, passengers can bring one of the following for each child free of charge:
- A baby bassinet or car seat
- A foldable stroller or buggy (some compact “pocket buggies” may be allowed as carry-on)
Plan Your Packing and Save
By knowing your limits for carry-on and checked luggage, you can avoid unexpected fees and breeze through the airport.
Always double-check the rules for your specific flight class and destination on the Lufthansa website before you fly, as policies can vary. Pack smart, and your journey will get off to a flying start.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
