LOT Polish Airlines Baggage Allowance (2026 Update)
The complete 2026 guide to LOT Polish Airlines baggage — 5-fare ladder breakdown (Saver / Standard / Flex / Premium Economy / Business), Miles & More status perks, My Leisure Equipment service, codeshare warnings, and every rule you need before Warsaw Chopin.
Bigger Long-Haul Network, Same Baggage Rules
LOT has been in expansion mode all year. The Warsaw ↔ San Francisco direct route launched in May 2026 (LOT's first flight to Northern California), a Warsaw ↔ Bangkok non-stop is confirmed for the Winter 2026/27 schedule, and 15 more European routes are being rolled out from Warsaw with additional connections from Kraków and Gdańsk. LOT also placed a record order for 55 new aircraft in February 2026, with fresh Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners joining the long-haul fleet in Q4 2026. Baggage policy itself has not changed for 2026 — the rules below still apply exactly as written — but travellers on the new long-haul routes should pay extra attention to the intercontinental Premium Economy and Business allowances, which differ from short-haul.
Flying with Poland's flag carrier soon?
Whether you're hopping between European cities on an Embraer or crossing the Atlantic on a Dreamliner, understanding LOT Polish Airlines' baggage policy is crucial to starting your trip stress-free.
LOT is known for being strictly professional, and that extends to their baggage rules. A few centimeters or kilograms over the limit can lead to hefty gate fees.
Quick Policy Overview (2026)
Before you pack, check your ticket type. The "Economy Saver" fare is popular for its low price but strictly excludes checked bags. Here is a snapshot of the standard allowances:
| Cabin Class | Carry-On Allowance | Personal Item | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Saver | 1 bag (8 kg / 17.6 lbs) | Yes (2 kg / 4.4 lbs) | None (Purchasable) |
| Economy Standard | 1 bag (8 kg / 17.6 lbs) | Yes (2 kg / 4.4 lbs) | 1 bag (23 kg / 50 lbs) |
| Premium Economy | 1 bag* (8 kg / 17.6 lbs) | Yes (2 kg / 4.4 lbs) | 2 bags (23 kg / 50 lbs each) |
| Business Class | 2 bags (9 kg / 19.8 lbs each) | Yes (2 kg / 4.4 lbs) | 3 bags** (32 kg / 70 lbs each) |
Note: On intercontinental flights (e.g., USA, China), Premium Economy passengers get 2 carry-on bags (max 12kg total).
Business Class checked allowance varies slightly by route (2 vs. 3 bags).
LOT Polish Airlines Baggage by Fare Class: The Full 5-Fare Breakdown NEW
LOT sells five distinct fare families across its network, and each one carries a different combination of carry-on, personal item, and checked baggage. Economy Saver is where most cheap-fare shoppers land — and where most first-time flyers get caught out at check-in, because it includes zero checked luggage. The table below shows what you actually get on every fare, split between short/medium-haul (Europe, domestic) and intercontinental (USA, Canada, Asia).
| Fare | Route Type | Cabin Baggage | Personal Item | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Saver | Short/Medium-Haul | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 0 (must be purchased) |
| Intercontinental | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 0 (must be purchased) | |
| Economy Standard | Short/Medium-Haul | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 1 × 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Intercontinental | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 1 × 23 kg (50 lbs) | |
| Economy Flex | Short/Medium-Haul | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 1 × 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Intercontinental | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 1 × 23 kg (50 lbs) | |
| Premium Economy | Short/Medium-Haul | 1 × 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 2 × 23 kg (50 lbs each) |
| Intercontinental | 2 bags, 12 kg total (26.4 lbs) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 2 × 23 kg (50 lbs each) | |
| Business Class | Short/Medium-Haul | 2 × 9 kg (19.8 lbs each) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 2 × 32 kg (70 lbs each) |
| Intercontinental | 2 × 9 kg (19.8 lbs each) | 1 × 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 3 × 32 kg (70 lbs each) |
The single biggest booking mistake on LOT is picking Economy Saver on a long-haul route (like Warsaw ↔ Chicago or the new Warsaw ↔ San Francisco flight) without realising it includes zero checked luggage. Once you add a bag at the counter, the "cheap" fare frequently costs more than Economy Standard would have — for the exact same cabin. If you're taking a suitcase on any LOT flight, price both fares before you book.
LOT Carry-On Baggage Rules
LOT is relatively generous with carry-on counts for premium cabins but strict on weight for Economy.
The Main Carry-On Bag
Your main carry-on suitcase or backpack must fit in the overhead bin.
- Dimensions: Max 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches).
- Weight: Strictly 8 kg (17.6 lbs) for Economy.
- Business Class: You get 2 bags, each weighing up to 9 kg.
Pro Tip: LOT staff often weigh bags at the check-in counter and occasionally at the gate. If you are flying Economy with a heavy hard-shell suitcase, weigh it at home.
The bag itself can weigh 3-4 kg, leaving you very little room for clothes.
The "Personal Item"
Every passenger (except infants without a seat) is allowed one extra personal item free of charge. This must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Dimensions: Max 40 x 35 x 12 cm (15.7 x 13.7 x 4.7 inches).
- Weight: Max 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
- Examples: Laptop bag, small backpack, purse, camera bag, or fanny pack.
Exceptions and Extras
In addition to the above, you are permitted to carry:
- Assistive devices (crutches, canes, wheelchair—checked at the gate).
- Medical equipment (e.g., CPAP machine, though notification is recommended).
- Duty-free shopping bags purchased at the airport.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Your checked bag allowance depends entirely on your route (Domestic/Europe vs. Intercontinental) and your class.
Domestic & European Flights
- Economy Saver: 0 bags.
- Economy Standard/Flex: 1 bag up to 23 kg.
- Business Class: 2 bags up to 32 kg each.
Long-Haul Intercontinental (e.g., USA, Canada, Japan)
- Economy Saver: 0 bags.
- Economy Standard: 1 bag up to 23 kg.
- Premium Economy: 2 bags up to 23 kg each.
- Business Class: 3 bags up to 32 kg each.
Size Limit: The total linear dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of any checked bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
Miles & More Status Perks
If you hold status with Star Alliance, you get extra allowances:
- Senator / HON Circle / Star Alliance Gold: 1 extra bag free of charge (weight depends on travel class).
- Frequent Traveller (Silver): Unfortunately, there is generally no extra baggage benefit for Silver status on LOT, except on specific fare conditions.
Miles & More + Star Alliance Gold: Extra LOT Baggage Bonuses NEW
LOT participates in the Miles & More frequent flyer programme (shared with Lufthansa Group) and has been a full Star Alliance member since 2003. Both loyalty schemes unlock free additional checked baggage on LOT-operated flights — but the bonus you get depends on where your status sits, and Silver-tier flyers usually get less than they expect.
Generally no automatic extra bag on LOT flights — the exception is when your specific fare rules already grant it. Priority check-in still applies.
One extra checked bag free of charge. Bag weight matches your ticketed cabin — 23 kg on Economy/Premium Economy, 32 kg on Business.
Same extra-bag benefit as Senator, plus HON-only privileges like dedicated ground services and enhanced First Class access on Lufthansa Group flights.
The extra-bag benefit only applies if your Miles & More or Star Alliance Gold number is in the booking record before you drop your bags. Adding it at the check-in desk usually means the extra allowance is denied — the reservation has already been coded for a lower tier. Attach the number in Manage My Booking, or contact LOT Contact Centre if the booking predates your status upgrade.
If you're flying a Star Alliance partner (Lufthansa, United, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, EVA Air, and others) on the same trip, your Star Alliance Gold status typically unlocks the operating carrier's Gold-tier extra bag benefit — not LOT's. On a mixed itinerary, each segment applies its own carrier's rules. Confirm on each ticket confirmation what free allowance was actually attached.
Excess Baggage Fees (Overweight & Oversize)
If your bag is heavier or larger than the standard limits, you will pay a penalty. These fees are cumulative, if a bag is both overweight and oversized, you pay both fees.
Note: Prices are approximate and vary based on the exchange rate and route.
- Overweight (23kg to 32kg):
- Domestic/Europe: Approx. €45 – €75 per bag.
- Intercontinental: Approx. €115 ($125) per bag.
- Oversized (Over 158 cm):
- Domestic/Europe: Approx. €75 – €100.
- Intercontinental: Approx. €145 ($155).
Important: LOT will not accept any single bag weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers. These must be shipped as cargo.
Special Items: Sports & Music
Sports Equipment
LOT has a specific policy for sports gear (skis, golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles).
- Free: You can swap your standard checked bag for sports equipment if it fits within the weight limit (23 kg).
- Paid: If you have already used your baggage allowance, or if you are on a Saver fare, you must pay a fixed fee.
- Bicycles: Always incur a fee (approx €60-€100 depending on route).
- Weapons/Firearms: Strictly regulated and incur a mandatory fee plus handling charges.
Musical Instruments
- Small instruments (Violin/Ukulele): Can be your carry-on luggage if they fit the 55 x 40 x 23 cm dimensions.
- Medium instruments (Guitar/Cello): If it exceeds carry-on size, you have two choices: check it into the hold (hard case required) or purchase an "Extra Seat" (CBBG) to keep it in the cabin with you.
- Large instruments (Double Bass): Must be checked or shipped as cargo.
LOT's "My Leisure Equipment" Service: Booking Sports Gear & Instruments Online NEW
Rather than treating sports and music gear as ad-hoc excess baggage, LOT bundles them into a dedicated online service called My Leisure Equipment — the airline's own terminology and the fastest way to guarantee your gear travels with you. It's a bookable extra during initial reservation or via Manage My Booking, and pre-booking is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
What My Leisure Equipment Covers
Skis & Snowboards
Full ski or snowboard kit up to 45 kg total in a padded/hard case. Boots, poles and the board itself can travel together as one leisure item.
Surfboards & Diving
Surfboards up to standard leisure-item dimensions. Scuba gear including tanks travels within the 45 kg cap when properly packed.
Bicycles
Bikes must be packed in a hard case or bike box, pedals removed, handlebars turned inward, tyres partially deflated. Fee always applies regardless of fare.
Instruments up to 45 kg
Guitars, cellos and larger instruments up to 45 kg travel as leisure items. Above 45 kg must be shipped via LOT Cargo instead — passenger baggage cannot accept them.
Golf Bags
Standard golf bags with clubs and shoes. Can substitute for your standard checked bag on non-Saver fares within the 23 kg allowance, otherwise book as a paid leisure item.
Other Kit
Fishing rods, hunting gear (subject to firearm restrictions), diving spearguns, and other leisure items are handled through the same online service.
The My Leisure Equipment fee booked through the LOT website or Manage My Booking runs roughly 20% less than paying at the check-in desk. Book at least 24 hours before departure to lock in the online rate and, more importantly, to make sure your equipment has a confirmed spot on the aircraft — LOT limits sports gear per flight, and a full cargo hold means late bookings can be refused entirely.
LOT Baggage on Codeshare Flights: Whose Rules Actually Apply? NEW
LOT codeshares with several Star Alliance partners including United, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air India, plus a JetBlue interline agreement for North American onward connections. This creates one of the most common baggage confusions at Warsaw Chopin: your ticket says "LO" but the aircraft is operated by someone else. So whose baggage policy counts?
✅ When LOT Rules Apply
- Ticket sold by LOT (marketing carrier) AND flight operated by LOT
- Ticket sold by LOT on a Star Alliance partner where LOT is the "Most Significant Marketing Carrier" of your journey
- All-LOT itineraries even with multiple connections
⚠ When the Partner's Rules Apply
- Trips starting or ending in the United States — US DOT rules override, and the operating airline of the first segment sets the allowance
- Flight operated by a non-Star Alliance partner (e.g., JetBlue onward connection) — that carrier's rules apply on their segment
- Codeshare where the operating carrier's ticketing rules explicitly override
You book a LOT ticket from New York JFK to Warsaw with a JetBlue connection from Boston to New York. Because your trip starts in the United States, JetBlue's baggage allowance applies on segment 1, but LOT's rules still cover the transatlantic Warsaw leg — except that under US DOT interline rules, the first operating carrier's allowance typically extends to the whole ticket. Always check what's actually printed on your booking confirmation for each segment; the allowance shown there is what will be enforced at the desk.
Traveling with Children and Infants
LOT is family-friendly regarding baggage:
- Infants (under 2, on lap): Allowed 1 checked bag (max 23 kg) + a collapsible stroller (checked at gate). Note: On Economy Saver, infants do NOT get the checked bag, only the stroller.
- Children (2-12): Same baggage allowance as an adult.
- Strollers: Transportation of a stroller or car seat is free for all children up to 12 years old.
5 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees on LOT
Buy "Extra Bags" Online
If you know you need more luggage, buy it via the "Manage My Booking" tab on the LOT website at least 12 hours before flight time. You can save up to 20% compared to airport prices.
Weigh Your Carry-On
LOT's 8 kg limit is tighter than many US carriers. Use a handheld luggage scale before you leave home.
Wear Your Heavy Clothes
If you are over the 8 kg limit, wear your heaviest coat and boots onto the plane.
Utilize the Personal Item
Maximize that 2 kg laptop bag allowance for chargers, books, and heavy electronics to lighten your main carry-on.
Check Partner Rules
If your flight is a codeshare (e.g., booked via United but flown by LOT), the baggage rules of the marketing carrier usually apply, but LOT's carry-on size limits will still be enforced at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LOT strict about carry-on size?
Yes. Especially at their hub in Warsaw (WAW), gate agents frequently check bag sizes. If your bag doesn't fit the sizer, you will be forced to gate-check it for a high fee.
Does a laptop bag count as my carry-on?
No, a laptop bag counts as your "Personal Item" (max 2 kg). You can bring this plus your main carry-on suitcase.
How much is an extra bag on LOT?
If you purchase it online beforehand, an extra 23kg bag typically costs between €60 and €100 depending on the route (e.g., Warsaw to New York). Airport prices are significantly higher.
Can I bring a backpack instead of a suitcase?
Yes, as long as it fits the 55 x 40 x 23 cm dimensions. Hiking backpacks that are taller than 55cm may be rejected even if they are under 8 kg.
What's the personal item size limit on LOT? NEW
LOT's personal item limit is 40 x 35 x 12 cm (15.7 x 13.7 x 4.7 inches) and a maximum weight of 2 kg (4.4 lbs). It must fit under the seat in front of you — anything larger will be treated as your carry-on bag instead, and if you already have a carry-on, one of the two will be forced to check.
Do Miles & More Silver members get extra baggage on LOT? NEW
Generally no. Miles & More Frequent Traveller (Silver) status does not automatically unlock an extra checked bag on LOT-operated flights — the free-bag benefit begins at Senator (Star Alliance Gold) tier. Silver members still get priority check-in and can occasionally see fare-specific allowances, but should not plan a trip assuming a free extra bag.
How do I book sports equipment or a musical instrument on LOT? NEW
Use LOT's My Leisure Equipment online service — bookable during initial reservation or through Manage My Booking. It covers skis, snowboards, surfboards, bikes, golf bags, fishing gear and musical instruments up to 45 kg. Booking online typically saves around 20% versus paying at the airport counter, and it also guarantees your equipment a confirmed spot on the aircraft. Instruments above 45 kg must ship via LOT Cargo instead.
Final Thoughts
To ensure a smooth journey in 2026, measure your bags, weigh them at home, and purchase any necessary extras online before you head to the airport.
Ready to fly? Double-check your specific allowance by logging into LOT.com under "Manage My Booking" for the most accurate, real-time details for your itinerary — especially useful on the new Warsaw ↔ San Francisco route or the upcoming Warsaw ↔ Bangkok service, where Premium Economy and Business allowances differ from short-haul.
Muhammad Naeem is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. He specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. His work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
