Lufthansa’s Baggage Policy 2026: Fees, Limits & Allowances 

Lufthansa’s baggage policy is structured around your fare type, cabin class, and route. Economy passengers on standard fares can check 1 bag (up to 23 kg) and carry 1 cabin bag (up to 8 kg, 55×40×23 cm). Business Class allows 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each. Fees and allowances vary significantly by ticket tier.

What Are Lufthansa’s Baggage Policies in 2026?

Lufthansa’s baggage policy depends on three key variables: your fare brand (e.g., Economy Basic, Economy Light, Economy Flex), your cabin class (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First), and your route (European or intercontinental). Fees, piece limits, and weight allowances all shift based on these factors. Always verify your specific allowance on your ticket or via Lufthansa’s online baggage calculator.

Effective May 19, 2026, the Lufthansa Group introduced a new Economy Basic fare on European short- and medium-haul routes. This fare only includes one personal item  no cabin bag is included by default. Carry-on bags and checked luggage must be purchased as add-ons. This applies across Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and other group carriers (Source: Lufthansa Group Newsroom, April 23, 2026).

Lufthansa Carry-On Baggage Policy: What’s Allowed in the Cabin?

Lufthansa’s carry-on baggage allowance allows Economy and Premium Economy passengers to bring 1 cabin bag (max 55×40×23 cm, 8 kg) plus 1 personal item. Business and First Class passengers may bring 2 cabin bags, each up to 8 kg. The personal item must fit under the seat and must not exceed 40×30×10 cm.

A foldable garment bag may substitute for a standard carry-on, provided it doesn’t exceed 57×54×15 cm.

Key rule: All spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in your carry-on, never in checked baggage. Sharp objects must always go into the hold.

Does Lufthansa Have a Weight Limit for Personal Items?

Yes. On most fare types, Lufthansa’s personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and may not exceed 40×30×10 cm. Under the Economy Basic fare, the personal item dimension limit is slightly different at 40×30×15 cm. There is no officially stated weight limit for personal items, but the item must fit comfortably under the seat without being forced.

Lufthansa Checked Baggage Policy: How Many Bags Can You Take?

Lufthansa’s checked baggage allowance is determined by your fare and route. European flights follow the Piece Concept (number of bags), while intercontinental routes combine both Piece and Weight Concepts. The maximum size for any checked bag is 158 cm (length + width + height combined).

European Flights  Checked Baggage by Fare

Intercontinental Flights  Checked Baggage by Class

How Many Kilos Can I Travel Internationally With Lufthansa?

On intercontinental routes, Lufthansa Economy Class passengers can travel with 1 checked bag up to 23 kg, plus a carry-on of up to 8 kg  a combined allowance of approximately 31 kg in the hold and cabin. Premium Economy passengers can check 2 bags of 23 kg each (46 kg total in the hold). Business Class allows 2 bags of 32 kg each (64 kg in the hold), and First Class permits 3 bags at 32 kg each (96 kg in the hold).

Hard limit: No single bag exceeding 32 kg will be accepted as travel baggage. Items above this threshold must be shipped as air freight.

Lufthansa Baggage Size Limit: What Are the Exact Dimensions?

Lufthansa’s baggage size limits apply to both carry-on and checked luggage:

• Carry-on bag: 55×40×23 cm (21.6×15.7×9 in)
• Personal item: 40×30×10 cm (standard) or 40×30×15 cm (Economy Basic)
• Checked bag maximum: 158 cm total (length + width + height)
• Excess bag maximum (Europe): 292 cm total
• Excess bag maximum (intercontinental): 315 cm total

Bags exceeding 158 cm but within the excess maximum will be carried as oversized baggage for an additional fee.

Lufthansa Baggage Fees: What Does Excess Baggage Cost?

Lufthansa charges flat-rate excess baggage fees based on whether your bag is overweight, oversized, or an additional piece. Fees are cumulative  a bag that is both overweight and oversized incurs two separate charges on top of the additional piece fee. Use Lufthansa’s official baggage calculator to confirm costs for your specific route.

Example Fees  European Flights (Economy Class)

Example Fees  Intercontinental Flights (Economy Class)

Purchasing additional baggage in advance online is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport. An extra bag booked in advance on a European route can cost significantly less than the €130 airport rate.

What Are the Rules for Special Items and Sports Equipment?

Lufthansa permits sports equipment and musical instruments, but both come with specific rules and often additional fees.

• Sports equipment: Must be registered with Lufthansa in advance. Items within your free allowance (weight/size) travel as standard checked baggage. Equipment exceeding limits but under 32 kg incurs a flat sports equipment surcharge rather than a standard excess fee.
• Musical instruments (small): Qualify as carry-on if they meet the 8 kg / 55×40×23 cm limits.
• Musical instruments (large): You may purchase a separate seat for oversized instruments. Dimensions must not exceed 155×42×25 cm (floor) or 110×42×50 cm (strapped to seat), with a maximum weight of 75 kg.
• Important note: Economy Basic and Economy Light fare passengers cannot take sports baggage (e.g., skis, snowboards) free of charge  even if it fits within standard limits.

What Happens If Your Lufthansa Baggage Is Lost or Delayed?

Lufthansa uses the WorldTracer system, the aviation industry’s standard tool for tracking delayed and mishandled luggage. If your bag doesn’t arrive:

• File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport before leaving  this is mandatory for any claim.
• Delayed baggage claims for reimbursement of essential items (clothing, toiletries) must be submitted promptly with receipts.
• Lost baggage compensation claims must be filed within 21 days of your flight for delayed bags and within 2 years for bags confirmed as lost.
• Attach a contact form with your name and phone number inside and outside every bag before check-in  Lufthansa recommends this as a standard precaution.

How Do Baggage Rules Work on Connecting Flights and Partner Airlines?

For journeys involving multiple airlines, Lufthansa applies the Most Significant Carrier rule  the baggage policy of the airline operating the longest geographical route applies to your entire itinerary.

For flights to/from the US or Canada, consistent baggage rules must apply across all legs of the journey. The airline listed first on your ticket typically sets the applicable rules, though exceptions exist.

On codeshare flights (displaying a Lufthansa flight number but operated by another carrier such as Air Canada, United Airlines, or Air China), the operating airline’s baggage policy usually applies. Always confirm at the time of booking.

Loyalty Status Perks Worth Knowing

• HON Circle Members, Senators, and Star Alliance Gold passengers on Economy Basic European routes may bring one carry-on bag in addition to their personal item  free of charge.
• On intercontinental routes, Star Alliance Gold members traveling on Economy Light receive one free checked bag.

Practical Tips to Avoid Lufthansa Baggage Fees

• Book extra baggage online in advance  airport rates are substantially higher.
• Weigh your bags at home before you travel to avoid surprises at the check-in counter.
• Check your fare type carefully  Economy Basic and Economy Light have very different inclusions.
• Use Lufthansa’s online baggage calculator to verify your exact allowance for your specific route, class, and fare.
• Label every bag inside and out with your name and phone number.
• Keep valuables, medications, and essential items in your carry-on in case checked baggage is delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lufthansa personal item size limit?
The standard personal item must not exceed 40×30×10 cm. Under the Economy Basic fare, the limit is slightly larger at 40×30×15 cm. The item must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no official weight limit stated for personal items.

Can I bring a carry-on bag on an Economy Basic fare?
No  not for free. From May 19, 2026, Lufthansa’s Economy Basic fare only includes one personal item. A standard carry-on bag must be purchased as a paid add-on, either online or via Lufthansa’s service center. It cannot be purchased at the airport.

What is the maximum weight for a checked bag on Lufthansa?
The maximum weight per checked bag is 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business and First Class, and 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy and Premium Economy. Bags heavier than 32 kg will not be accepted as travel baggage and must be sent as air freight.

How much does Lufthansa charge for an extra bag on a long-haul flight?
On intercontinental routes in Economy Class, an additional bag (within size/weight limits) costs approximately €400. An oversized or overweight additional bag can cost up to €550. Exact fees vary by route  use Lufthansa’s baggage calculator to confirm.

Does Lufthansa allow TSA locks on checked baggage?
Yes. On flights to the US, TSA agents may open locked bags for screening purposes. Lufthansa recommends using TSA-approved locks to avoid forced entry and potential damage to your luggage.

Can Star Alliance Gold members bring extra baggage on Lufthansa?
Yes. On European short-haul routes, Star Alliance Gold members (including HON Circle and Senator status) may bring one carry-on bag even when traveling on Economy Basic  at no extra charge. On intercontinental routes, Gold members on Economy Light receive one free checked bag.

Does Lufthansa charge separately for overweight and oversized bags?
Yes  fees are cumulative. If your bag is both overweight (24–32 kg) and oversized (159–292 cm on European routes), you are charged for each condition separately, on top of any additional piece fee. This can result in charges reaching €180 on European flights or €550 on intercontinental routes.

What happens if my connecting flight is operated by a Lufthansa partner airline?
The baggage policy of the “most significant carrier” (typically the one operating the longest route) applies to your full journey. For codeshare flights, the operating airline’s policy usually takes precedence. Confirm baggage rules with the operating airline directly to avoid airport surprises.

How long does Lufthansa take to process a lost baggage claim?
Lufthansa uses the WorldTracer system to locate delayed bags. Claims for delayed baggage reimbursement must be submitted promptly. If a bag is confirmed lost, you have up to two years to submit a formal compensation claim. Filing a Property Irregularity Report at the airport immediately after your flight is mandatory to initiate any claim.

Can I carry a musical instrument in Lufthansa’s cabin without buying an extra seat?
Small instruments (violin, ukulele) that fit within 55×40×23 cm and weigh no more than 8 kg qualify as standard carry-on baggage. Larger instruments require a separately purchased seat, with dimensions capped at 155×42×25 cm (floor placement) or 110×42×50 cm (seat-strapped), and a maximum weight of 75 kg.