Lufthansa Baggage Policy (2026)
Lufthansa baggage rules depend on fare AND route. Long-haul from the US: all Economy fares include 1 free checked bag (23 kg), second bag USD 90. Short/medium-haul Europe: Economy Basic and Light include NO checked bag (first bag EUR 30-50); Economy Classic/Flex include 1 free bag (23 kg). Economy Basic on European routes also restricts carry-on to personal item only (40x30x15 cm) — no overhead bag unless purchased (EUR 15-50).
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Talk to an ExpertBaggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Lufthansa (LH) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | Economy Basic (short/medium-haul): NO carry-on — personal item only (40x30x15 cm). Economy Light/Classic/Flex (short/medium-haul): 1 carry-on (55x40x23 cm, 8 kg) + personal item. Long-haul Economy (all fares): 1 carry-on (55x40x23 cm, 8 kg) + personal item. Business/First: 2 carry-on bags (8 kg each) + personal item. |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 40x30x15 cm. Must fit under the seat. Included in ALL fare classes including Economy Basic. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy Basic (short/medium-haul): 0 bags. Economy Light: 0 bags. Economy Classic/Flex: 1 bag (23 kg). Long-haul Economy (all fares from US): 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | USD 90 transatlantic (from US). EUR 30-50 within Europe (varies by route). Economy Basic overhead bag add-on: EUR 15-50 each way. |
| Second Bag Fee | USD 90 transatlantic (from US). EUR 65-90 within Europe. |
| Overweight Fee | EUR 40 (within Germany)-EUR 150 (long-haul intercontinental) / USD 50-175 for Economy/Premium Economy bags over 23 kg up to 32 kg; flat fee varies by route and bag status: overweight/oversized/both. |
| Oversized Fee | Economy/Premium Economy: over 158 cm to 292 cm; EUR 40-150 flat fee by route (overweight or oversized). Bags over 32 kg aren't accepted as baggage and can be sent as air freight. |
| Max Weight | 23 kg (Economy) / 32 kg (Business/First) |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Winter sports equipment is free in addition to baggage allowance (except Economy Light or US/Mexico routes). Other sports equipment counts towards free baggage allowance. Flat rates apply if exceeding allowance but under 32 kg.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments allowed as carry-on. Large instruments require purchased seat (max 110x42x50 cm, 75 kg). Checked instruments must be in hard cases.
International Rules
All long-haul Economy fares from the US include 1 free checked bag (23 kg). Second bag: USD 90. Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each). Frequent Travellers get 2 bags in Economy; Senators/HON Circle get 2 bags in Economy, 3 in Business.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Book Economy Classic instead of Light/Basic if you need a checked bag. 2. Prepay for extra bags online — fees are lower than at the airport. 3. Attain Miles & More Frequent Traveller status for an extra free bag in Economy. 4. Weigh your bag at home. On Lufthansa Group-operated flights, standard baggage purchased during online check-in in Economy or Premium Economy must not exceed 23 kg and 158 cm in total dimensions; baggage exceeding the permitted weight or dimensions is treated as excess baggage. Free-baggage allowance depends on booked service class, passenger status and the ticket/Passenger Receipt.
Unique Nuances
Economy Basic (introduced for short/medium-haul European routes) is a significant fare-trap: personal item only, no carry-on, no checked bag, no seat selection. Overhead bag can be added for EUR 15-50 each way. Lufthansa strictly enforces the 8 kg carry-on weight limit. Ski equipment is carried free of charge in addition to standard allowance on European flights (except Economy Light and US/Mexico routes). Vaulting poles are completely prohibited from transport. HON Circle/Senator members get carry-on even on Economy Basic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Lufthansa charge for checked bags?
- Lufthansa charges USD 90 transatlantic (from US). EUR 30-50 within Europe (varies by route). Economy Basic overhead bag add-on: EUR 15-50 each way. for the first checked bag and USD 90 transatlantic (from US). EUR 65-90 within Europe. for the second bag.
- What is Lufthansa's carry-on bag size limit?
- Lufthansa carry-on allowance: Economy Basic (short/medium-haul): NO carry-on — personal item only (40x30x15 cm). Economy Light/Classic/Flex (short/medium-haul): 1 carry-on (55x40x23 cm, 8 kg) + personal item. Long-haul Economy (all fares): 1 carry-on (55x40x23 cm, 8 kg) + personal item. Business/First: 2 carry-on bags (8 kg each) + personal item. 1 personal item: 40x30x15 cm. Must fit under the seat. Included in ALL fare classes including Economy Basic.
- Does Lufthansa include free checked bags in economy?
- No, Lufthansa does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Economy Basic (short/medium-haul): 0 bags. Economy Light: 0 bags. Economy Classic/Flex: 1 bag (23 kg). Long-haul Economy (all fares from US): 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each).
- What is Lufthansa's overweight baggage fee?
- EUR 40 (within Germany)-EUR 150 (long-haul intercontinental) / USD 50-175 for Economy/Premium Economy bags over 23 kg up to 32 kg; flat fee varies by route and bag status: overweight/oversized/both.
- Can I bring sports equipment on Lufthansa?
- Winter sports equipment is free in addition to baggage allowance (except Economy Light or US/Mexico routes). Other sports equipment counts towards free baggage allowance. Flat rates apply if exceeding allowance but under 32 kg.
- What are Lufthansa baggage fees?
- Lufthansa baggage fees are USD 90 transatlantic (from US). EUR 30-50 within Europe (varies by route). Economy Basic overhead bag add-on: EUR 15-50 each way for the first checked bag and USD 90 transatlantic (from US). EUR 65-90 within Europe for the second. Overweight bags incur an additional fee of EUR 40 (within Germany)-EUR 150 (long-haul intercontinental) / USD 50-175 for Economy/Premium Economy bags over 23 kg up to 32 kg; flat fee varies by route and bag status: overweight/oversized/both. All long-haul Economy fares from the US include 1 free checked bag (23 kg). Second bag: USD 90. Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each). Frequent Travellers get 2 bags in Economy; Senators/HON Circle get 2 bags in Economy, 3 in Business.