Lufthansa Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw

Founded in 1953, Lufthansa (LH), is a major flag European carrier from Germany. They operate a vast global network connecting Germany with the Americas, Asia, and Africa, offering flights to 200+ destinations.

Lufthansa's baggage policy is primarily structured around the passenger's booked travel class and fare brand, such as Economy Light, Classic, or Flex. The allowance is also significantly influenced by the flight route & frequent flyer status within the Miles & More or Star Alliance programs.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Lufthansa, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Lufthansa carry-on allowance

Fare Type / Cabin ClassPieces
Economy Light/Classic/Flex1
Premium Economy1
Business Class2
First Class2

The maximum dimensions for each carry-on bag are 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in), with a maximum weight of 8 kg (17 lbs). In addition to a carry-on, all passengers are also permitted one small personal item free of charge. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and may not exceed 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 in).

Lufthansa checked baggage allowance

Lufthansa primarily operates on the Both Weight and Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Class / Fare TypeApplicable Route / RegionFree Baggage AllowanceMax Weight Per Piece
Economy LightEuropean Routes0 PiecesN/A
Economy Classic/FlexEuropean Routes1 Piece23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Basic/Basic+/FlexIntercontinental Routes1 Piece23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium EconomyIntercontinental Routes2 Pieces23 kg (50 lbs)
Business ClassAll Routes2 Pieces32 kg (70 lbs)
First ClassIntercontinental Routes3 Pieces32 kg (70 lbs)

The maximum size for each checked bag is 158 cm (62 linear inches) combined dimensions.

Lufthansa extra baggage fees

When flying with Lufthansa, excess baggage flat rates apply if your luggage exceeds weight or size limits, or if you bring more pieces than your fare allows. These fees are cumulative, meaning a bag that is both overweight and oversized will incur two separate excess fees, plus the fee for the bag itself if it is also an additional piece. Although exact fees vary, you can determine your extra baggage fees using their official baggage calculator, which provides details based on your specific route, travel class, and fare.

Lufthansa special baggage policy

  • Infant/Children Baggage: Infants (under 2 years old) traveling on a lap ticket receive a free allowance of one piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs), except for those traveling on an Economy Light fare. A foldable buggy, child seat, or stroller may be carried free of charge in addition to this allowance, with strollers/buggies typically gate-checked.
  • Sporting Equipment: Equipment that fits within the passenger's free baggage allowance (weight/size) may be carried as a standard checked bag. If the equipment exceeds the free allowance but does not exceed 32 kg, it will be charged a flat rate fee as sports equipment rather than a standard additional bag fee.
  • Musical Instruments: Small instruments (e.g., violins) may be carried on as part of the carry-on allowance, provided they meet the 8 kg / 55 x 40 x 23 cm limits. Larger instruments may be carried on if a separate seat is booked for them (maximum weight of 75 kg and dimensions of 155 x 42 x 25 cm if sitting on the floor, or 110 x 42 x 50 cm if strapped to the seat). If checked, they are subject to standard checked baggage fees and excess charges, and must be packed in a hard protective case.

Pack the Wise card with you to save on international spending

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