Lufthansa Baggage Fees: What Is Included, What Costs Extra, and What Changed in 2026

Last Updated: July 2026

Quick Answer: What Are Lufthansa Baggage Fees?

Lufthansa baggage fees depend on your fare type, cabin class, and route. Economy Basic and Economy Light fares usually do not include a free checked bag, while Economy Classic, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class include one or more checked bags. Note that this refers specifically to checked baggage — Economy Light can still include a cabin bag even when no checked bag is included. .

If you need extra baggage, buying it online before departure is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

Your baggage allowance can also vary depending on your destination, ticket type, and frequent flyer status. Always check your allowance in My Bookings or use the Lufthansa baggage calculator before you travel.

Editorially reviewed by the FlyTripInfo Travel Research Team. Information is independently researched and regularly updated.

Lufthansa Baggage: Quick Facts (2026)

Item	Details
Personal item	Free on all fares, up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm
Economy Basic (Europe)	Personal item only
Best way to check fees Lufthansa baggage calculator
Economy Light carry-on	1 cabin bag (8 kg) + personal item
Business & First carry-on	up to 2 cabin bags (8 kg each) + personal item
Economy Basic & Light checked bag	Not included
Economy Classic / Flex	1 checked bag (23 kg)
Premium Economy	2 checked bags (23 kg each)
Business Class	2 checked bags (32 kg each)
First Class	3 checked bags (32 kg each)
Maximum checked bag size	158 cm (length + width + height)
Maximum accepted weight	32 kg per bag
Buy extra baggage	Online or at the airport
Best way to check fees	Lufthansa baggage calculator

These are general allowances; your exact baggage entitlement can vary by route, fare, and itinerary. Check the allowance shown in your booking before travel. 

Lufthansa Economy Fares and Baggage Allowance

Lufthansa introduced a new Economy Basic fare for select short and medium-haul European routes, bookable from April 28, 2026, for travel from May 19, 2026, rolling out gradually across Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines (source: Lufthansa Group fare announcements, widely reported by aviation industry outlets in April 2026). 

What Baggage Is Included With Your Fare?

The baggage included with your ticket depends mainly on the fare you’ve booked.

Before packing, check whether your reservation is Economy Basic, Economy Light, Economy Classic, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class.

Short and Medium-Haul European Flights

Fare	Personal Item	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Economy Basic	✔	Not included	Not included
Economy Light	✔	1 bag (8 kg)	Not included
Economy Classic	✔	1 bag (8 kg)	1 bag (23 kg)
Economy Flex	✔	1 bag (8 kg)	1 bag (23 kg)
Premium Economy*	✔	1 bag (8 kg)	2 bags (23 kg each)
Business Light	✔	2 bags (8 kg each)	Not included
Business Classic / Flex	✔	2 bags (8 kg each)	2 bags (32 kg each)

*Premium Economy is available on selected routes only.

Intercontinental Flights

Fare	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Economy Light	1 bag (8 kg)	Not included
Economy Classic	1 bag (8 kg)	1 bag (23 kg)
Economy Flex	1 bag (8 kg)	1 bag (23 kg)
Premium Economy	1 bag (8 kg)	2 bags (23 kg each)
Business Class	2 bags (8 kg each)	2 bags (32 kg each)
First Class	2 bags (8 kg each)	3 bags (32 kg each)

Some routes may have different fare options, so always check your booking confirmation before travelling.

What Is the Lufthansa Carry-On Allowance?

Most Lufthansa passengers can bring one cabin bag and one personal item.

The standard cabin bag size is:

• 55 × 40 × 23 cm
• Maximum weight: 8 kg

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed:

• 40 × 30 × 15 cm

Examples include:

• handbag
• laptop bag
• small backpack
• briefcase

Business and First Class passengers can usually bring two cabin bags, each weighing up to 8 kg, plus one personal item.

Passengers travelling on Economy Basic can only bring a personal item unless they purchase cabin baggage separately.

If you’d like detailed information about cabin baggage sizes, liquids, electronics, and airport security, see our Lufthansa Carry-On Rules guide.

What Is the Checked Baggage Allowance?

The number of checked bags you can take depends on your fare and cabin class.

In general:

• Economy Classic and Flex include one checked bag up to 23 kg.
• Premium Economy includes two checked bags up to 23 kg each.
• Business Class includes two checked bags up to 32 kg each.
• First Class includes three checked bags up to 32 kg each.

Economy Basic and Economy Light fares usually do not include checked baggage, so you’ll need to purchase it separately if required.

How Much Does Lufthansa Charge for Extra Baggage?

The cost of extra baggage depends on your route, fare type, and when you purchase it. In general, European flights tend to cost less than intercontinental flights, and buying online before departure is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

Lufthansa doesn’t use one universal fee for extra baggage. The price depends on your itinerary, fare, destination, and included baggage allowance, so there’s no single number that applies across every route. The exact amount for your trip is shown through Lufthansa’s booking tools or in My Bookings, and it’s worth checking this before you travel rather than relying on a general estimate.

If you’re deciding between paying for an extra bag or upgrading your fare, compare both options before checkout. In some cases, upgrading to a higher fare can provide better overall value.

What Is the Lufthansa Checked Baggage Weight Limit?

Your checked baggage weight limit depends on your cabin class.

Most passengers can check bags weighing:

• 23 kg in Economy and Premium Economy
• 32 kg in Business and First Class

If your bag exceeds the included weight allowance, you’ll normally need to pay an overweight baggage fee.

No checked bag can weigh more than 32 kg. Bags above this limit must be repacked or shipped as cargo.

A simple way to avoid unexpected charges is to weigh your suitcase at home before leaving for the airport.

What Is the Lufthansa Checked Baggage Size Limit?

Standard checked baggage must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions.

This measurement includes:

• Length
• Width
• Height

Add the three measurements together to calculate the total size.

If your bag is larger than 158 cm, it may be treated as oversized baggage and additional charges could apply.

Very large items may also require advance approval before travel.

What Happens if Your Bag Is Overweight or Oversized?

If your baggage is heavier or larger than the standard allowance, Lufthansa may charge an additional fee.

In general:

• A bag becomes overweight when it exceeds the weight included with your fare or cabin class. Bags over 32 kg are generally not accepted as standard checked baggage and may need to be transported as cargo. 
• Bags larger than 158 cm are considered oversized.
• If your bag is both overweight and oversized, both charges may apply.

The exact fee depends on your route and destination, so check the Lufthansa baggage calculator before you travel.

Who Gets Extra Free Baggage on Lufthansa?

Some frequent flyers receive additional baggage benefits without paying extra.

Depending on your membership level, you may qualify for:

• an extra checked bag
• a higher baggage allowance
• additional cabin baggage on selected fares

These benefits are generally available to:

• Miles & More Senator members
• HON Circle members
• Star Alliance Gold members

For example, eligible members travelling on Economy Light may receive one free checked bag even though the fare normally doesn’t include one.

If you’re travelling on the new Economy Basic fare within Europe, eligible elite members may also be allowed to bring a cabin bag in addition to their personal item. Be sure your frequent flyer number is linked to your booking before check-in.

What Is the Baggage Allowance for Infants and Children?

Children travelling on Lufthansa usually receive the same baggage allowance as the fare they’ve booked.

For infants travelling on an adult’s lap:

• a free checked bag is included on many routes and fare types
• a stroller or buggy can usually be checked free of charge
• a child safety seat or baby carrier can also be transported free on eligible flights

On many routes, a compact foldable stroller that meets Lufthansa’s cabin baggage size requirements can also be taken into the cabin, subject to space availability.

If your child has their own seat, they’ll normally receive the same baggage allowance as an adult travelling on the same fare.

Baggage allowance for infants and children varies by itinerary, fare, and whether the child has their own seat. Strollers, car seats, and other child equipment may follow separate handling rules. Confirm the current conditions with Lufthansa before you travel. 

Can You Travel With Sports Equipment or Musical Instruments?

Yes. Lufthansa accepts many types of sports equipment and musical instruments, but some items require advance booking or additional fees.

Sports equipment may include:

• skis
• snowboards
• golf clubs
• bicycles
• surfboards
• diving equipment

Depending on your fare and destination, some sports equipment may count as part of your checked baggage allowance, while other items require an additional charge.

If you’re travelling with a bicycle or oversized equipment, it’s best to notify Lufthansa in advance so there is enough space on your flight.

Small musical instruments that fit within the cabin baggage size limit can usually travel in the cabin as your carry-on.

Larger instruments, such as a cello, may require an extra seat, while oversized instruments may need to travel as checked baggage or cargo.

Passengers travelling with wheelchairs, mobility aids, or guide dogs can usually carry these free of charge, and they do not count towards the standard baggage allowance.
Fees, advance-registration requirements, and baggage handling can all vary depending on the equipment type, route, and available space. 

How These Rules Apply in Real Trips

You’re flying within Europe on an Economy Basic ticket

Your ticket includes only a personal item. If you bring a cabin trolley without purchasing it in advance, you’ll likely have to check it at the airport and pay the applicable fee. If you’re travelling for just a day or two, packing everything into a small backpack can help you avoid extra costs.

You’re travelling from Frankfurt to New York on Economy Light

You can bring one cabin bag and one personal item, but no checked baggage is included. If you need a suitcase, it’s usually cheaper to add it online before departure rather than paying at the airport.

You’re travelling in Premium Economy

Your fare already includes two checked bags up to 23 kg each, making it a good option if you’re travelling with more luggage. Before buying an extra bag, check whether your included allowance is already enough.

You’re a frequent flyer with Star Alliance Gold or Miles & More status

Your membership may include additional baggage benefits, even on fares that normally don’t include checked luggage. Make sure your frequent flyer number is linked to your booking before check-in so your benefits are applied automatically.

Tips to Avoid Lufthansa Baggage Fees

A little planning before your trip can help you avoid unnecessary baggage charges.

• Check your fare type before packing, especially if you’ve booked Economy Basic or Economy Light.
• Buy extra baggage online instead of waiting until you reach the airport.
• Weigh your suitcase at home to avoid overweight baggage fees.
• Measure large bags before travelling to make sure they stay within the 158 cm size limit.
• Compare the cost of adding baggage with upgrading your fare, as a higher fare may already include checked luggage.
• If you’re eligible for Miles & More or Star Alliance baggage benefits, add your membership number to your booking before departure.

What If Another Airline Operates Your Flight?

Sometimes a flight booked under a Lufthansa flight number is actually operated by a partner airline — and when that happens, baggage rules can differ from Lufthansa’s standard allowance. Always check the allowance shown on your booking, and confirm the operating airline’s own requirements before you travel.

Before You Fly

Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to check the following:

✔ Confirm your baggage allowance in My Bookings.

✔ Weigh and measure every bag before leaving home.

✔ Purchase extra baggage online if you need it.

✔ Check baggage rules if part of your journey is operated by a partner airline.

✔ Keep medicines, valuables, travel documents, and electronics in your cabin baggage whenever possible.

Because baggage allowances and fees can change, always verify the latest information directly with Lufthansa before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Flytripinfo.com provides independent travel information and is not affiliated with Lufthansa Airlines. 

The information on this page is intended for general travel guidance only. Baggage allowances, cabin baggage limits, checked baggage policies, security regulations, and fare benefits may change without notice. Travelers should always verify the latest baggage allowance and travel requirements directly with Lufthansa Airlines before departure, especially for partner-operated flights or international itineraries.