Lufthansa Carry-On Rules: Size, Weight Limits & Cabin Baggage Guide (2026)

Last Updated: July 2026

Quick Answer

Most Lufthansa passengers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. Economy Light, Classic, Flex, and Premium Economy fares include one cabin bag (up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm and 8 kg) plus a personal item that fits under the seat. Business and First Class passengers can bring two cabin bags plus one personal item. On many short and medium-haul European routes, the new Economy Basic fare includes only a personal item.

Carry-on allowances can vary depending on your fare, aircraft, route, or partner airline. Always check your booking before you travel.

Lufthansa Carry-On Rules at a Glance

Item	Allowance
Personal item	Free on all fares (up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm)
Economy Basic	Personal item only
Economy Light / Classic / Flex	1 carry-on + 1 personal item
Premium Economy	1 carry-on + 1 personal item
Business Class	2 carry-on bags + 1 personal item
First Class	2 carry-on bags + 1 personal item
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on weight	8 kg per bag
Personal item storage	Under the seat
Carry-on storage	Overhead bin

What Can You Bring on a Lufthansa Flight?

The number of bags you can bring depends on your fare, not just your cabin class.

Lufthansa divides cabin baggage into two parts:

• Carry-on bag – stored in the overhead compartment.
• Personal item – stored under the seat in front of you.

Most travellers can bring both. The main exception is Economy Basic on selected European routes, where only a personal item is included unless you purchase cabin baggage separately.

If you’re unsure which fare you booked, check your confirmation email or My Bookings before packing.

Carry-On Allowance by Fare

The table below shows what is normally included on Lufthansa-operated flights.

Fare	Carry-On	Personal Item
Economy Basic (selected Europe routes)	✖	✔
Economy Light	✔	✔
Economy Classic	✔	✔
Economy Flex	✔	✔
Premium Economy	✔	✔
Business Class	2	✔
First Class	2	✔

Business and First Class passengers receive two cabin bags, but each bag must stay within the 8 kg weight limit. If you need more luggage than your fare includes, check our Lufthansa Baggage Fees Guide to compare checked baggage allowances, excess baggage charges, and the cost of adding extra bags before your flight. 

If you’re travelling on a codeshare or Star Alliance partner flight, the operating airline may apply different cabin baggage rules.

What Is the Lufthansa Carry-On Size Limit?

Your cabin bag must not exceed 55 × 40 × 23 cm, including wheels and handles.

This is the maximum size accepted in Lufthansa’s overhead compartments.

A foldable garment bag can also be carried instead of a standard cabin bag if it meets Lufthansa’s published size limits.

Before leaving home:

• Measure your bag when it’s fully packed.
• Include wheels, handles, and side pockets.
• Avoid overfilling soft bags, as they may not fit into the airport baggage sizer.

What Is the Lufthansa Carry-On Weight Limit?

Each carry-on bag can weigh up to 8 kg.

This limit applies to:

• Economy
• Premium Economy
• Business
• First Class

Business and First passengers may carry two cabin bags, but each one must be under 8 kg.

Unlike some airlines that rarely weigh cabin baggage, Lufthansa may check both the size and weight of your bag at check-in or before boarding. Packing a lightweight suitcase can help you stay within the limit.

Not sure whether to pack everything in your cabin bag or check a suitcase instead? Our Carry-On & Check-In Hub explains the differences and helps you choose the best option for your trip. 

What Counts as a Personal Item?

A personal item is a smaller bag that fits completely under the seat in front of you.

The maximum size is generally:

40 × 30 × 15 cm

Common examples include:

• Laptop bag
• Small backpack
• Handbag
• Briefcase
• Camera bag

Your personal item is designed for things you’ll need during the flight, such as travel documents, medication, electronics, and valuables.

If the bag is too large to fit under the seat, Lufthansa may count it as your carry-on or ask you to check it.

Are the Rules Different for Domestic, European, and International Flights?

The cabin baggage size and weight limits stay largely the same across Lufthansa’s network.

Whether you’re flying:

• within Germany,
• across Europe,
• or on an intercontinental route,

the standard cabin baggage size remains 55 × 40 × 23 cm, with an 8 kg weight limit.

The biggest differences are usually:

• your fare type,
• the aircraft,
• and available overhead bin space.

Smaller regional aircraft may have limited storage, so even correctly sized cabin bags are sometimes collected at the gate and placed in the hold free of charge.

What Can You Pack in Your Lufthansa Carry-On?

Most everyday travel essentials can be packed in your cabin baggage, but some items must follow airport security rules.

Liquids

Liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must follow the standard airport security rules.

• Each container must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or smaller.
• All containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable 1-litre bag.
• One liquids bag is allowed per passenger.

Medicines, baby food, and special dietary items may be allowed in larger quantities if required for the journey, although they may be screened separately at security.

Electronics and Batteries

Laptops, tablets, cameras, and mobile phones are allowed in your carry-on baggage.

Remember these important rules:

• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in your carry-on, never in checked baggage.
• Electronic devices may need to be removed from your bag during security screening.
• Keep chargers, adapters, and important electronics in your cabin bag to avoid damage or loss.

Medicines

Always carry essential medicines in your cabin baggage rather than your checked suitcase.

If you’re travelling with liquid medication exceeding 100 ml or medical equipment, carry any supporting prescription or doctor’s letter, especially on international journeys.

Duty-Free Purchases

Items purchased after airport security can usually be carried on board, but they should still fit within your overall cabin baggage allowance.

If you’re connecting through another airport, additional security screening rules may apply, particularly for liquids.

What if I’m Flying With a Star Alliance Partner?

If part of your trip is operated by another airline, check that airline’s baggage rules too.

Many Lufthansa itineraries include flights operated by Star Alliance partners such as:

• United Airlines
• Air Canada
• SWISS
• Austrian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines

Although your ticket may have a Lufthansa flight number, the operating airline may apply its own cabin baggage rules.

Before travelling, check each flight in your itinerary so you know which baggage policy applies. If you’re flying with multiple airlines on the same itinerary, it’s also worth comparing baggage rules in our Airline Baggage Fees Hub, as baggage policies can differ between carriers. 

Can I Bring Baby Items or Special Cabin Baggage?

Yes. Lufthansa allows several additional items for families and passengers with special travel needs.

Parents travelling with young children can usually bring approved baby equipment, such as:

• a child safety seat
• a foldable stroller or buggy
• a baby carrier

Depending on the aircraft and destination, some items can be taken to the boarding gate and checked free of charge.

Passengers travelling with wheelchairs or mobility aids can also carry these free of charge. It’s a good idea to notify Lufthansa before your flight so suitable assistance can be arranged.

Can I Bring a Musical Instrument?

Small musical instruments can usually travel as your carry-on bag if they fit within Lufthansa’s cabin baggage limits.

Instruments such as:

• violins
• ukuleles
• small guitars

may travel in the cabin if they meet the published size and weight requirements.

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

If you’re travelling with an expensive instrument, contact Lufthansa before departure to confirm the best option.

What Happens if Your Carry-On Is Too Big or Too Heavy?

Oversized or overweight cabin bags may need to be checked into the aircraft hold.

Lufthansa may inspect your baggage:

• at check-in,
• at the boarding gate,
• or before boarding the aircraft.

If your bag exceeds the allowed size or weight, you may have to:

• pay an additional baggage charge,
• check the bag into the hold,
• or repack your belongings before boarding.

Buying checked baggage in advance is almost always cheaper than paying airport baggage charges.

Why Are Some Carry-On Bags Gate-Checked?

Sometimes even correctly sized bags are placed in the hold when overhead bins become full.

This happens most often on:

• busy European flights,
• smaller regional aircraft,
• fully booked departures.

If your bag is gate-checked because of limited space, Lufthansa normally checks it free of charge and returns it at baggage claim or, at some airports, near the aircraft after landing.

To avoid inconvenience, keep important items such as:

• passport
• wallet
• medication
• power bank
• laptop
• valuables

inside your personal item so they stay with you throughout the flight.

Carry-On or Checked Bag: Which Is Better?

The best choice depends on what you’re taking and how long you’re travelling.

If you’re travelling with…	Best option
A weekend’s clothing	Carry-on
Laptop, documents and valuables	Carry-on
Liquids over 100 ml	Checked baggage
Sports equipment	Checked baggage
Heavy winter clothing	Checked baggage
Gifts or bulky souvenirs	Checked baggage
Tight flight connections	Carry-on (if possible)

If you’re close to the 8 kg carry-on limit, paying for a checked bag before departure may be easier than repacking your luggage at the airport. If you’ve decided that checked baggage is the better option, see our Lufthansa Baggage Fees Guide for baggage allowances, weight limits, and extra baggage costs. 

Real Travel Examples

You’re travelling on a weekend city break

If you’ve booked Economy Light, you can usually fit everything into one carry-on bag and one personal item. This lets you skip baggage claim and avoid paying for a checked suitcase.

You’re flying within Europe on Economy Basic

This fare includes only a personal item. If you need a cabin trolley, it’s usually cheaper to add it before your flight rather than paying at the airport.

You’re travelling for work

Business Class passengers can bring two carry-on bags, making it easier to pack a laptop, work documents, and a small suitcase without checking baggage.

You’re connecting to another airline

If part of your journey is operated by a Star Alliance partner, check that airline’s cabin baggage policy before you travel. Carry-on size or weight limits may be different on the connecting flight.

Smart Packing Tips

A few simple steps can help you avoid delays and unexpected baggage charges.

• Measure your cabin bag before leaving home.
• Weigh your bag to make sure it stays within the 8 kg limit.
• Pack heavy electronics in a way that keeps your bag balanced.
• Keep travel documents, medication, chargers, and valuables in your personal item.
• Wear bulky jackets or boots instead of packing them if you’re close to the weight limit.
• If you need extra luggage, compare the cost of adding a checked bag with upgrading your fare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many baggage issues happen because travellers assume Lufthansa follows the same rules as every other airline.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Booking Economy Basic without realising it doesn’t include a cabin bag.
• Forgetting that wheels and handles count towards the carry-on size.
• Exceeding the 8 kg weight limit.
• Packing power banks in checked baggage.
• Assuming partner airlines use the same cabin baggage rules as Lufthansa.
• Waiting until the airport to buy additional baggage, where prices are usually higher.

Before You Fly

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

✔ Confirm your fare type and cabin baggage allowance.

✔ Measure and weigh your carry-on bag.

✔ Make sure your personal item fits under the seat.

✔ Pack liquids in containers of 100 ml or less.

✔ Keep medication, valuables, and electronics in your cabin baggage.

✔ Check baggage rules if your journey includes a partner airline.

Because baggage policies can change, it’s always a good idea to review your booking or visit Lufthansa’s official website before departure.If you’re still planning your trip, you may also find our Lufthansa Seat Selection & Upgrade Guide helpful for choosing the right seat before check-in. 

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.