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Flying with Germany’s flagship carrier means experiencing reliable service and clear baggage policies that vary significantly by travel class and route. The Lufthansa baggage allowance system rewards premium passengers with generous limits while maintaining strict enforcement across all cabins. Whether you’re flying Economy Light to Paris or First Class to Tokyo, understanding these rules prevents surprises and helps you pack efficiently for your journey.
Lufthansa Carry On Size and Weight Limits
Every Lufthansa passenger receives at least one carry-on bag, though specifics depend on your cabin class.
Economy and Premium Economy passengers get one cabin bag measuring a maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 inches) or a foldable garment bag up to 57 x 54 x 15 cm. The Lufthansa hand luggage size allows 8 kg (17 lbs) per bag.
Business and First Class travelers receive two cabin items, each measuring up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weighing up to 8 kg, creating a combined 16 kg allowance.
All passengers also bring one personal item, purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, measuring a maximum 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15 x 11 x 4 inches). The Lufthansa personal item size must fit under the seat ahead of you.
Lufthansa Hand Baggage Allowance: What You Can Pack
The Lufthansa hand baggage allowance provides sufficient space for short trips when packed strategically. Your 8 kg cabin bag accommodates:
- 2-3 days of clothing
- Laptop, tablet, and chargers
- Toiletries following EU liquid rules (100ml containers in 1-liter clear bag)
- Essential documents and medications
- Reading materials and entertainment
Business and First Class passengers with two bags can separate business essentials from personal items, maintaining organization throughout the journey.
Lufthansa Cabin Baggage Size: Special Considerations
The Lufthansa cabin baggage size regulations apply strictly across all routes. Gate agents use sizing frames to verify dimensions, and oversized bags face gate-checking into the hold.
Musical instruments meeting size requirements count as your cabin bag. Larger instruments require purchasing an additional seat, with maximum dimensions of 110 x 42 x 50 cm and 75 kg weight when strapped to a seat.
Understanding Lufthansa Economy Baggage Allowance
The Lufthansa economy baggage allowance varies dramatically by fare type, creating different experiences within the same cabin class.
Economy Baggage by Fare Type
Economy Light:
- Cabin: 1 bag (8 kg)
- Checked: None included (purchase for fee)
- Best for: Carry-on only travelers
Economy Classic:
- Cabin: 1 bag (8 kg)
- Checked: 1 piece (23 kg)
- Best for: Standard travelers
Economy Flex:
- Cabin: 1 bag (8 kg)
- Checked: 2 pieces (23 kg each)
- Best for: Longer trips with flexibility needs
All checked bags must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) in total dimensions when adding length, width, and height.
Lufthansa Baggage Allowance International Flights
The Lufthansa baggage allowance international follows the same fare-based structure but often provides more generous allowances on intercontinental routes compared to European flights.
Intercontinental Checked Baggage Allowance
| Travel Class | Cabin Bags | Cabin Weight | Checked Bags | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 1 bag | 8 kg | 0 (purchase separately) | N/A |
| Economy Classic | 1 bag | 8 kg | 1 bag | 23 kg |
| Economy Flex | 1 bag | 8 kg | 2 bags | 23 kg each |
| 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 |
Note: All checked bags must not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height). No single bag can weigh more than 32 kg for safety reasons.
Lufthansa Business Class Baggage Allowance Benefits
The Lufthansa business class baggage allowance provides substantial capacity for extended travel. Two cabin bags totaling 16 kg plus two checked bags at 32 kg each create 80 kg total capacity, enough for month-long journeys or equipment-intensive travel.
Business Class passengers also enjoy priority baggage handling, meaning bags typically arrive first at baggage claim, reducing post-flight waiting time.
Lufthansa Cabin Baggage Allowance for Families
Traveling with infants (0-2 years) adds one free checked bag up to 23 kg and 158 cm dimensions, regardless of cabin class, except Economy Light fares. Additionally, families can bring one of the following items per child:
- Approved child seat or booster seat (carry-on)
- Baby basket (carry-on)
- Foldable stroller/pushchair (gate-checked)
- Foldable bicycle trailer (gate-checked)
- Baby back carrier (carry-on)
Children over two years receive the same allowance as adults based on their ticketed cabin class.
Excess Baggage Fees and Overweight Charges
Exceeding Lufthansa’s allowances triggers additional fees that vary by route.
European Flight Excess Fees
| Excess Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Additional bag (within limits) | €50–100 |
| Overweight (24–32 kg) | €50 |
| Oversized (159–292 cm) | €50 |
| Both overweight AND oversized | €100 |
Intercontinental Flight Excess Fees
| Excess Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Additional bag (within limits) | €120–150 |
| Overweight (24–32 kg) | €150 |
| Oversized (159–292 cm) | €150 |
| Both overweight AND oversized | €300 |
Important: Bags exceeding 32 kg or 292 cm total dimensions cannot be checked as passenger baggage and must ship as air freight.
Lufthansa Baggage Policy: Elite Status Benefits
Miles & More status members enjoy enhanced allowances:
Frequent Traveller (Silver): +1 additional checked bag
Senator (Gold): +1 additional checked bag
HON Circle Member: +1 additional checked bag
Star Alliance Gold members receive the same benefits when traveling on Lufthansa, providing consistency across alliance partners.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
Lufthansa accommodates sports equipment within your checked baggage allowance if the total weight and dimensions remain within limits. Popular items include:
- Ski Equipment: One pair of skis with poles plus boots (in separate bag up to 23 kg) counts as one checked item.
- Golf Equipment: One golf bag with clubs and shoes counts as standard checked baggage.
- Diving Equipment: Up to two pieces maximum, each not exceeding 200 cm in dimensions.
- Fishing Gear: One fishing rod plus one equipment bag, maximum two pieces.
Register sports equipment in advance to ensure aircraft storage availability, particularly during peak seasons.
Tips for Staying Within Lufthansa Limits
- Weigh Bags at Home: Purchase a luggage scale to verify weight before heading to the airport. Redistributing 2-3 kg between bags beats paying €50-150 excess fees.
- Choose Your Fare Wisely: Calculate total costs, including bags. Economy Classic with one checked bag sometimes costs less than Economy Light plus purchased baggage.
- Pack Carry-On Strategically: Maximize your free 8 kg allowance with compression bags and rolled clothing. Wear bulky items during travel.
- Prepay Extra Bags Online: Adding baggage through your online booking saves 20% compared to airport counter fees.
- Consider Shipping for Extended Trips: Long-term relocations or equipment-heavy travel sometimes cost less through shipping services than multiple excess baggage fees.
Travel Hands-Free with Radical Storage
Long layovers in Frankfurt, Munich, or connecting European cities create perfect sightseeing opportunities if you’re not hauling luggage through historic centers and museums. Radical Storage offers secure luggage storage near major airports, train stations, and city attractions throughout Germany and Europe. Drop your bags at verified partner locations, pay one flat daily rate regardless of size, and enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage with instant online booking.
FAQs
Yes, if the backpack meets carry-on dimensions (55x40x23cm, 8kg) and the purse fits personal item size (40x30x10cm).
No, Economy Light passengers must purchase checked bags separately for a fee.
Lufthansa enforces weight limits strictly, even 1-2 kg over incurs excess fees of €50-150, depending on route.
Yes, sealed duty-free purchases don’t count against cabin allowances.
No, power banks must travel in cabin baggage only, with a maximum 100Wh capacity per device.
Conclusion
The Lufthansa baggage allowance system provides clear, class-based limits that reward premium passengers while maintaining strict enforcement across all cabins. Understanding fare types, weight limits, and route-specific fees helps you pack appropriately and budget accurately for your journey.
Whether flying Economy Light with minimal luggage or First Class with generous allowances, knowing these policies ensures smooth check-in and boarding experiences.