Lufthansa Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Lufthansa is a full-service carrier whose fares are split into Economy Light, Classic, and Flex, with a new stripped-down Economy Basic on short/medium-haul European routes. Most fares include a free carry-on (55 x 40 x 23 cm, up to 8kg) plus a personal item, but the new Economy Basic includes only the small personal item — no cabin trolley and no checked bag. Hold luggage otherwise depends on the fare: Economy Light carries no free checked bag, while Classic and Flex include one. Lufthansa prices baggage in euros and the exact amount varies a lot by route and how far ahead you pay, so always confirm in Lufthansa's baggage calculator before flying.
The bottom line on Lufthansa baggage
Lufthansa is a full-service carrier drifting toward low-cost unbundling, and the trap hides in the fare name. Most fares still give you a free 8kg cabin trolley plus a personal item, but the new short and medium-haul Economy Basic strips you back to only the small under-seat item — no trolley, no checked bag — so a cheap-looking fare can leave you paying for a bag you assumed was included.
The reliable way to save is to read the fare before you book and prepay everything online. Economy Light has no free hold bag, so compare adding one (about 50 euros in Europe, 65 to 90 intercontinental) against booking Classic, which bundles a 23kg bag. Use Lufthansa's baggage calculator, since the euro price climbs with route and how late you pay.
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Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- The trap hides in the fare name: the new short/medium-haul Economy Basic strips you back to only the small under-seat personal item — no 8 kg cabin trolley and no checked bag — so a cheap-looking fare can leave you paying for a bag you assumed was included.
- Economy Light includes the carry-on but no free hold bag; compare adding one (about €50 in Europe, €65–€90 intercontinental) against booking Classic, which bundles a 23 kg bag.
- Baggage is priced in euros and the amount climbs with route, season and how late you pay, so always check the baggage calculator before flying.
- Cabin bags over 8 kg or 55 x 40 x 23 cm can be sent to the hold at the gate.
Lufthansabaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | Free on every fare, including Economy Light and Economy Basic: one small personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm (such as a handbag or laptop bag) that fits under the seat in front of you. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | A carry-on bag up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and a maximum of 8kg is included on Economy Light and above (higher allowance in Business/First). The new Economy Basic fare on short/medium-haul European routes does NOT include this cabin trolley — only the small personal item. The bag must fit in the overhead locker; oversize or overweight cabin bags may be checked into the hold at the gate. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | No cabin trolley, no free checked bag |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | No free checked bag (must be purchased) |
Lufthansa checked bag fees
| Economy Basic (short/medium-haul Europe) | No cabin trolley, no free checked bag |
| Economy Light | No free checked bag (must be purchased) |
| Economy Classic / Flex | 1 × 23kg bag included |
| First checked bag on Economy Light — European routes | about €50 prepaid online |
| First checked bag on Economy Light — intercontinental | about €65 – €90 prepaid (≈ $90 – $100) |
| Max checked bag size / weight (Economy) | 158 cm total dimensions, up to 23kg |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Lufthansa will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$54
You'd save $27 by flying KLM for this baggage.
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Lufthansa vs KLM vs Air France: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Lufthansa | KLM | Air France | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | $54 | $27 | $27 |
| 2nd checked bag | $135 | $43 | $43 |
| Overweight surcharge | — | — | — |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying Lufthansa abroad?
Lufthansa is a full-service carrier based in Europe — if this is an international trip, a travel eSIM means you land with data already working, with no roaming bill.
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🔁 Change & cancellation
Economy Basic and Light are the most restrictive: changes incur a fee plus any fare difference and the fare is largely non-refundable (taxes may be refundable). Classic allows changes for a fee, and Flex offers the most flexible rebooking and refund terms. A short cancellation grace period applies to bookings made directly with Lufthansa. Check the exact fare conditions at the time of booking.
Lufthansa flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a Europe-departing Lufthansa flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| Second checked bag (Economy, by route) | around €100 – €150 (EUR, route dependent) |
| Overweight bag (23–32kg) | roughly €100 – €280 by route |
| Oversize bag (over 158cm) | roughly €100 – €280 by route |
| Sports equipment (bike, ski, golf) | counts toward or replaces a checked bag; book online, oversize fees may apply |
| Advance seat reservation (standard) | from about €10 (EUR, varies by route) |
How to avoid extra fees
- Most fares — even Economy Light — include a free 8kg carry-on plus a personal item, but the new short-haul Economy Basic gives you ONLY a small under-seat item, so check the fare name before you book.
- Economy Light has no free hold bag; if you must check luggage, compare adding a bag vs. booking the Classic fare which includes one.
- Always pre-pay checked bags online or during web check-in — airport counters can add a service charge in some countries.
- Use Lufthansa's online baggage calculator before you fly, because the euro price changes with route, season, and how early you pay.
- Keep cabin bags under 8kg and 55 x 40 x 23 cm — overweight or oversize cabin bags can be sent to the hold at the gate.
- A stroller and car seat for an infant are carried free of charge in addition to the baby's own allowance and can be checked at the gate.
Lufthansa baggage — FAQ
＋ − Does Lufthansa Economy Light include a checked bag?
No. Economy Light includes only a free carry-on and personal item. Any hold luggage must be purchased separately, or you can book Economy Classic/Flex which includes one 23kg bag.
＋ − What is Lufthansa's carry-on allowance?
One carry-on bag up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and a maximum of 8kg in Economy and Premium Economy, plus one under-seat personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm. Note: the new short/medium-haul Economy Basic fare includes only the personal item, not the cabin trolley.
＋ − How much is a checked bag on Lufthansa?
On Economy Light the first checked bag is roughly €50 prepaid on European routes and about €65–€90 (≈ $90–$100) on intercontinental routes. Prices are in euros and vary by route and how early you pay.
＋ − What is Lufthansa's Economy Basic fare?
Economy Basic is a new stripped-down fare on short and medium-haul European routes. It includes only one small personal item (up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm) — no full-size cabin trolley and no checked bag — so add a cabin or hold bag if you need one, or choose Economy Light or higher.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Lufthansa. Figures here reflect Lufthansa's published Europe fares as of 2026-07-12.