Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy

Packing for an international trip usually starts with a bit of excitement and ends with a frantic wrestling match involving a suitcase and a bathroom scale. If you’re flying with Germany’s flagship carrier, you’ll find that the Lufthansa Airlines baggage policy is remarkably precise. They don’t leave much to guesswork, but because they use a "piece concept" that varies by fare type and route, it’s easy to get tripped up if you aren't paying attention.

Lufthansa continues to lean into a tiered system. Whether you’re hopping between European cities or crossing the Atlantic, your allowance is tied directly to the "brand" of ticket you bought—Economy Light, Classic, or Flex—and your destination.

Carry-On Rules: The 8kg Threshold

Lufthansa is notoriously strict about carry-on weight. While many U.S. carriers don't weigh your rollers, Lufthansa often does, especially at busy hubs like Frankfurt or Munich.

Standard Dimensions and Weight

For all passengers, the maximum size for a carry-on bag is 55 x 40 x 23 cm ( $22 \times 16 \times 9$ inches).

Economy & Premium Economy: 1 piece up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Business & First Class: 2 pieces, each up to 8 kg.

The Personal Item

In addition to your main carry-on, you are allowed one small personal item (like a laptop bag or a purse). This must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

Pro Tip: If you're traveling in Economy and your bag is even slightly over that 8 kg limit, keep your heavy electronics (like a laptop or camera) in your personal item. They rarely weigh the small bag, but they almost always check the weight of the roller.

Checked Baggage: Understanding Your Allowance

The Lufthansa Airlines baggage policy for checked bags depends on your fare class. As of 2026, the standard maximum size for any checked bag is 158 cm (the sum of width + height + depth).

1. Economy Light (The "Bagless" Fare)

If you booked Economy Light, you have zero checked bags included. This fare is designed for weekenders with a backpack. If you decide later that you need a bag, booking it online in advance is significantly cheaper than paying the "gate fee" at the airport.

2. Economy Classic & Flex

Allowance: 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Route Note: On certain intercontinental routes (like to Japan or parts of Africa), you might occasionally see a 2-bag allowance, but 1 bag is the standard for 2026.

3. Premium Economy

Allowance: 2 bags, each up to 23 kg. This is one of the biggest "hidden" perks of Premium Economy—you effectively double your storage capacity for a relatively small fare jump.

4. Business and First Class

Business: 2 bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
First Class: 3 bags, each up to 32 kg.

Manual Edit: A Personal Take on the "Light" Fare

I’ve learned the hard way that Economy Light is a bit of a siren song. You see that low price and think, "I can definitely fit two weeks of clothes into a carry-on," only to realize three days before the flight that you’re bringing hiking boots and a heavy coat. When I tried to add a bag at the last minute through the app, I realized the cost of the "Light" fare plus the bag was actually higher than if I’d just booked "Classic" from the start. Now, I always do the math first. If I’m going anywhere for more than four days, I skip the Light fare entirely. It saves the headache of weighing my carry-on on the kitchen scale at midnight, hoping I don't hit that 8.1 kg mark that might force a gate-check.

Fees for Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Bags

If your bag exceeds the limits, Lufthansa will charge a flat rate. These fees are cumulative, meaning if a bag is both too heavy and too large, you pay both penalties.

Common Fee Estimates (Intercontinental)

Overweight (24kg to 32kg): Usually around $150 / €130.
Oversized (>158cm): Usually around $150 / €130.
Additional Bag: If you already have your allowance and want a second (or third) bag, expect to pay between $70 and $250 depending on the route and when you book it.

Important: Lufthansa will not accept any single bag that weighs more than 32 kg ( $70$ lbs) for safety reasons. Anything heavier must be shipped via air freight.

Special Equipment: Sports and Music

Lufthansa is generally "sport-friendly." Most sporting equipment (skis, snowboards, golf clubs) can be checked for free if it replaces one of the bags in your standard allowance.

Skis/Snowboards: On most flights (except Economy Light), one set of ski equipment is carried free of charge in addition to your allowance.
Bicycles: These always require a flat fee and must be registered at least 24 hours in advance.
Musical Instruments: Small instruments (like a violin) can count as your carry-on if they meet the weight/size limits. For a cello, you’ll likely need to book an "extra seat" in the cabin.

Summary Checklist

Check your Fare: Did you buy "Light"? If so, assume you have no checked bags.
The 8kg Rule: Weigh your carry-on before leaving for the airport. Lufthansa’s 8kg limit is lower than many other airlines.
Book Online: If you need extra weight, use the "Manage My Booking" tool at least 24 hours before your flight to save up to 50% compared to airport prices.

Status Perks: If you are a Star Alliance Gold or Frequent Traveller member, you often get one extra bag for free (except on Light fares).