Lufthansa Baggage Allowance 2026: Fares, Fees & Status Perks
I’ve watched a couple ahead of me at Frankfurt check-in have a very bad morning after discovering their Economy Light fare came with zero free hold bags. Lufthansa’s cheapest fare sounds like a bargain until you’re paying airport rates to add luggage you assumed was included. The rules below cover every fare class, status tier, and edge case — including the ones buried several clicks deep on lufthansa.com.
Quick reference — Lufthansa baggage allowance 2026
| Item | Dimensions | Weight | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | All fares (1 in Economy; 2 in Business/First) |
| Personal item | 40 x 30 x 10 cm | No limit | All fares |
| Checked bag — Economy Light | 158 cm linear max | 23 kg max | None free |
| Checked bag — Economy Classic/Flex | 158 cm linear max | 23 kg | 1 bag free |
| Checked bag — Premium Economy | 158 cm linear max | 23 kg each | 2 bags free |
| Checked bag — Business | 158 cm linear max | 32 kg each | 2 bags free |
| Checked bag — First | 158 cm linear max | 32 kg each | 3 bags free |
| Overweight fee (Europe) | — | 24–32 kg | ~€50 per bag |
| Overweight fee (intercontinental) | — | 24–32 kg | ~€100 per bag |
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Lufthansa Cabin Bag Allowance
Economy passengers get one cabin bag for the overhead locker and one personal item for under the seat in front. Business and First Class passengers get two cabin bags plus a personal item. This applies on all Lufthansa-operated flights regardless of fare type.
| Bag | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Stowage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Overhead locker |
| Personal item | 40 x 30 x 10 cm | No stated limit | Under the seat |
Dimensions include handles, wheels, and any external pockets. A cabin bag that is technically 55 cm on the manufacturer’s label will often measure more with extended handles or full zipper pockets. If you are flying on a busy route out of Frankfurt or Munich where staff are actively checking, measure yours properly.
Lufthansa’s personal item limit — 40 x 30 x 10 cm — is extremely shallow. Ten centimetres is not a typo. A standard laptop backpack will exceed that depth. In practice Lufthansa rarely enforces the personal item dimensions at the gate, but the rule exists. The safest approach is a slim laptop sleeve, a tote bag, or a small crossbody. Keep your power bank, medication, and travel documents in this bag because it will not be gate-checked.
Both cabin bags together must stay within 8 kg per bag. Lufthansa rarely weighs cabin bags at the gate, but the limit exists and staff can enforce it.
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Lufthansa Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare Class
Lufthansa sells four Economy fare types. The allowances are not the same. The gap between Light and Classic is the most important thing to understand before you book.
| Fare | Free Checked Bags | Max Weight Per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 0 | — |
| Economy Classic | 1 | 23 kg |
| Economy Flex | 1 | 23 kg |
| Premium Economy | 2 | 23 kg each |
| Business | 2 | 32 kg each |
| First | 3 | 32 kg each |
Maximum linear dimensions for checked bags: 158 cm (length + width + height). Bags up to 292 cm linear are accepted as oversized against a fee, but must be arranged in advance.
Economy Light: What You Lose
Economy Light is Lufthansa’s cheapest fare and it includes zero free checked bags — on both European and intercontinental routes. You keep the cabin bag and personal item, but if you need to put anything in the hold, you are paying extra. Miles & More status benefits, including free extra bags for Senators and HON Circle members, no longer apply on Light fares either (this changed in 2025 — more on that in the status section below).
If you need hold luggage, add a bag online via Manage My Booking. Airport rates are significantly higher than online rates, and Lufthansa’s baggage calculator will show you the exact cost for your route before you commit to anything.
Economy Classic and Flex
Both Classic and Flex include one free checked bag up to 23 kg. The practical difference between them is flexibility — Flex allows free changes and cancellation. The baggage allowance is identical.
Premium Economy, Business, and First
Premium Economy gets two bags at 23 kg each, which covers most trips without paying for extras. Business gets two bags at 32 kg each, First gets three bags at 32 kg each. In practice, 32 kg per bag is enough that most Business travellers never see an overweight charge.
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Lufthansa Excess Baggage Fees
Overweight Bags (24–32 kg)
A bag over 23 kg but under 32 kg triggers an overweight fee. The rate varies by route.
| Route Type | Overweight Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| European flights | ~€50 per bag, per one-way |
| Intercontinental flights | ~€100 per bag, per one-way |
The maximum weight Lufthansa accepts per bag is 32 kg regardless of class or status. Bags over 32 kg are refused at check-in.
Oversized Bags (over 158 cm linear)
Bags between 158 cm and 292 cm linear are accepted as oversized against a fee. Anything over 292 cm is refused entirely. The oversized fee is separate from the overweight fee — both can apply to the same bag.
Additional Bags
If you need a bag beyond your fare allowance, booking it online in advance saves a significant amount compared to paying at the airport. Lufthansa quotes savings of up to 50% when pre-purchasing. Use the baggage calculator on lufthansa.com or in the Lufthansa app under Manage My Booking for exact pricing on your specific route — rates vary considerably by destination.
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Miles & More Status and Baggage Benefits
Miles & More is Lufthansa’s frequent flyer programme. There are four status levels: Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle, and the base Member level. Checked bag benefits only apply from Frequent Traveller upwards — and even then, not on Light fares.
Frequent Traveller
Frequent Traveller status gives you priority check-in and boarding, but no extra checked bag. The baggage benefits start at Senator.
Senator
Senator status adds one checked bag on top of your standard fare allowance on Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City, and Luxair. What that looks like by cabin:
| Cabin | Senator Allowance |
|---|---|
| Economy Classic/Flex | 2 x 23 kg (1 extra) |
| Premium Economy | 3 x 23 kg (1 extra) |
| Business | 3 x 32 kg (1 extra) |
| First | 4 x 32 kg (1 extra) |
The additional bag benefit no longer applies on Economy Light fares, on either European or intercontinental routes. This changed in 2025. Before that, Senators retained their bag benefit even on Light intercontinental fares. That exemption has been removed.
HON Circle
HON Circle is Lufthansa’s top tier. Benefits are broadly comparable to Senator for baggage — one additional bag over the fare allowance — and HON Circle bags are tagged for priority handling, meaning they are among the first on the carousel. HON Circle benefits apply on Lufthansa, Lufthansa City, and SWISS. The same Light fare restriction applies.
Star Alliance Gold
If you hold Gold status with another Star Alliance airline (such as United MileagePlus Gold or Air Canada Altitude Gold), you receive an additional piece of checked baggage on Lufthansa flights. The exact allowance follows Star Alliance’s interline baggage policy — one extra bag in Economy, weight limits matching the fare class. Confirm the specific benefit with your home airline before flying.
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Lufthansa Baggage Allowance for Families and Infants
Children aged 2 and over with their own seat get the same baggage allowance as an adult on the same fare. A child on Economy Classic has 1 x 23 kg checked bag. A child on Economy Light has zero.
Infants under 2 travelling on an adult’s lap get one free 23 kg checked bag, one free foldable pushchair or pram (gate-checked and returned at the aircraft door where possible), and a free car seat or child seat as additional equipment. The infant allowance does not apply on Economy Light fares — on a Light ticket, an accompanying infant receives no free checked bag.
A compact, foldable buggy small enough to be packed within 55 x 40 x 23 cm can travel in the cabin in place of your cabin bag. At the gate, larger pushchairs are gate-checked and typically returned at the aircraft door on arrival. This service is not available at all airports — confirm at check-in if it matters to your plans.
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Sports Equipment on Lufthansa
| Equipment | Max Size | Max Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 158 cm linear | 23 kg | Pre-registration required; fee applies |
| Skis/Snowboard | 158 cm linear | 23 kg | Counts as one checked item |
| Golf clubs | 158 cm linear | 23 kg | One set per passenger |
| Surfboard | 292 cm linear | 32 kg | Oversized fee applies |
Sports equipment that falls within the standard 158 cm linear and 23 kg limit may count as your included checked bag on Classic and Flex fares, rather than attracting a separate sports equipment surcharge — but this depends on the item and route. Use the Lufthansa baggage calculator to confirm the exact fee for your equipment on your specific journey.
A bicycle must be pre-registered with Lufthansa and will attract a fee separate from your standard baggage allowance. If you are cycling between cities and flying home, book the bike in advance rather than turning up at the airport hoping for the best.
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Musical Instruments on Lufthansa
The rules changed in March 2026. From 1 March 2026, small instruments can exceed 55 cm in length in the cabin — as long as the total dimensions stay under 125 cm (length + width + depth) and the weight stays under 8 kg. Before this rule change, any instrument longer than 55 cm had to travel in the hold or on a purchased seat.
Small instruments that fit within the standard 55 x 40 x 23 cm cabin bag dimensions travel as your standard cabin bag at no extra charge. Instruments that exceed 55 cm but stay within the 125 cm total and 8 kg limit now also travel in the cabin, under the March 2026 rule change.
Larger instruments require either a purchased extra seat or checked baggage. Contact Lufthansa customer services in advance for oversized or fragile items — do not leave this to the gate.
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CPAP Machines and Medical Equipment
Lufthansa allows CPAP machines as an additional free item on top of your cabin bag and personal item. The machine can travel in the cabin or in the hold, at no charge either way. No medical documentation is required, though carrying a doctor’s letter is sensible practice.
If you use a CPAP onboard, power at the seat is not guaranteed — bring a compatible travel battery. The machine cannot be used during taxi, take-off, approach, or landing.
Other medical devices may require advance notification. Contact Lufthansa’s accessibility team before your flight if you are travelling with anything beyond a standard CPAP.
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Power Banks and Lithium Batteries on Lufthansa
Power banks must travel in cabin baggage only — never in the hold. Lithium battery fires in cargo holds are significantly harder to contain than fires in the cabin, which is why every airline has this rule.
- Up to 100 Wh (around 20,000 mAh): allowed without approval, up to 2 per passenger
- 100–160 Wh: requires airline approval — contact Lufthansa before flying
- Over 160 Wh: not permitted
If your cabin bag is gate-checked at the aircraft door, remove power banks before handing it over — they must travel in the cabin. Keep power banks in your personal item rather than your main cabin bag. Personal items are never gate-checked; main cabin bags sometimes are.
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Codeshare Flights: SWISS, Austrian, and Partner Airlines
Lufthansa operates many flights under its own code but also codeshares extensively within the Lufthansa Group (SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines) and beyond. The general rule is that the operating carrier’s baggage policy applies — but this can get complicated when the marketing carrier is a different airline.
If you booked a flight with a Lufthansa flight number but it is operated by SWISS or Austrian Airlines, the allowances are broadly consistent within the Lufthansa Group. Where it gets trickier is on flights marketed by a non-Group partner. If your ticket shows a United Airlines flight number on a Lufthansa-operated plane, United’s policy may govern the baggage rules for that leg.
Check which flight number appears on your ticket, not just which plane you are boarding. If in doubt, call the airline whose code is on your ticket and confirm the baggage rules before you pack.
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Is Lufthansa More Expensive Than Budget Airlines Once Bags Are Included?
Total cost is the only comparison worth making. Lufthansa Economy Classic includes a 55 x 40 x 23 cm cabin bag, a 40 x 30 x 10 cm personal item, and one 23 kg checked bag in the base fare price.
On Ryanair, accessing the overhead locker costs extra. A 10 kg cabin bag add-on plus a seat assignment can easily add £50–£80 to a Ryanair booking before you have bought anything resembling a hold bag. On easyJet, a large cabin bag and hold luggage are also add-ons on the cheapest fare tier.
Lufthansa Economy Light, on the other hand, competes with budget airline base fares — because it strips out the same things. The comparison to make is Light vs Light and Classic vs equivalent bundled fares, not Lufthansa base vs Ryanair base. See our UK airline carry-on size comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.
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Lost or Delayed Baggage on Lufthansa: How to Claim
If your bag does not appear at the carousel:
Step 1: Before leaving the baggage hall, find the Lufthansa baggage services desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). You will receive a written reference number by email — format FRALH12345 for Frankfurt. Without a PIR, there is no claim. Do not leave the airport hoping the bag will turn up.
Step 2: Track your bag using the reference number at worldtracer.aero or through the Lufthansa app. Lufthansa will also send updates by email as your bag is located and routed to you.
Step 3: Keep receipts for all essential purchases while your bag is missing — basic clothing, toiletries, and any medication you had to replace. Lufthansa will reimburse reasonable essentials. Luxury purchases are not covered.
Step 4 — deadlines: Damaged bag claims must be filed within 7 days of receiving it. Delayed bag claims within 21 days. A bag not recovered after 21 days is legally classified as lost.
Submit your claim at lufthansa.com/baggage-irregularities.
The maximum compensation under the Montreal Convention is approximately €1,920 (updated October 2024 following SDR recalculation). Travel insurance often processes faster than a Montreal Convention claim — check your policy before assuming the airline route is your only option.
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Key Tips for Flying Lufthansa
- Economy Light means zero free checked bags — on both European and intercontinental routes. If you need hold luggage, add it online before you fly.
- Add extra bags via Manage My Booking on lufthansa.com before you get to the airport — savings of up to 50% compared to airport rates.
- Lufthansa’s personal item limit is 40 x 30 x 10 cm. Ten centimetres is very shallow. A slim tote or laptop sleeve is safer than a backpack if the flight is full and you want to guarantee underseat space.
- Senator and HON Circle status no longer include the additional bag benefit on Economy Light fares — this changed in 2025.
- Star Alliance Gold from another airline gives you an extra checked bag on Lufthansa flights.
- Infants under 2 on a lap get 1 x 23 kg bag and a free pushchair — but not on Economy Light fares.
- CPAP machines travel free as an extra item on top of your cabin allowance. Keep your doctor’s letter accessible.
- Power banks go in cabin bags only. Remove them before handing over a gate-checked bag.
- From 1 March 2026, small instruments up to 125 cm total / 8 kg can travel as cabin baggage even if they exceed 55 cm in length.
- File a PIR at the baggage services desk before leaving the airport if your bag is missing. No PIR means no claim.
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Lufthansa Baggage Allowance FAQ
What is the Lufthansa cabin bag size in 2026?
55 x 40 x 23 cm, maximum 8 kg for the main overhead bag. Economy passengers get one cabin bag plus one personal item (40 x 30 x 10 cm, no weight limit). Business and First Class passengers get two cabin bags plus a personal item.
Does Economy Light include any checked bag?
No. Economy Light includes zero free checked bags on all routes — European and intercontinental. It includes the cabin bag and personal item only. To add hold luggage, book it via Manage My Booking on lufthansa.com before your flight.
How much is an overweight bag on Lufthansa?
Approximately €50 per bag on European routes and approximately €100 per bag on intercontinental routes, for bags between 24 kg and 32 kg. The maximum accepted weight is 32 kg — bags over that are refused at check-in.
Does Miles & More Senator status give extra baggage on Lufthansa?
Yes, on Classic and Flex fares and above. Senators get one additional bag over the standard fare allowance on Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, and Lufthansa Group carriers. The benefit no longer applies on Economy Light fares following a 2025 policy change.
What is the Lufthansa personal item size?
40 x 30 x 10 cm. That 10 cm depth is extremely shallow — shallower than most UK airlines. A slim laptop sleeve or tote bag is safer than a standard backpack if you want to stay within the stated rule.
Does Lufthansa allow a free pushchair for infants?
Yes. Infants under 2 on a lap fare are entitled to one free 23 kg checked bag and one free foldable pushchair or pram. The pushchair is gate-checked and returned at the aircraft door where possible. The infant allowance does not apply on Economy Light fares.
Can I take a CPAP machine on Lufthansa?
Yes. A CPAP machine is allowed as a free additional item on top of your cabin bag and personal item. It can travel in the cabin or the hold at no charge. No medical clearance is required, though a doctor’s letter is recommended.
How do I claim for a lost bag on Lufthansa?
File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the Lufthansa baggage services desk before leaving the baggage hall. You will receive a reference number (e.g. FRALH12345). Track your bag at worldtracer.aero. Claim deadlines: 7 days for damaged bags, 21 days for delayed or lost bags. Maximum compensation under the Montreal Convention is approximately €1,920.
What are the Lufthansa power bank rules?
Power banks must travel in cabin baggage only — never the hold. Up to 100 Wh (approximately 20,000 mAh) is permitted without airline approval, maximum 2 per passenger. Remove power banks from your cabin bag before handing it over for gate-checking.
Is Lufthansa cheaper than Ryanair once bags are included?
On Classic fares, Lufthansa’s all-in price often compares favourably with budget airlines once you add cabin bag access and a hold bag to the budget fare. Lufthansa Economy Light, which strips out the checked bag, is a direct comparison to budget base fares. Compare like-for-like rather than headline prices. Our UK airline baggage comparison has the numbers.
Does Star Alliance Gold status give extra baggage on Lufthansa?
Yes. Gold status with any Star Alliance carrier entitles you to an additional checked bag on Lufthansa flights under Star Alliance’s interline policy. Confirm the specific terms with your home airline before flying.
What changed with Lufthansa musical instrument rules in March 2026?
From 1 March 2026, small instruments can exceed 55 cm in length in the cabin, provided total dimensions stay under 125 cm (length + width + depth) and the instrument weighs under 8 kg. Before this change, any instrument longer than 55 cm had to go in the hold.
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