LH · Germany · Full-service

Lufthansa Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Lufthansa, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1", max 8 kg, free
  • Personal item: up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9", free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $0 first, Not published second (domestic economy)
  • Basic economy: Economy Light allows a carry-on

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight limit
8 kg (17.6 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Strict 8 kg weight limit, actually enforced at European gates. Light Economy fares on short-haul may not include a carry-on.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
40 x 30 x 10 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

A small handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Too big
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Too big
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$0
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Longhaul Economy Classic/Flex includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 158 cm (62 in) linear. Economy Light on transatlantic routes to/from North America typically includes 1 checked bag; intra-Europe Light does NOT include a checked bag. Excess baggage fees are published in EUR and vary by route. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

Ways to skip the Lufthansa checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Lufthansa carry-on size.
  2. Use a Lufthansa co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.

Lufthansa allows small pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier) on most routes. Fees are published in EUR and vary by route tier (short/medium/long-haul). Sports equipment fees are published in EUR at lufthansa.com.

Basic economy restrictions

Economy Light Lufthansa's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No free checked bag on intra-Europe Light
  • Longhaul North America Light typically includes 1 bag
  • No seat selection
  • No changes
  • Non-refundable
  • Reduced status mile earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lufthansa carry-on size limit?

Lufthansa allows a carry-on bag up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lb).

What is the Lufthansa personal item size?

The personal item on Lufthansa must fit within 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9" (40 x 30 x 10 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. A small handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat.

How much does a checked bag cost on Lufthansa?

The first checked bag on Lufthansa costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Longhaul Economy Classic/Flex includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 158 cm (62 in) linear. Economy Light on transatlantic routes to/from North America typically includes 1 checked bag; intra-Europe Light does NOT include a checked bag. Excess baggage fees are published in EUR and vary by route. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

Can I bring a carry-on on Lufthansa Economy Light?

Yes. Lufthansa Economy Light passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid Lufthansa checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Lufthansa carry-on size of 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"); (2) hold a Lufthansa co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

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Lufthansa hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Lufthansa operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Lufthansa before flying.