LH · Germany · Full-service
Lufthansa Cabin Bag Size
Exact Lufthansa cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026, verified against the airline's own published policy on 2026-04-14.
Quick answer
Lufthansa cabin bag bags can be up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), with a 8 kg (17.6 lb) weight limit, and no cabin bag fee on most fares.
- Carry-on size: up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
- Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
- Carry-on fee: free on most fares
- Personal item: up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9", free on every fare
- Gate-check risk: Medium
- Last verified: April 14, 2026
Carry-On Bag
- 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
A small handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat.
See full personal item rules for LufthansaLufthansa cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum Lufthansa cabin bag size is 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches, which works out to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Lufthansa match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 21.7 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
Lufthansa cabin bag weight limit
Lufthansa limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.
Does Lufthansa charge for cabin bag bags?
No. Lufthansa includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.
What bags fit as a Lufthansa personal item
Common bag types compared against the Lufthansa personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On Lufthansa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Lufthansa carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | Included | Included | 1 carry-on up to 55x40x23 cm / 8 kg plus 1 personal item up to about 40x30x10 cm; no checked bag. |
| Economy Classic / Flex | Included | Included | Same 55x40x23 cm / 8 kg carry-on plus personal item; checked allowance added. |
| Premium Economy | Included | Included | 1 carry-on up to 8 kg plus personal item. |
| Business | Included | Included | 2 carry-on bags plus 1 personal item, each piece up to 8 kg. |
| First | Included | Included | 2 carry-on bags plus 1 personal item. |
Common Lufthansa carry-on mistakes
- Packing to a US-style 10 kg target; Lufthansa's 8 kg cap is noticeably stricter and is enforced at the gate.
- Forgetting that airport shopping bags count as the personal item.
- Assuming the carry-on is the same 55x40x20 cm IATA size; Lufthansa permits 23 cm depth.
What happens if your bag does not fit on Lufthansa
Agents have been observed weighing bags and using sizers before boarding; oversize or overweight cabin bags are tagged and sent to the hold.
Lufthansa vs Air France carry-on
Lufthansa caps cabin baggage at 55x40x23 cm and a strict 8 kg per-bag limit, while Air France allows 55x35x25 cm with a more generous 12 kg combined weight across the cabin bag and personal item in Economy. Lufthansa's personal item is roughly 40x30x10 cm, tighter than Air France's 40x30x15 cm, so a bulky laptop bag is more likely to be flagged on LH. Business-class Lufthansa passengers get two cabin bags at 8 kg each, while Air France Business lets you carry two cabin bags plus a personal item up to 18 kg combined. If you pack heavy tech or camera gear, Air France's weight math is friendlier; if you pack tall items, Lufthansa's 23 cm depth wins.
See Air France carry-on sizeFrequently asked questions
What is the Lufthansa carry-on size limit?
Lufthansa allows carry-on bags up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lb).
What are the Lufthansa carry-on dimensions in cm?
The Lufthansa carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.
What is the Lufthansa carry-on weight limit?
Lufthansa limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.
Does Lufthansa charge for carry-on bags?
No. Lufthansa includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.
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.
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.
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.
Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Lufthansa carry-on?
Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Lufthansa published limit of 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.
Need the full Lufthansa baggage policy?
Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items (ski, golf, bike, pets), and basic economy fare rules for Lufthansa, all on one page.
Flying Lufthansa out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Lufthansa hubs and focus cities.
Lufthansa head-to-head comparisons
In-depth comparisons between Lufthansa and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.
Helpful guides
Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Lufthansa flight.
- Best carry-on bags for Lufthansa in 2026Eight carry-ons tested against every major airline sizer, from budget to premium.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics and three airline-card combos that save $45 to $100 per trip.
- Best AI packing list generatorsGenerate a Lufthansa-sized packing list in seconds with weather-aware AI tools.
Compare other airlines
- Aer Lingus cabin bag size EI · Ireland
- Air France cabin bag size AF · France
- Austrian Airlines cabin bag size OS · Austria
- British Airways cabin bag size BA · United Kingdom
- Condor cabin bag size DE · Germany
- Discover Airlines cabin bag size 4Y · Germany
- easyJet cabin bag size U2 · United Kingdom
- Eurowings cabin bag size EW · Germany
Sources & verification
Last verified 2026-04-14 against the official Lufthansa policy at https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/carry-on-baggage . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Lufthansa before flying.