Lufthansa Baggage Fees, Policy, & Tips to Cover the Expense

Lufthansa is an airline based in Germany and is well-known for its excellent service, reasonably priced flights, and outstanding business class perks and luxuries.

Their baggage fees are fairly standard and based on your travel class, route, and fare. They can add up if you don’t understand what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know about Lufthansa baggage policies and fees, and some tips to help you minimize add-on expenses for your intercontinental Lufthansa flight.

Lufthansa Carry-on Luggage Rules

Lufthansa’s normal policy is one personal bag plus one carry-on plus one personal bag. Due to changes in German law regarding Covid-19, you can only bring a single carry-on bag until further notice.  

This rule applies to all passengers, and is intended to reduce crowding in the aisles while boarding and deplaning.

LUFTHANSA BUSINESS CLASS BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Free carry-on baggage allowance for adults, young adults, and children may include:

  • Carry-on sized luggage
  • Small backpack or duffel bag
  • Laptop bag or briefcase
  • Compact, foldable baby stroller
  • Foldable garment bag

Until Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, handbags and shopping bags count toward your one carry-on.

Lufthansa Carry-on Size & Weight Restrictions

  • Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 22 x 16 x 9 in (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
  • Dimensions for foldable garment bags: max. 22 x 21 x 6 in (57 x 54 x 15 cm)

The weight of your carry-on can’t exceed 17 lbs (8 kg). 

After Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, economy classic and premium economy class ticket holders are allowed 1 additional piece carry-on baggage up to 8 kg. Business class and first class passengers may bring 2 carry-on baggage items aboard. Economy Light fare passengers carry-on rules remain the same.

In addition, passengers will also be allowed to bring a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag and:

  • Child seat or folding stroller
  • Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and orthopedic equipment

Where to Stow Your Carry-on Item On Board

  • For larger hand luggage, such as small wheeled suitcases or backpacks, use the overhead locker located above your seat.
  • For smaller items such as purses, laptop bags, or shopping bags, put them under the seat in front of you.
  • For jackets and coats, there is a hook on the seat in front of you.
  • The overhead lockers located above the emergency exit rows are reserved for the passengers sitting in those rows.
Lufthansa Checked Baggage Allowance for Business Class

Lufthansa Checked Baggage Allowance

The number and size of allowed checked luggage depends on your fare class and destination. Here’s are the general guidelines:

Fare Class# checked bagsMaximum Weight
Economy Light0N/A
Economy150 lbs (23 kg)
Premium Economy150 lbs (23 kg)
Business Class270 lbs (32 kg)
First Class370 lbs (32 kg)

The maximum dimensions for any piece of baggage is 62 inches  (158 cm) total – width X + height Y + depth Z.

Free Baggage Allowance for Status Customers on Intercontinental Flights

Travel classFrequent TravellersSenators/HON Circle Members/Star Alliance Gold membersSWISS Golf Traveller members
Economy LightCarry-on baggage only, up to 17 lbsCarry-on baggage only, up to 17 lbs Carry-on baggage only, up to 17 lbs
Economy Class2 bags, up to 50 lbs each2 bags, up to 50 lbs each1 bag up to 50 lbs
Premium Economy Class2 bags, up to 50 lbs each3 bags, up to 50 lbs each2 bags, up to 50 lbs each
Business Class2 bags, up to 70 lbs each3 bags,  up to 70 lbs each2 bags,  up to 70 lbs each
First Class3 bags, up to 70 lbs each4 bags,  up to 70 lbs each3 bags,  up to 70 lbs each

Status Members in any fare class are also allowed a free golf bag in addition to their baggage allowance, except passengers flying from the United States or Canada.

Lufthansa Overweight / Oversized Baggage Allowance

In any class, additional free checked bags can include:

  • Disabled passengers in any class are also allowed up to two wheelchairs or other mobility aids for free.
  • Passengers with small children are allowed a carrier, child seat, pushchair, or folding stroller.
  • One piece of sports equipment, such as ski or snowboarding equipment or a golf bag, as long as it does not exceed the maximum weight limits of your fare class (oversized is ok). Sports baggage and sports equipment must be registered through the reservation line 24 hours before your flight. Due to limited storage capacity and different rules involving partner airlines, Lufthansa cannot guarantee that your oversize equipment baggage will be accepted in every case. 

*Additional free luggage allowance rules only apply to flights operated by Lufthansa. If you have a connecting flight on a carrier airline, you’ll need to check their policy and follow their rules.

Flat Rates for Excess and Oversized Baggage Fees

Flat rates for extra baggage or baggage that exceeds permitted weight and/or size are determined by fare class and route.

Flat Rates for Economy Class and Premium Economy Class Additional Baggage

Fees for one additional piece of baggage that does not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches in total dimensions (width X + height Y + depth Z).

Domestic routes (Germany)$80
Routes within Europe$92
North Africa, Central Asia and countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast$115
Short intercontinental routes$173
Medium intercontinental routes$230
Long intercontinental routes$287
Routes to/from Japan$200

Flat rate for a second checked piece of baggage in Economy Class flying from/to the USA, Canada, Mexico and Central America: $100

Fees for Economy Class and Premium Economy Class larger OR heavier than free baggage allowance.

Weight: 50 lbs to 70 lbs or dimensions: 62 in to 115 in (the sum of the height, width and depth (height + width + depth)

Domestic routes (Germany)$46
Routes within Europe$57
North Africa, Central Asia and countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast$86
Short intercontinental routes$115
Medium intercontinental routes$138
Long intercontinental routes$173
Routes to/from JapanHeavier:$150
Larger:$300

Economy Class and Premium Economy Class fees for larger AND heavier than free baggage allowance

Weight: 50 lbs to 70 lbs and dimensions: 62 in to 115 in (the sum of the height, width and depth (height + width + depth)

Domestic routes (Germany)$92
Routes within Europe$114
North Africa, Central Asia and countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast$173
Short intercontinental routes$230
Medium intercontinental routes$276
Long intercontinental routes$345
Routes to/from Japan$400

Flat Rates for Business Class and First Class Additional Baggage

Fees for one additional piece of baggage that does not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches in total dimensions (width X + height Y + depth Z).

Domestic routes (Germany)$80
Routes within Europe$92
North Africa, Central Asia and countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast$115
Short intercontinental routes$173
Medium intercontinental routes$230
Long intercontinental routes$287
Routes to/from Japan$200

Economy Class and Premium Economy Class fees for larger AND heavier than free baggage allowance

Weight: 50 lbs to 70 lbs and dimensions: 62 in to 115 in (the sum of the height, width and depth (height + width + depth)

Domestic routes (Germany)$126
Routes within Europe$149
North Africa, Central Asia and countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast$201
Short intercontinental routes$287
Medium intercontinental routes$368
Long intercontinental routes$460
Routes to/from Japan$500

Business Class and First Class additional larger and heavier baggage

Weight: 50 lbs to 70 lbs and dimensions: 62 in to 115 in (the sum of the height, width and depth (height + width + depth)

Domestic routes (Germany)$46
Routes within Europe$57
North Africa, Central Asia and countries on the eastern Mediterranean coast$86
Short intercontinental routes$115
Medium intercontinental routes$138
Long intercontinental routes$173
Routes to/from Japan$300
united-airlines-international-business-class

Avoid Baggage Fees By Flying Lufthansa Business Class

Let’s be honest. If you’re taking a European flight from the USA, one checked bag plus small cabin baggage is not going to be enough. Those extra bag fees each way can really add up! An upgrade to business class is a smart move in terms of comfort, services, and bag allowance, especially if you can score up to 70% off. Contact Business Class Experts to book your discount Lufthansa flight today! 

Other tips to avoid additional costs:

  • Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane. You may not be allowed to carry a coat, but there’s no apparent rule about wearing it. Hang it on the seat back in front of you or sit on it during the flight.
  • Skip the purse and carry a small backpack instead. You should be able to pack in a wallet, a light change of clothing, any medicines you may need, your personal electronic devices, and any other small items to get you through for a few days in the event your luggage is delayed or lost.

Lufthansa Airlines Resources

Lufthansa Business Class

Lufthansa Business Class Lounges

How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade to Lufthansa Business Class?

Best International Business Class Airlines

Lufthansa Business Class vs First Class

Free Baggage Calculator on Lufthansa.com