Lufthansa Airline Baggage Policy: What You Must Know Before You Fly

What if you have resolved to travel with Lufthansa? In that case you should make sure that you are aware of their baggage policies to save time, inconvenience, and even money at the airport (all good things!). There are Lufthansa baggage rules for carry-on bags and checked baggage, which can be found based on your fare type, destination, and frequent flyer status, whether you are traveling for business or leisure.

What are Lufthansa's checked baggage rules?

Flying with Lufthansa? Here’s what you need to know regarding their checked baggage policy in simple terms. When passengers check bags with Lufthansa, it depends on the class of travel and the route of travel. Travelers in Economy Class are typically entitled to one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs.); Premium Economy classes may check two checked bags for the same weight. Business Class passengers may check two pieces of baggage with a maximum allowed weight of 32 kg (70 lbs). First Class passengers can check three pieces of baggage up to 32 kg.

To avoid additional fees or excess baggage charges, each piece of checked baggage cannot exceed a maximum size of 158 cm (the total phrase can include the sum of length + width + height) and must fit within the maximum size and weight allowance given on your ticket. If you are traveling with an infant, you are allowed to bring an extra piece of checked baggage, up to 23 kg, plus a foldable baby stroller or infant carrier.

On select itineraries (such as some transatlantic routes, for example), you might have extra baggage allowance options. Additionally, Lufthansa has specific provisions for sports equipment and musical instruments. Always check your ticket information or use the Lufthansa baggage calculator on its website for accuracy and to eradicate any surprises at your departing airport.

What is Lufthansa's carry-on policy?

Planning to travel with Lufthansa? Then you have made a great decision! However, it is always wise to know what you can bring as carry-on luggage before going to the airport. Lufthansa has a very user-friendly carry-on policy to make you feel more at ease and focused on the journey instead of the bags.

Lufthansa's carry-on policy works as follows. If you are a passenger in Economy or Premium Economy class, you will be allowed one (1) piece of carry-on luggage. If you're traveling in business or first class, you're allowed two (2) pieces of carry-on luggage. Each piece should measure no more than 55 x 40 x 23 cm, and your total weight per bag must not exceed 8 kg or 17 lbs.

Lufthansa also allows you to have a personal item, such as a small handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase. This should easily fit under the seat in front of you.

Lufthansa has specific size and weight policies because space is limited in the overhead compartments; moreover, we want to prioritize everyone’s safety. If your bag is too big or heavy, it could be checked at the gate and could incur fees, so it might be wise to weigh and measure your bags before your trip.

Generally, strollers and baby carriers are permitted free of charge if you are traveling with an infant, but there are always limitations and conditions to consider. Medical devices and aids to mobility, such as a cane or a wheelchair, are also commonly permitted free of charge.

If you're carrying fragile and valuable items—for instance, if you are carrying a laptop or camera—make sure they are in your carry-on for your own peace of mind. Liquid will need to comply with airport staff and security regulations; again, this is typically 100 ml per container and stored in a clear 1-liter bag.

What are Lufthansa's baggage size limits?

Planning a trip with Lufthansa? Be sure to understand baggage size restrictions so there are no surprises when you arrive at the airport. Whether you've got a light load or a full suitcase, here's a simple, clean summary of Lufthansa's baggage size restrictions.

Carry-On Baggage:
Economy and premium economy can take 1 carry-on bag, and business and first class can take 2 carry-on bags.
Each carry-on may be no larger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in) and must weigh up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
If you have a foldable garment bag, the dimensions will be 57 x 54 x 15 cm.

Checked Baggage:

• Economy Class—1 bag with a maximum size of 23 kg (50 lbs).
• Premium Economy—2 bags with a maximum size of 23 kg each.
• Business Class—2 bags with a maximum size of 32 kg (70 lbs).
• First Class—3 bags with a maximum size of 32 kg each.

What are Lufthansa's extra baggage fees?

Traveling with Lufthansa and a bit concerned about overpacking? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! Whether you’re coming back with souvenirs, bringing sports equipment, or simply have a much-too-heavy suitcase—it’s nice to know that Lufthansa allows you to take extra baggage. (For a fee.)

Lufthansa immediately specifies that the charges to add excess baggage depend on your specific route, class of travel, and size or weight of luggage. As far as costs incurred to add an additional checked baggage (up to 23 kg for Economy class and Premium Economy) on most international flights, you can expect to pay between €50 and €100 if you book online in advance. At the airport, the fees can be (and are typically) significantly higher, with fees from €150 and upwards. Plan wisely and pre-book online.

Are you exceeding your baggage weight allowance? If your bag exceeds the allowance of 23 kg (but is less than 32 kg), expect to pay an excess baggage fee of €100–€150,depending on the region. Baggage exceeding 32 kg is not considered general checked baggage, and this baggage must be shipped as cargo.

If you travel within Europe, excess baggage fees are usually in the €50–€70 per bag range if prepaid. If your travel is intercontinental, such as from Europe to the US or Asia, excess baggage fees will range from €100 to €200, particularly for overweight bags.

Did you need to take special items on your flight, like a set of golf clubs, or musical instruments, or sporting equipment? Lufthansa does allow for certain special items, but each varies in fees based on size and weight, so it may be advised to read Lufthansa's sports baggage policy.

What is Lufthansa's student baggage allowance policy?

Are you planning to travel abroad to study or returning back home for the holidays? It’s safe to say that study abroad students travel quite a bit, and Lufthansa gets it. They know that students have special baggage requirements, and they want to make it easy for you to travel worry-free! With the Lufthansa student baggage policy, you are allowed to carry one checked bag for free (with a max weight of 23 kg) on most intercontinental routes. It’s also worth noting that on some routes you may even be allowed a second checked bag, depending on your fare type and destination.

Students traveling in Economy Class on a student ticket are allowed free checked baggage after verifying their student status during booking. In Premium Economy and Business, students on student tickets will be allowed the increased baggage allowance in accordance with your tariff and even more room to carry your study essentials, textbooks, clothing, and personal items.

All Lufthansa passengers, including students, are also allowed to carry one cabin bag (up to 8 kg) and a personal item such as a laptop bag or small handbag, which is perfect for keeping all your important documents and gadgets in easy reach.

To take advantage of the student baggage allowance, you must have a current student visa or ID and also ensure that you book directly on the Lufthansa website with the appropriate student fare.

What are Lufthansa military baggage benefits?

Traveling is usually difficult for military members, who often have these extra needs—and Lufthansa knows that. That's why Lufthansa offers active-duty military personnel special baggage benefits to provide a better overall travel experience and lessen the hassle during their travel.

If you're traveling on official military orders, Lufthansa usually allows additional baggage allowance without extra cost. Depending on your fare type and destination, additional baggage allowance can include additional checked baggage and additional weight per checked bag. Military personnel flying to or from most long-haul destinations (e.g., the US and certain destinations in Asia) with Lufthansa can almost always take three checked bags that can each weigh up to 32 kg (70 lbs), which is a lot more than the limit of 1 checked bag weighing 23 kg (50 lbs) for economy passengers.

If you're traveling for personal reasons, you may still receive some flexibility on your baggage. Even if benefits are not as good as traveling on official orders, Lufthansa recommends reaching out to their customer service before your travel. Occasionally, if you provide military ID, there may be some exceptions or discounts provided.

Additionally, if your travel was organized using a military travel portal or via a government-contracted travel agency, it is also a good idea to check to see what, if any, benefits are afforded.

The extra respect Lufthansa embodies in relation to military travelers emphasizes their desire to keep travelers enjoying peace and comfort wherever they fly.

What is Lufthansa's Lost Luggage Policy?

Losing your luggage while you are traveling is never a pleasant situation, but Lufthansa has a lost baggage policy in place designed for customers to fill out all the steps as easily as possible. If your checked luggage does not arrive at your destination, Lufthansa provides clear steps and has great support State Baggage agents in place to assist you in getting your item quickly.

Once you discover your bag is missing at bastard, you should report it right away at the Lufthansa Baggage Service desk at the airport. They will be able to give you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number, and then you can track the status of your bag using the airline's online baggage tracing system.

Lufthansa normally informs customers by updating the baggage status and return your delayed bags typically within 24 to 72 hours. While your bag is nowhere to be found, they may also reimburse essential purchases such as toiletries or basic clothing, so long as you keep the receipts just in case Store bought and grocery shopping can not be reimbursed.

After your bag is missing for five or more days, Lufthansa’s Central Baggage Tracing Service will take over your search. They will probably ask you to fill out a detailed inventory explaining the contents of your bag to help in the search for yourpresumed bag.

If it were to happen that Lufthansa informs you that your luggage has been officially placed in a lost luggage category, you will be compensated as per the Montreal Convention which considers the weight and value of your luggage. If you had travel insurance, you also have the opportunity to file a claim for additional compensation for these losses.

My best advice to assist avoiding baggage issues is to always ensure that you state your name with contact information on your luggage, and carry on valuables and important documents.

Lufthansa, your care is their business, which as part of their negotiated care agreement has a lost luggage clearly defined policy which directly states this when incidents occur. Certainly lost luggage could be an inconvenience but shouldn't be a catastrophe with Lufthansa's defined lost luggage process which is also traceable.