Lufthansa Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
With headquarters in Germany and hubs at the Frankfurt and Munich Airports, Lufthansa is currently the largest airline in Germany and has been in operation since 1955. Currently, the airline offers flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide and is known for its budget-friendly fares. If you’ll be flying out of Germany for an upcoming trip, whether it be for business or pleasure, there’s a good chance you’ll be booking with Lufthansa. You can compare these baggage fee rates to another national airline: check out Korean Air baggage fees.
Before your travel dates, take some time to familiarize yourself with Lufthansa’s policies—particularly as they relate to baggage allowances and fees. This will help to inform you as you pack and may help you avoid any surprise costs at the ticket counter or gate.
Lufthansa Checked and Carry-On Allowances
While Lufthansa’s checked and carry-on policies are pretty fair and standard, they can be a bit confusing because they can be influenced by many different factors. Your fare type and route, for example, can affect the number of checked and carry-on bags that are included with your flight, as well as baggage weight allowances. With this in mind, if you’re ever in doubt as to the specific allowances for your ticket, your best bet is to contact the airline directly for clarification.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
Lufthansa offers four different fare types, and the amount of luggage included with your ticket will vary depending on the fare you book and your route. For European flights, fare options include Economy Light (no free checked bags included), Economy Classic (one free checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds or 23kg), Economy Flex (one free checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds or 23kg), and Business Class (two free bags weighing up to 70 pounds or 32kg each).
For all other routes, fare options include Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Economy Class fares are entitled to one free checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds or 23kg. Premium Economy tickets include two free checked bags weighing 50 pounds (32kg) apiece, and First Class fares include three free checked bags at a maximum of 70 pounds (32kg) each. Also, please make sure you follow all TSA rules when you pack!
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
Carry-on allowances for Lufthansa passengers can also vary based on fare. All ticketed passengers, regardless of fare, are entitled to a minimum of one free personal item and one free standard carry-on. Personal items are subject to a size limit of no larger than 30cm x 40cm x 10cm (approximately 11.8″ x 15.7″ x 3.9″), whereas standard bags should measure no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 23cm (approximately 21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9″).
Economy and Premium Economy fares are permitted one standard carry-on bag with a weight limit of up to 17.6 pounds (8kg), whereas Business and First Class fares are entitled to two standard carry-ons of the same size and weight.
For European fares, all tickets with the exception of Business Class receive one free standard carry-on, with Business Class receiving two standard bags.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
Children under the age of two are not required to have their own tickets and may travel as lap infants. If you’ll be traveling with a lap infant, you are permitted one additional carry-on bag, so long as it doesn’t exceed 50 pounds (23kg), such as a diaper bag or breast pump. A small, folding stroller and/or car seat can also be brought aboard the plane at no additional fee, and larger strollers can be checked free of charge at the gate.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight/Oversized Luggage
If you need to add excess baggage to your fare, you can do so online before your flight, at the airport check-in counter, or at the gate. Prices will vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically, within Europe, or internationally. For example, those adding a bag to an Economy ticket within Germany can expect to pay around €15 ($16) when they pay online, though that price can jump to €30-€55 ($35-$60) for those who wait to pay at the airport or directly at the gate. For more specific information on excess baggage fees, check out the Lufthansa website.
Charges for oversized and overweight bags can also vary depending on your route and fare. However, Economy and Premium Economy passengers can generally expect to pay between €70 ($80) and €100 ($115) for an overweight bag alone, in addition to €150 ($172) to €250 ($287) for an oversized bag. Avoid these fees by measuring and weighing your bags before your flight and being aware of your specific checked bag weight limits, as these can vary by fare.
Saving On Lufthansa Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
Looking to pay as little as possible for your baggage fees on Lufthansa? Perhaps you’re even looking for ways to avoid baggage fees altogether. We have some suggestions to consider…
Book an Appropriate Fare
If you know you’ll need checked baggage for your trip, be sure to book a fare that includes the amount of checked baggage you need. In most cases, this will mean avoiding any kind of Economy Light fares when flying within Europe, as these do not include any checked baggage. All other fares should include at least one checked bag.
Limit Luggage to Carry-Ons
Because Lufthansa allows all ticketed passengers at least one personal item and one standard carry on, you may be able to avoid checked baggage fees (and the dreaded wait at the baggage claim carousel after your flight) by simply limiting what you pack to your carry-ons. Just be sure to abide by size and weight requirements for carry-ons, as you will be asked to check and pay for any baggage that is too big to carry aboard the flight.
Pay for Your Luggage Ahead of Time
If you have to add any excess luggage to your fare, you can save a lot of money by doing so ahead of time. For example, paying for an extra bag for a domestic flight online (up to two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure) can cost just $16, as opposed to $35 at the check-in counter or $60 at the gate.
Explore Credit Card Reimbursement Options
Some credit card companies will reimburse cardholders for eligible baggage fees, so check with your credit card company to see if this perk is offered. If so, you can typically use your credit card to pay for these fees and then submit a request for reimbursement or account credit after your trip.
Lufthansa Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Lufthansa baggage policies and fees.
How can I pre-pay for baggage before my flight?
You have two options for pre-paying for your baggage; you can do so online at the Lufthansa website by logging in using your flight and ticket information. Another option is to call Lufthansa’s customer service line directly. Paying for your baggage before your flight can save you a lot of time and hassle once you arrive at the airport. And of course, if you’ll be adding any excess checked baggage to your fare, paying ahead of time is the best way to maximize your savings.
How can I find out how much checked baggage is included with my fare?
Checked baggage inclusions can vary based on your route and fare, so the best way to figure out how much checked baggage is included with your ticket is to check out the airline’s baggage policies and allowances online. You can also contact the airline directly with your booking information to inquire about specific baggage allowances, weight limits, and size restrictions.
Can I bring a backpack as my personal carry-on item?
Backpacks are permitted as personal carry-on items so long as they don’t exceed size limitations set forth by the airline. Specifically, backpacks should not measure greater than 30cm x 40cm x 10cm (approximately 11.8″ x 15.7″ x 3.9″). Be aware that if you arrive at the gate with a backpack that is too large, you will be asked to check it and pay applicable fees. Another option would be to use your backpack towards your standard carry-on allowance, which has a larger size allowance of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm (approximately 21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9″).
How can I avoid overweight/oversized baggage fees?
Lufthansa, like many airlines, has strict size and weight limits in place for checked baggage. Oversized and overweight bags will incur additional fees based on route, fare, and other factors—though specific charges may vary. The best way to avoid these fees is to carefully measure and weigh your bags before your flight. Using a luggage scale will ensure the most accurate weight. If your bag is slightly overweight, consider removing a few items or even moving them into your carry on or carry-on luggage for women, if appropriate. If you need to travel with a heavier bag, consider booking a fare with a higher weight allowance for checked luggage.
When measuring bags for size, be sure to include any wheels, handles, or other baggage accessories within your dimensions for accuracy.
