Lufthansa is known for its strict baggage policies, and passengers who exceed the limits may face added fees.
So, it’s wise to read and understand the airline’s baggage policies before packing.
Lufthansa, one of the largest airlines in Europe, has specific baggage policies that all passengers should be aware of. Make sure you know what you can and can’t take and what steps you need to follow if you’re taking anything precious. Let’s face it, you want to avoid any potential problems during your travels.
Lufthansa’s baggage policy varies depending on the class of travel and the route. You can find specific baggage allowances on your booking confirmation or their website. Here’s a general overview of Lufthansa’s baggage allowance.
Carry-on baggage
Carry-on baggage dimensions are max. 55 x 40 x 23 cm. For European flights in Economy, the allowance is 1 carry-on bag of 8kg. Business Class is 2 carry-on bags, weighing 8kg each. For international flights, Economy passengers are allowed 1 carry-on bag, weighing 8kg. Business Class and First Class allowances are 2 carry-on bags of 8kg each.
Checked baggage
The largest baggage size is 158 cm (width X + height Y + depth Z). For European flights in Economy Light there is no free check-in luggage. You need to fit everything into your 8kg carry-on or pay for extra baggage. Economy Classic and Flex allow 1 bag weighing 23kg and Business allows 2 bags weighing 32kg each. For international flights, there is no free checked luggage for Economy Light. For Economy Class, it is 1 bag weighing 23kg and Premium Economy permits 2 bags weighing 23kg each. Business Class allows 2 bags at 32kg each. For the Imelda Marcoses of this world, the First Class allowance is 3 bags each of 32kg. That’s a lot of shoes!
Additional baggage
You can pay for extra baggage allowance if you need to bring more than the allowed number of shoes, oh sorry, bags, or if bags exceed the weight or size limit. Extra baggage fees depend on the route, class of travel, and whether you pay online or at the airport. Here’s a handy link to Lufthansa’s price guide.
Sports equipment
The airline also allows passengers to bring sports equipment, such as golf clubs, skis, or surfboards. But, sports equipment storage space is limited. So you should register the sports equipment you want to take with you as early as possible. You can register on the Lufthansa website but you must register at least 24-72 hours before departure, depending on the flight. If the number and weight of sport equipment doesn’t exceed the free baggage allowance for your class, you can use it as part of your free baggage. This does not apply to Economy Light fares.
If your sports equipment exceeds the free baggage allowance and the weight limit of the respective travel class, but does not exceed the maximum weight of 32 kg, you will pay the flat rate for sports equipment. A flat rate for excess baggage will apply if your sports equipment is not listed under the Rules for Sports Equipment on their site.
Sports equipment heavier than 32 kg and longer than 315 cm cannot be taken as travel baggage. You will need to send these items by air freight. You will need to contact Lufthansa Cargo for information about sending air freight from Germany or other locations.
Musical Instruments
Lufthansa gives you the option of taking your musical instrument with you into the cabin. Depending on the weight and size, you can carry it with you as carry-on baggage or book an extra ticket. You can also take your musical instrument with you as an extra baggage item and check it in.
If the dimensions do not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm (height x width x depth) and its weight does not exceed 8 kg, you can take it with you into the cabin free of charge. This means that your musical instrument replaces a permitted carry-on baggage. If that’s the limit of carry-on baggage allowed for your ticket, you can’t take other carry-on baggage.
If your musical instrument exceeds 55 x 40 x 23 cm, you must book an extra seat. This must be done at the same time as booking your own ticket. You need to contact the Lufthansa Service Centre to do that. Costs for taking your musical instrument with you depend on the ticket prices available.
Musical instruments that you want to take with youin the cabin can’t exceed the following dimensions and weights:
- 155 x 42 x 25 cm (height x width x depth) for musical instruments that stand in the cabin
- 110 x 42 x 50 cm (height x width x depth) for musical instruments strapped to the seat
- Maximum weight 75 kg
You can also check in your musical instrument as an additional item of baggage as long as it complies with the excess baggage dimensions. Check the allowed dimensions and weights with their baggage calculator.
Glückliche Reise!
Baggage requirements can change. Always check with your airline for updates.
