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If you’re flying with Lufthansa, it’s essential to understand its hand luggage rules, which may differ from other airlines you’ve flown with. Our Lufthansa hand luggage size guide makes it easy to understand baggage allowance rules and will help you avoid extra fees and other hassles.
What is the official Lufthansa hand luggage size?
Free hand luggage on Lufthansa flights consists of one cabin bag for Economy Light, Economy, and Premium Economy fares, and two cabin bags for Business or First Class fares. Passengers in all cabins are also allowed one personal item in addition to their larger piece of hand luggage.
All hand luggage must fall within specific size requirements, which are outlined below:
As noted in the table, keep in mind that Lufthansa’s 8 kg weight allowance for cabin bags is lower than most other airlines operating in Europe. You may be required to check in your hand luggage at the gate – perhaps for a fee, which is higher than online or at the check-in counter – if it exceeds the weight allowance.
In order to stay within Lufthansa’s weight allowance, it’s critical to pack your suitcase strategically. Choose a lightweight cabin bag, purchase travel-sized toiletries (or just buy them at your destination), and consider wearing your heaviest and bulkiest clothing and footwear to save space and weight.
In addition to a larger cabin bag, you can also bring an additional personal item (a laptop bag, rucksack, or handbag, for example). As is the case with other airlines, your personal item should not exceed the specified dimensions and should fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Shopping bags also count as a personal item, so be sure to take that into consideration while browsing duty-free shops.
How strict is Lufthansa with hand luggage size?
Like many other carriers, Lufthansa is enforcing its hand luggage rules more rigorously, as more passengers attempt to avoid paying checked bag fees. Lufthansa gate staff have been known to weigh bags and check to see if they fit in the sizing devices prior to boarding. Still, whether you’ll be singled out depends on factors like how full the flight is and the discretion of individual employees (some may be more lenient than others).
However, to make your travel experience as smooth as possible, it’s highly recommended to follow the carrier’s rules. Otherwise, you may be facing an unexpected fee to check your hand luggage in (which will be higher than online or the check-in desk) and a more stressful boarding process.
Can I bring extra items on board Lufthansa flights as hand luggage?
Lufthansa does allow certain non-baggage items to be brought on board free of charge. However, they must fall within the size and weight limitations noted above, and they do count towards your hand luggage allowance. They include:
- Musical instruments
- Sporting gear
- Medical supplies or mobility devices, such as foldable pushchairs (however, they must be properly folded).
If you’re still not sure whether a specific item meets Lufthansa’s hand luggage size requirements, check out KAYAK’s Bag Measurement tool, which is featured in the KAYAK app.
Lufthansa’s policy for hand luggage items for babies
Parents or caregivers travelling with infants on Lufthansa may bring one extra hand luggage item, such as a changing bag or infant car seat, free of charge. (However, keep in mind that if you decide to use a car seat, which is voluntary, you will need to purchase a child ticket for the seat .) In addition, passengers can reserve a bassinet for free in advance, which are available for infants weighing less than 24 lbs (11 kg and measuring less than 26 in (67 cm) in length. Bassinets are only available on long-distance flights.
Hand luggage tips for Lufthansa from our expert traveller
from expert traveller Blane Bachelor
Passengers who don’t fly frequently with Lufthansa may be caught by surprise by its 8 kg hand luggage weight limit, which is notably lower than that of many other carriers. But it’s an important consideration to keep in mind while packing – and to avoid the hefty fees you may be charged for checking in an oversized bag at the gate.
Don’t worry about using up precious bin space with your coat or jacket. Instead, take advantage of the hooks behind every seat on Lufthansa aircraft. It’s a handy extra feature that I wish more carriers would implement.
As with any other airline, Lufthansa prohibits items such as electronic devices and lithium batteries in checked baggage. So it’s essential to take such items on board, in case you’re forced to check your main cabin bag before boarding.
Lufthansa hand luggage FAQs
Still have questions about Lufthansa hand luggage size, what counts as a personal item, or anything else? Read on for our expert intel.
Requirements are the same across all cabins. As noted above, the maximum hand luggage size for Lufthansa Economy Light is 8 kg and 55 x 40 x 23 cm). With an Economy Light ticket, passengers may also check in a maximum of one extra piece of luggage (for an additional fee).
Yes, a rucksack is allowed as a personal item on Lufthansa flights as long as it satisfies the standard size dimensions (again, 40 x 30 x 10 cm). Just make sure it can be stored under the seat in front of you.
Yes, rucksacks and larger cabin bags are allowed on Lufthansa flights as long as both items meet the above-mentioned dimensions (and there is space in the overhead lockers). Larger wheeled suitcases should be stored in overhead lockers, while rucksacks can serve as your personal item and should be stored under the seat in front of you. In other words, leave that massive camping bag at home!
It’s the same as for domestic flights for both larger cabin bags and smaller personal items, so you don’t have to worry about navigating different allowances. Lufthansa also offers an online baggage calculator so that you can confirm requirements for your specific route, frequent flyer status, and fare class.
⏰ Last update: February 10, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
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