Germany 
Star Alliance About Lufthansa
Lufthansa is Germany's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, with a large European and intercontinental network. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Varies by fare type and route | Varies by fare type and route | 50.7 pounds (23 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| Business/First | Free | Free | 70.5 pounds (32 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Additional bags: €100-200 each
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Lufthansa baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
Cologne → New York (Economy)
Carry-on: 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 8 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 50.7 pounds (23 kg) — Varies by fare type and route
2nd bag: Varies by fare type and route
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
Cologne → Singapore (Business Class)
Carry-on: 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 8 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 70.5 pounds (32 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | €12 per kg (varies by route) | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Save up to 25% when prepaying online | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | €50-300 for bags over 23 kg | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Lufthansa's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join Miles & More: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
Lufthansa accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Sports equipment: Special rules and fees apply
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Musical instruments: Can be carried on if they fit overhead or under seat
Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.
Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase
Medical equipment: Special allowances
Medical equipment carried without additional fee.
Advance notice required; bring doctor's letter
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference
Musical Instruments
- Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
- Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
- Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
- Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight
Sports Equipment
- Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
- Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
- Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
- Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length
Hub Airports
Compare Lufthansa With Broader Baggage Charts
Use these comparison guides to benchmark this airline against broader cabin, personal item, and checked baggage patterns before you book.
Lufthansa Baggage Booking Watchouts
These notes are here to highlight where this airline usually creates the most baggage confusion before checkout.
Who this page helps most
Best for Star Alliance travelers comparing Europe-heavy itineraries and long-haul fares where baggage inclusion depends on the fare brand.
Where travelers misread the rules
Lufthansa baggage rules vary more by fare type and route than by airline-wide headline policy, especially in lower Economy fares.
What to verify before paying
Confirm whether your fare includes a first checked bag, whether prepaid baggage is cheaper, and which rule applies on any partner-operated leg.
Lufthansa is less about one universal baggage rule and more about fare-brand logic. Once you understand that lower Economy products, premium cabins, and mixed itineraries can all behave differently, the policy becomes easier to predict.
Cabin setup in practice
The cabin allowance is relatively disciplined: one standard carry-on around 8 kg plus a smaller personal item. The cabin side is usually not the problem unless you are packing dense bags that run heavy for their size.
How checked baggage usually works
Checked baggage varies far more by fare than by logo. Economy can range from route-based paid baggage to included 23 kg allowances, while Business and First are much more generous and move toward 32 kg bags.
Where the cost usually changes
Lower Economy fares are where travelers most often misread Lufthansa. The airline can look full-service at first glance, but prepaid bag pricing and extra-bag costs still matter a lot on Europe-heavy trips.
Smart booking checklist
- Check the fare brand first, because that usually explains more than the airline name alone.
- Verify whether prepaying for checked baggage is cheaper than paying later in the booking flow or at the airport.
- If your itinerary includes a partner segment, confirm which carrier controls the baggage rule.
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