Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy + 1-877-491-4448

Flying can be exciting, but navigating airline rules can sometimes feel like deciphering a foreign language. For passengers travelling with Lufthansa, Germany's flagship carrier and a core member of the Star Alliance, understanding the Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy is crucial for a smooth journey. This policy dictates what you can bring onboard, how much it might cost, and what happens if you exceed limits. It's not a one-size-fits-all rulebook; it varies significantly based on your ticket type, fare class, travel route (domestic vs. international), and even the cabin class you've chosen. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the "Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy," covering checked baggage, carry-on items, personal items, weight vs. piece concepts, and specific regulations for liquids, sports equipment, and more.

The Foundation: Fare Class and Travel Route

The cornerstone of the "Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy" is your fare conditions. When you book a flight, you're not just buying a seat; you're purchasing a specific fare product, each with its own set of rules. These rules determine your baggage entitlements.

Lufthansa operates primarily on two systems:

1. Weight Concept: Commonly used for flights within Europe and to certain destinations outside Europe. Under this system, you are generally entitled to a specific total weight of checked baggage (e.g., 23 kg, 32 kg) per piece, along with a certain number of pieces. Carry-on allowances also apply.
2. Piece Concept: Primarily used for flights to and from the US, Canada, India, and other select destinations. Here, the limit is based on the number of pieces of checked baggage (e.g., 1 piece, 2 pieces) rather than just total weight, although weight per piece limits still apply. Carry-on allowances differ slightly.

Furthermore, Lufthansa offers various fare families (like Smart, Flexible, Premium, Basic) both for Economy and Business Class. Generally, more expensive fare families like Flexible or Premium offer more baggage benefits, including free checked bags and greater flexibility, while budget-conscious fares like Basic or Light might include no free checked bags, relying instead on a free carry-on and a personal item.

Checked Baggage: What You Can Check In

Checked baggage is the luggage you entrust to Lufthansa to transport in the aircraft hold. Its size and weight are strictly regulated.

• Weight Limits: Standard checked baggage weight limits are typically 23 kg or 32 kg per piece (the latter usually for bulky items). Exceeding this can result in overweight baggage fees.
• Piece Limits (Piece Concept Routes): On routes operating under the Piece Concept (like to the US), the number of checked bags you're allowed depends on your fare and fare family. For example, a standard Economy Smart fare might allow one checked bag, while a Flexible fare might allow two.
• Size Limits: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag usually cannot exceed 158 inches (127 inches for certain routes or items). Lufthansa provides specific size guidelines, often requiring bags to fit within designated sizers at the airport.
• Free Checked Baggage Allowance: This varies greatly. Basic Economy fares often include no free checked bags. Standard Economy fares (like Smart) might include one free bag, while more flexible Economy and Business Class fares typically include two or more. Always check the specifics of your fare.
• Excess Baggage: If you exceed your allowance in weight or number of pieces, Lufthansa will charge excess baggage fees. These fees can be substantial and increase significantly after a certain threshold. It's often cheaper to pay a small fee upfront for a fare with more baggage allowance or to adjust your luggage at the airport before check-in closes.
• Valuables: Lufthansa, like all airlines, advises against checking valuable items, cash, fragile items, or essential documents. The airline is not liable for such items if they are lost, damaged, or stolen from checked baggage.

Carry-On Baggage: What You Can Bring Onboard

Carry-on baggage is the luggage you bring into the aircraft cabin. Lufthansa allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

• Carry-On Bag: This is the bag you stow in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Its total linear dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches). Lufthansa provides a template or sizer at check-in and the gate to ensure compliance.
• Personal Item: In addition to the carry-on bag, you can bring a smaller personal item such as a handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. This item must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Free Allowance: The allowance for one carry-on bag plus one personal item is generally standard across most fare families, even on Basic Economy fares. However, the ability to change this bag to checked baggage online for free might differ based on fare type.
• Gate Check Option: If your carry-on bag exceeds size limits or the overhead bins are full, Lufthansa allows you to gate-check it for free. You'll collect it at the aircraft stairs or jet bridge exit after your flight.
• Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols (LGA): This is a critical part of the carry-on policy, mandated by security regulations worldwide. LGA must be placed in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (max 1 litre capacity), and presented separately for screening. Each passenger is allowed one such bag.

Personal Item: Your Second Cabin Bag

As mentioned, alongside your carry-on, you're entitled to a personal item. This should be something compact that fits entirely under the seat. Examples include:

• Small backpack
• Tote bag or handbag
• Briefcase
• Laptop bag (in addition to any laptop inside a larger carry-on)
• Camera bag

It's important not to overpack this item, as it needs to fit securely under the seat to allow access to the seatbelt and in-flight entertainment controls.

Special Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.

The "Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy" includes specific rules for items that don't fit standard baggage categories.

• Sports Equipment: Items like skis, golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, and diving gear are generally accepted but often require pre-booking and may incur additional charges, even if they replace a free checked bag allowance. They are usually transported as "special baggage."
• Musical Instruments: Depending on the size and type, musical instruments might be allowed as carry-on (if they fit securely in the cabin), checked baggage (subject to size/weight limits and potential fees), or may require booking as special baggage.
• Car Seats and Strollers: Child seats and strollers can usually be checked for free, either at the gate (to be returned at the gate upon arrival) or as part of your baggage allowance (if within size/weight limits). Baby items like car seats and strollers are also often allowed as a separate carry-on item in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item when travelling with an infant or child.
• Pets: Live animals require specific arrangements, documentation, and compliance with airline and destination regulations. They are typically transported in the cargo hold and require pre-booking.

Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Bring

Understanding what is forbidden is as important as knowing what is allowed. The "Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy" strictly prohibits certain items in both checked and carry-on baggage.

• Dangerous Goods: Items that pose a safety risk, such as explosives, flammable materials, corrosives, radioactive materials, and certain batteries (like lithium batteries in checked baggage), are generally prohibited or strictly regulated.
• Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons must be declared and transported according to strict regulations, usually requiring them to be checked and unloaded.
• Illegal Items: Drugs and other illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
• Perishable/Unhygienic Items: Some food items and items deemed unhygienic may be restricted or prohibited.
• Carry-On Specific Prohibitions: Items like sharp objects (scissors over 6 cm blades, knives), tools, self-defense sprays, and flammable items are prohibited in the cabin.

Liability and Insurance

Lufthansa limits its liability for loss, damage, or delay of checked baggage according to international conventions (like the Montreal Convention). Passengers can purchase baggage insurance for additional coverage. It's advisable to report any baggage issues (lost, damaged, delayed) immediately upon arrival at the destination airport to the Lufthansa baggage service.

 Conclusion

The Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy" is a detailed framework designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and fairness in handling passenger luggage. While it might seem complex, the key is to understand the basics: your fare determines your allowance, checked bags have weight/size limits, carry-on allows one bag plus one personal item with strict size rules, and special items require planning. Always check the specific rules for your itinerary on the official Lufthansa website or by contacting customer service before you travel. Being informed and prepared about the Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy will help you pack smart, avoid unexpected fees, and focus on enjoying your journey.