Lufthansa Baggage Allowance: Complete UK Guide (2026)
The first thing that catches people out with Lufthansa is the cabin bag weight limit. At 8 kg, it’s more generous than Emirates or Qatar at 7 kg, but stricter than British Airways, which doesn’t weigh cabin bags at all. The second thing is the fare structure: Economy Light is the trap. Book it for a European city break thinking you’re getting the same deal as Classic, and you’ll land at the check-in desk without a free checked bag — and face airport excess fees that are always more than the online rate would have been.
This guide covers everything UK travellers need to know about Lufthansa baggage allowance in 2026: cabin and checked limits by fare class, excess fees, how to add baggage cheaply, what families and frequent flyers get, and what to do if your bag doesn’t make it.
Quick answer:
- Cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg — one piece for Economy and Premium Economy, two for Business and First
- Personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (laptop bag, handbag) — all classes
- Economy Light: no free checked bag on European routes; pay to add
- Economy Classic / Flex: 1 x 23 kg free checked bag
- Premium Economy: 2 x 23 kg free checked bags
- Business Class: 2 x 32 kg free checked bags
- First Class: 3 x 32 kg free checked bags
- Maximum bag weight: 32 kg (bags over 32 kg are not accepted regardless of payment)
Lufthansa Baggage Allowance by Fare Class
| Fare | Cabin Bag | Personal Item | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 55x40x23cm, 8 kg | 40x30x15cm | None included (purchasable) |
| Economy Classic | 55x40x23cm, 8 kg | 40x30x15cm | 1 x 23 kg |
| Economy Flex | 55x40x23cm, 8 kg | 40x30x15cm | 1 x 23 kg |
| Premium Economy | 55x40x23cm, 8 kg | 40x30x15cm | 2 x 23 kg |
| Business Class | 2 x 55x40x23cm, 8 kg each | 40x30x15cm | 2 x 32 kg |
| First Class | 2 x 55x40x23cm, 8 kg each | 40x30x15cm | 3 x 32 kg |
All dimensions include handles, wheels, and pockets — the measurement is the outside of the bag as you’d present it at the gate, not the internal dimensions.
Lufthansa Hand Luggage Rules
The Cabin Bag: 55 x 40 x 23 cm at 8 kg
Every passenger gets one cabin bag, regardless of fare. The dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm and the weight limit is 8 kg. Both matter. Lufthansa checks dimensions by placing bags in the sizing frame at the gate, and staff do weigh bags — particularly on busy routes where overhead locker space runs tight.
The 8 kg limit sits in the middle of the full-service carrier range. Compared to British Airways, which doesn’t weigh cabin bags in Economy at all, Lufthansa is stricter. Compared to Emirates at 7 kg and Qatar at 7 kg, Lufthansa is slightly more generous. An 8 kg limit is enough for a laptop (around 2 kg), a change of clothes, toiletries, and a camera — if you pack carefully.
Business Class and First Class passengers get two cabin bags (each 55 x 40 x 23 cm, each up to 8 kg), which gives 16 kg total cabin allowance.
The Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
In addition to the cabin bag, all fare classes include a separate personal item. This must fit under the seat in front and must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm. A slim laptop bag, a small handbag, or a compact camera bag works here. A standard laptop rucksack typically won’t fit the 15 cm depth.
One thing that trips people up: if your laptop bag is larger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm and you bring it as a second item, Lufthansa will treat it as a second cabin bag — which Economy passengers aren’t entitled to. Pack the laptop inside your main cabin bag and use the under-seat allowance for something flat.
Musical Instruments in the Cabin
From 1 March 2026, small instruments — violins, flutes, trumpets — can exceed the 55 cm length restriction in the cabin, provided the total dimensions (length + width + height) don’t exceed 125 cm and the weight stays under 8 kg. Before March 2026, a violin case that exceeded 55 cm in any direction was technically non-compliant. That grey area is now resolved.
Larger instruments — a cello, double bass, harp — require a separate seat booking. Contact Lufthansa directly for this, well in advance of travel.
Liquids and Carry-On Restrictions
The UK’s liquids rules apply at all UK departure airports regardless of which airline you’re flying. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all fitting into a single 1-litre transparent resealable bag. This hasn’t changed following Brexit and applies on Lufthansa flights from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and all other UK airports.
Baby milk, baby food, and prescribed medicines are exempt from the liquids rule — these can be carried in larger quantities if they are for use during the flight. Declare them at security.
Lufthansa Checked Baggage Allowance in Detail
Economy Light: No Free Checked Bag
Economy Light is Lufthansa’s cheapest fare and the most restricted. It includes no free checked baggage on either European or intercontinental routes. If you’re booking Light and want to check a bag, you must add it online — up to 2 bags at 23 kg each can be pre-purchased per route, at a lower rate than paying at the airport.
One exception: HON Circle Members, Senators, and Star Alliance Gold status holders get their first checked bag free on intercontinental Light fares. On European Light routes, that no longer applies — a 2025 policy update removed it. Light means no free bag even with status, at least within Europe.
If you’re flying Lufthansa Economy from the UK on a single bag that fits in the cabin, Light is fine. If you’re checking anything, run the maths: the price difference between Light plus a paid bag versus Classic with a bag included is often negligible, and Classic gives you more rebooking flexibility.
Economy Classic and Flex: 1 x 23 kg
Both Classic and Flex include one free checked bag up to 23 kg on European and intercontinental routes. The fare difference comes down to rebooking and change fees rather than baggage — Flex gives you more flexibility to change your travel dates without penalty.
One bag at 23 kg is the standard single-traveller allowance. For a two-week holiday with normal luggage, 23 kg is typically enough unless you’re bringing sports equipment or bulky items.
Premium Economy: 2 x 23 kg
Premium Economy passengers get two checked bags at 23 kg each — 46 kg of total checked allowance, which is the equivalent of two full suitcases. The cabin bag allowance remains the same as Economy: one piece at 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg.
Premium Economy is available on Lufthansa long-haul routes. If you’re flying to North America, Asia, or Africa from the UK, and you regularly travel with more than 23 kg of checked luggage, the two-bag allowance alone can make the Premium Economy upgrade worth considering.
Business Class: 2 x 32 kg
Business Class includes two checked bags at 32 kg each — a total of 64 kg — plus two cabin bags at 8 kg each. The 32 kg limit per bag is the maximum any Lufthansa fare accepts. Business Class bags are handled as priority bags and arrive first on the carousel.
First Class: 3 x 32 kg
First Class gets three checked bags at 32 kg each — 96 kg total — along with two cabin bags and the personal item. HON Circle Members flying First Class also receive priority baggage handling, with their bags placed first on the belt after landing.
Maximum Bag Dimensions
Every checked bag must not exceed 158 cm total linear dimensions (length + width + height combined). A typical large suitcase of 75 x 50 x 30 cm comes to 155 cm, just within the limit.
Bags between 158 cm and 292 cm are accepted as oversized with a fee (see the excess baggage section below). Bags over 292 cm linear dimensions are not accepted as checked baggage and must travel as cargo.
Excess Baggage Fees
Lufthansa defines excess baggage in two ways: overweight (a bag that exceeds 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Business/First) and oversized (a bag that exceeds 158 cm total linear dimensions). Each attracts a fee.
Overweight Bag Fees (Economy)
An Economy bag between 24 kg and 32 kg is considered overweight:
| Route | Overweight fee per bag |
|---|---|
| Within Europe | ~€50 |
| Intercontinental | ~€100 |
No bag over 32 kg is accepted. If your bag is over 32 kg when you reach the check-in desk, you need to repack it. Lufthansa agents will not accept a bag above the 32 kg limit regardless of how much you offer to pay.
Oversized and Combined Excess
For bags that are oversized (159–292 cm total dimensions) within your allowance, or bags that are both overweight and oversized, fees increase. Within Europe, an oversized-only bag typically attracts ~€50; a bag that is both overweight and oversized can reach ~€100. Intercontinental fees run higher.
These figures are published as ranges — exact fees depend on route and can be checked with Lufthansa’s baggage calculator at lufthansa.com before you travel.
Buying Extra Baggage: Online vs Airport
Don’t pay for extra baggage at the airport. Adding a bag online through My Bookings — at lufthansa.com or via the Lufthansa app — typically costs 30–50% less than the walk-up airport rate. You can add baggage online up to 24 hours before departure.
Extra bags on domestic and European routes start from around €30–50 online. Intercontinental extra bags cost more — typically €70–250 depending on destination and how far in advance you book. The earlier you add, the lower the price.
If you know when you book that you’ll need extra baggage, the most cost-effective option is to add it immediately — rates are lowest at booking and rise as the flight date approaches.
Lufthansa Baggage Allowance for Long-Haul vs European Flights
The core allowance — 1 x 23 kg for Classic/Flex, 2 x 23 kg for Premium Economy — is the same whether you’re flying London to Frankfurt or London to New York. The difference is Light: European Light fares include no checked bag, and status exemptions no longer apply on European routes.
On transatlantic and long-haul routes, the same checked allowance applies, but the cost of excess baggage is higher — roughly double the European rates for an overweight or extra bag. On long-haul, getting the allowance right before you travel matters more financially.
On some intercontinental routes — including North America and parts of Africa — Lufthansa uses a piece concept, where your allowance is a number of bags rather than a total weight. On most UK routes the allowance is already stated per piece (1 x 23 kg), but if you’re splitting weight across multiple bags on a long-haul booking, check the specific route rules when you book.
Miles & More Status and Baggage
Lufthansa’s frequent flyer programme has three status tiers above the entry-level member: Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle. Star Alliance status also applies on Lufthansa flights.
| Status | European Light fare | Long-Haul Classic/Flex | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequent Traveller (Star Alliance Silver) | No bonus | No extra bag | Higher earning rate on miles |
| Senator (Star Alliance Gold) | No extra bag | 1st bag free on long-haul Light | Priority baggage handling |
| HON Circle | No extra bag on EU Light | 1st bag free on intercontinental Light | Bags first on carousel; priority on all fares |
The most useful status benefit for practical travellers is the Senator and HON Circle exemption on long-haul Light fares: if you’re flying Lufthansa Business frequently and hold Senator, your first checked bag is included even on a Light booking. On European routes, no status tier currently gives you a free bag on Light.
Senator and HON Circle members receive priority baggage handling on all routes — their bags are processed first and tagged for first-off-the-belt delivery. On a busy long-haul connection, this matters: spending 40 minutes at a Frankfurt carousel when you have 55 minutes to make a connection is not a comfortable experience.
Star Alliance Gold status (earned on any Star Alliance airline including British Airways Executive Club Gold, United MileagePlus Premier Gold, and others) gives Lufthansa Senator-equivalent baggage benefits on Lufthansa-operated flights.
Travelling with Infants and Children
Infants Under 2 (Lap Infant)
An infant under 2 travelling on your lap — paying the infant fare, not a full seat — receives one free checked bag up to 23 kg (maximum 158 cm total dimensions), in addition to the adult’s allowance. They also get one free piece of baby equipment: choose one from a foldable pushchair, infant car seat, or collapsible baby basket.
The infant checked bag is free on Classic, Flex, Premium Economy, Business, and First fares. On Economy Light, the infant does not receive a free checked bag — the restriction follows the adult fare.
Children on Child Fares
A child travelling on a paid child fare receives the full adult baggage allowance for their cabin class. A child on Economy Classic gets the same 1 x 23 kg as an adult.
Pushchairs and Buggies
A foldable pushchair can be taken to the aircraft door free of charge and gate-checked if there’s no cabin space. Full-size non-foldable prams must be checked as special baggage at the check-in desk. One pushchair per child is included free in addition to normal baggage allowance.
If you’re flying with an infant and bringing both a pushchair and a car seat, only one of the two counts as the free baby equipment item. The second item falls within your standard checked allowance or attracts an additional fee.
Sports Equipment and Special Baggage
Lufthansa accepts most sports equipment as checked baggage. Standard items — golf clubs, skis, snowboards, surfboards — count within your free checked allowance where one is included. If your fare includes a 23 kg bag and your golf bag weighs 15 kg, you have 8 kg left for your standard luggage within that one checked piece.
Where sports equipment is oversized or requires special handling — bicycles, in most cases — additional fees apply:
| Equipment | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Within allowance | No separate fee if within 23 kg / 158 cm |
| Skis / snowboard | ~€70–100 | Checked as special item; fee varies by route |
| Bicycle | ~€70–100 | Must be packed (pedals removed, tyres deflated); advance registration required |
| Surfboard | Within allowance or oversized fee | Depends on dimensions |
| Firearms | Contact Lufthansa | Declaration at check-in required; ammunition restrictions apply |
Register bicycles with Lufthansa when you book — they need to know in advance to allocate storage space. Turning up on the day without registration risks the bike not travelling.
Lufthansa vs Other Airlines: Baggage Comparison
| Airline | Economy Cabin Bag | Weight | Economy Checked (standard fare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa Classic | 55x40x23cm + personal item | 8 kg | 1 x 23 kg |
| British Airways | 56x45x25cm + personal item | No limit | Fare-dependent (often none on cheapest) |
| easyJet | 56x45x25cm | No limit (if it fits) | Not included (paid add-on) |
| Ryanair | 40x20x25cm (Priority) | 10 kg | Not included |
| Jet2 | 56x45x25cm | No stated limit | 22 kg included on most packages |
| KLM Standard | 55x35x25cm + small bag | 12 kg combined | 1 x 23 kg |
For full-service carriers, Lufthansa’s cabin bag is slightly narrower than British Airways’ allowance (40 cm depth vs 45 cm), but the 8 kg weight limit is more generous than Gulf carriers. The checked allowance on Classic is competitive — one 23 kg bag free is standard across full-service European airlines.
Where Lufthansa stands apart is the Light fare: British Airways’ cheapest fares also exclude checked bags, and easyJet and Ryanair charge for checked bags as standard. The full-service perk only applies on Classic or above.
For a wider comparison across UK carriers, the UK airline baggage allowance comparison covers budget and full-service carriers in a single table.
What to Do If Your Lufthansa Bag Is Lost or Delayed
Before you leave the baggage hall, go to the Lufthansa baggage service desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). You cannot file one after leaving the airport, and you need the reference number for everything that follows: tracking, reimbursement, and any compensation claim. Lufthansa’s PIR reference numbers follow the format FRALH12345.
Lufthansa uses the WorldTracer system — you can track your bag at worldtracer.aero using your PIR reference. Once located, Lufthansa will arrange delivery to your address. Most delayed bags are returned within 24–72 hours.
Keep receipts for essentials bought while you wait: toiletries, a basic change of clothing, any medication. Lufthansa will reimburse reasonable expenses for delayed baggage.
After 21 days without recovery, the bag is officially lost. At that point, compensation is governed by the Montreal Convention, which caps airline liability at approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger — roughly £1,200–1,350 at current exchange rates.
Claim deadlines:
- Damaged bag: written claim within 7 days of receiving the bag
- Delayed bag: written claim within 21 days of receiving the bag
- Lost bag: claim must be filed within 2 years of the original flight date
Travel insurance with baggage cover may pay out faster than the airline process and can cover sums above the Montreal Convention limit. If you have annual travel insurance, check the delayed and lost baggage cover before assuming the airline liability is your only option.
Practical Tips for Lufthansa Baggage
Weigh your cabin bag at home. The 8 kg limit is real and Lufthansa does check — a laptop, a full toiletries bag, a camera, and a change of clothes gets you to 7–8 kg quickly. If you’re borderline, wear your heaviest items through security.
Economy Light means no checked bag, full stop. On European routes there are no status exemptions. If you’re checking anything, book Classic, or add the bag online before you travel.
Add extra baggage online as soon as you know you’ll need it. Rates go up as the departure date gets closer, and the cheapest point is usually right at booking.
Check your bag dimensions before you arrive. Total linear dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm. A standard large suitcase at 75 x 50 x 30 cm comes to 155 cm — just inside. Add a rigid frame or external pockets and you may tip over.
No bag over 32 kg will be accepted, at any price. Repack before you get to the desk.
Register sports equipment — bicycles in particular — when you book. Lufthansa needs advance notice to allocate storage space, and it can’t be done the morning of travel.
From 1 March 2026, small instruments (violin, flute, trumpet) can exceed the 55 cm length limit in the cabin, as long as the total dimensions stay under 125 cm and the weight stays under 8 kg.
If your bag doesn’t arrive, file the PIR at the baggage desk before you leave the arrivals hall. You cannot file one after walking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lufthansa cabin bag size?
The cabin bag allowance on all Lufthansa fares is 55 x 40 x 23 cm with a maximum weight of 8 kg. All passengers can also bring one personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm) under the seat. Business and First Class passengers are entitled to two cabin bags.
How strict is Lufthansa about the 8 kg cabin bag limit?
Reasonably strict. Staff at the gate use sizing frames to check dimensions and do weigh bags on busier routes. There is no standard grace allowance. If you’re close to 8 kg, wear your heaviest clothing through security — a jacket and boots in your pockets can save you at the desk.
Does Lufthansa Economy Light include a checked bag?
No. Economy Light includes no free checked baggage on either European or intercontinental routes. You can add up to 2 bags at 23 kg each via Manage My Booking online for a fee. HON Circle Members and Senators get the first bag free on intercontinental Light fares, but not on European Light routes.
How much checked luggage do you get on Lufthansa Economy Classic?
Economy Classic and Economy Flex both include one free checked bag up to 23 kg on all routes, European and intercontinental.
What is the Lufthansa excess baggage fee?
An overweight Economy bag (24–32 kg) costs approximately €50 on European routes and around €100 on intercontinental flights. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted. Adding extra baggage online through My Bookings is 30–50% cheaper than paying at the airport.
Can I add extra bags to a Lufthansa booking online?
Yes. Log into My Bookings at lufthansa.com or the Lufthansa app. Extra bags can be purchased online up to 24 hours before departure. Online rates are consistently cheaper than airport rates — sometimes by half. Add baggage as early as possible as prices increase closer to the departure date.
Do Lufthansa Miles & More members get extra checked baggage?
Status benefits vary by tier and fare. Senator and HON Circle members receive one free checked bag on long-haul Economy Light fares only. On European Light routes, no status tier receives a free bag. All statuses receive priority baggage handling. Star Alliance Gold status (earned on partner airlines) gives equivalent benefits to Senator on Lufthansa flights.
What is Lufthansa’s infant baggage allowance?
Infants under 2 on a lap fare receive one free checked bag up to 23 kg, plus one free piece of baby equipment (choose one: foldable pushchair, infant car seat, or collapsible baby basket). This applies on Classic, Flex, Premium Economy, Business, and First fares. On Economy Light, the infant does not receive a free checked bag.
Can I take a bicycle on Lufthansa?
Yes, but advance registration is required and additional fees apply — approximately €70–100 depending on the route. The bicycle must be packed appropriately: pedals removed, tyres deflated, and the frame protected. Register it when you book.
What do I do if Lufthansa loses my bag?
File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the Lufthansa baggage desk before leaving the arrivals hall — you cannot file one after. Track your bag at worldtracer.aero with your PIR reference. Keep receipts for essentials bought while waiting. If the bag is not recovered within 21 days, you can claim up to approximately 1,288 SDR (around £1,200–1,350) under the Montreal Convention. Damaged bags must be claimed within 7 days; delayed bag expenses within 21 days of receiving the bag.
How does Lufthansa baggage compare to easyJet and Ryanair?
On a Classic or above fare, Lufthansa includes one 23 kg checked bag free — something easyJet and Ryanair charge extra for on every ticket. The Lufthansa cabin bag weight limit (8 kg) is also more defined — Ryanair and easyJet have softer enforcement. Where budget carriers can sometimes undercut even on total cost, it’s the Light fare comparison that matters: like the cheapest easyJet fare, Economy Light adds nothing free.
