Lufthansa Baggage Fees and Tips To Cover the Expenses

Updated: October 31, 2023, 2:10am CDT

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Lufthansa Baggage Fees and Tips To Cover the Expenses

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Lufthansa actually has a pretty standard baggage fee policy — you just have to tediously sift through all the differences in fares and routes. It offers Economy Light fares on certain routes, including to and from North America, if you’re looking to travel light with only carry-on luggage.

We should note that excess fees on Lufthansa are pretty standard as well.

Lufthansa Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
Standard carry-on bags:

Economy and Premium Economy: 1 FREE (up to 17.6 pounds/8 kg)
Business and First: 2 FREE (each up to 17.6 pounds/8 kg)

On selected flights, first and business passengers may be asked to check their second piece of carry-on.

Size Restrictions

Personal: 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches (30 x 40 x 10 cm)
Standard: 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
For foldable garment bags: 22.4 x 21.2 x 5.9 inches (57 x 54 x 15 cm)

Lap Infant Carry-On Policy

Children under 2 have a free checked baggage allowance of 1 piece up to 50 pounds (23 kg), excluding Economy Light fares
A car seat, folding buggy, pram, or baby carrier may be carried as carry-on baggage free of charge (although at some airports it’s not possible to take your buggy on board)

Stroller Check Policy

Strollers are allowed to be used throughout the airport and will be checked before the flight and handed back immediately after arrival at your destination. One item may be checked free of charge, including a stroller, carrycot, or car seat.

Lufthansa Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy fares and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class fares, and must adhere to max linear dimensions per bag up to 62 inches (158 cm). Although we found consistent allowances and baggage fees, be sure to check Lufthansa’s baggage calculator for detailed information.

Free baggage allowances for European fares:

Economy Light: 0 FREE
Economy Classic: 1 FREE (50 pounds/23 kg)
Economy Flex: 1 FREE (50 pounds/23 kg)
Business: 2 FREE (70 pounds/32 kg)

Free baggage allowance for intercontinental flights:

Economy Light: 0 FREE
Economy: 1 FREE (50 pounds/23 kg)
Premium Economy: 2 FREE (50 pounds/23 kg)
Business: 2 FREE (70 pounds/32 kg)
First: 3 FREE (70 pounds/32 kg)

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

Adding Baggage

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Mode	Bag Count	Domestic Routes (Within Germany)	Within Europe	Routes Between Europe and the U.S./Canada	All Other Long-haul Routes
Online	First Bag	€15 ($20)	€25 ($30)	€65 ($75)	€60 ($70)
Online	Additional Bags	€55 ($65)	€65 ($75)	Second bag: €80 ($90) Additional bags: €160 to €200 ($185 to $230)	Second/Additional bags: €80 to €200 ($90 to $230)
At the Check-in Counter	First Bag	€50 ($60)	€50 ($60)	€65 ($75)	€90 ($100)
At the Check-in Counter	Additional Bags	€70 ($80)	€80 ($90)	Second bag: €90 ($100) Additional bags: €200 to €250 ($230 to $285)	Second/Additional bags: €90 to €250 ($100 to $285)
At the Gate	First Bag	€50 ($60)	€50 ($60)	–	–

Overweight/Oversized

Larger OR Heavier Than Free Baggage

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	Domestic Routes (Within Germany)	Within Europe	Routes Between Europe and the U.S./Canada	All Other Long-haul Routes
Within free baggage allowance 24 kg to 32 kg or 159 cm to 292 cm (height + width + depth)	€40 ($45)	€50 ($60)	€120 to €150 ($140 to $170)	€150 ($170)
Additional 24 kg to 32 kg or 159 cm to 292 cm (height + width + depth)	€110 ($125)	€130 ($150)	€320 to €400 ($370 to $460)	€400 ($460)

Larger AND Heavier Than Free Baggage

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	Domestic Routes (Within Germany)	Within Europe	Routes Between Europe and the U.S./Canada	All Other Long-haul Routes
Within free baggage allowance 24 kg to 32 kg or 159 cm to 292 cm (height + width + depth)	€80 ($90)	€100 ($115)	€240 to €300 ($275 to $345)	€300 ($345)
Additional 24 kg to 32 kg or 159 cm to 292 cm (height + width + depth)	€150 ($170)	€180 ($205)	€440 to €550 ($505 to $635)	€550 ($635)

Bags won’t be accepted weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kg).

For baggage fees related to sporting goods, please refer to Lufthansa’s policy.

Exclusions and Waivers

For Senators, HON Circle members, and Star Alliance Gold members, the first item of baggage is free when an Economy Light fare is booked (on intercontinental flights). This must be declared at the check-in desk, otherwise standard baggage fees will apply. All other fare types have the standard baggage allowance.

Status members may also bring 1 golf bag free of charge when traveling on fares other than Economy Light (routes to/from the U.S. and Canada are excluded).

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Lufthansa does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online or by contacting its call center.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

Log in to your booking from the My Bookings tab on the Lufthansa website
Contact the Lufthansa Service Center at 800-645-3880

Avoid Paying Baggage Fees by Using These Credit Cards

If you need to cover some (or all) checked bag fees on Lufthansa, give the Capital One cards below a look. Cardholders can redeem miles for a statement credit of 1 cent each for travel purchases made within the previous 90 days.

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Cons

$395 annual fee (rates & fees)
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome OfferEnjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

$95 annual fee (rates & fees)
Limited elite benefits

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

No annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Ability to use transfer partners
Fraud coverage

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Nick Herasimenka via Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a handbag as well as hand luggage on Lufthansa?

Yes, Lufthansa has a carry-on baggage policy of 1 personal item such as a handbag or briefcase and a standard carry-on piece.

How many bags can I carry on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa allows passengers to bring 1 personal item that must not exceed 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches (30 x 40 x 10 cm). Economy and premium economy travelers are permitted to also bring 1 piece of standard carry-on up to a maximum weight of 17.6 pounds (8 kg) and 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Business and first class passengers can bring 2 carry-on bags.

Does Lufthansa charge for baggage?

Lufthansa only charges for Economy Light fares on European flights as no checked baggage is included. Booking online (up to 2 hours before departure) fees are $20 for domestic flights and $30 within Europe. Prices at the airport are significantly more.

How much baggage is allowed on Lufthansa international flights?

For international flights, Lufthansa’s baggage allowance is 1 bag (50 pounds/23 kg) for economy, 2 bags (50 pounds/23 kg) for premium economy, 2 bags (70 pounds/32 kg) for business class, and 3 bags (70 pounds/32 kg) for first class. All bags must not exceed max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

Is a backpack considered a personal item on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa would consider a backpack a personal item if it does not exceed maximum dimensions of 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches (30 x 40 x 10 cm). If it is larger than this allowance then there is a chance you could be asked to check your carry-on piece or backpack.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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