Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy

Lufthansa Airlines, known for its premium service, has a detailed baggage policy that caters to the needs of all travelers. This baggage policy includes the terms and conditions on how to carry luggage and pack it efficiently when flying with Lufthansa Airlines. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Lufthansa’s baggage policy, including rules for carry-on and checked luggage, special items, and guidelines for excess baggage.

Rules and Guidelines 

Lufthansa Airlines Baggage Policy outlines some guidelines and regulations provided by the airline regarding baggage allowances and restrictions. So, before diving into the specifics of Lufthansa’s baggage policy, it’s essential to be aware of some general guidelines that you need to follow:

• When traveling with Lufthansa Airlines, you must ensure that your baggage has identification tags with your name and contact information both inside and outside.
• You must be aware of and adhere to the  Lufthansa check-in policy, which may vary by the airport and travel class. Generally, the bags must be dropped off  1 hour before the scheduled departure.
• Before traveling, you must know that Lufthansa shares passenger and baggage data with other airlines and airports for baggage processing and customs authorities for legal duties.
• You must follow the size and weight guidelines as per the Lufthansa Baggage policy. The standard baggage allowance is 8 kg for carry-on luggage and 23 kg for checked baggage.
• You can not carry certain items in your luggage when traveling with Lufthansa as they are considered dangerous goods and are subject to the safety of the passengers.
• Small dogs and cats that, along with their carrying container, weigh no more than 8 kg are eligible to travel in the cabin as additional carry-on baggage on Lufthansa flights.
• To ensure your pet can travel with you in the cabin, you must register them no later than 72 hours before your departure. If you miss this deadline, you can still contact the Lufthansa Service Center up to 24 hours before departure to make arrangements.
• It’s important to note that larger dogs, cats, and other animal species, regardless of their weight and size, are not permitted in the cabin.

NOTE: For those traveling with assistance dogs on direct flights of Lufthansa to or from the USA, the mentioned form is not required.

Lufthansa Baggage Allowance

Lufthansa Baggage Allowance provides you with size and weight guidelines for carry-on and checked luggage. However, you must know that the free baggage allowance for Lufthansa domestic and international flights can vary. Each class offers specific weight and size limits, with potential fees for excess baggage. Additionally, special considerations are given to military personnel flying with Lufthansa. 

Carry-On Baggage

You are allowed to bring suitable carry-on baggage with Lufthansa Airlines. The Lufthansa carry-on luggage includes a trolly bag of up to 8 kg and one personal item. However, the size and weight of your carry-on baggage are important factors to consider when flying with Lufthansa. Here’s a quick reference table based on the travel class:

Lufthansa Terms & Conditions for Carry-on Baggage

• In addition to your main carry-on baggage, Lufthansa allows you to carry a smaller personal item (handbag, laptop bag) of dimensions 30 x 40 x 10 cm. You may also bring a baby carry cot, a child seat, a foldable pushchair, and mobility aids, including wheelchairs and orthopedic aids.
• On Lufthansa Regional flights, the second piece of carry-on baggage for First and Business Class passengers must be checked in.
• Carry-on baggage that conforms to the rules may still need to be loaded into the hold at the gate in cases of limited cabin space on Lufthansa flights.
• If you are carrying liquids in your carry-on luggage with Lufthansa Airlines, it must be up to 100 ml of liquid in a clear & resealable plastic bag and you have to present the bag separately at security. Additionally, the duty-free liquids must be carried in a tamper-proof bag for connecting flights via Europe.
• When flying with several airlines, the carry-on baggage rules of the operating airline for each Lufthansa flight segment apply.
• For larger carry-on items such as trolley cases, utilize the overhead locker space available above your seat, and the personal items should be stowed under the seat in front of you. Also, hang jackets and coats on the hook provided on the seat. 
• You must remember that the overhead lockers located above the emergency exit rows in Lufthansa flights are specifically reserved for passengers seated in those rows.

Checked Baggage

Understanding the size and weight limits for Lufthansa checked baggage is key to a seamless check-in process. Here’s a table outlining the checked baggage size and weight limits according to Lufthansa’s travel classes:

Lufthansa Terms & Conditions for Checked Baggage

• Be sure to check your baggage generally 1 hour before the scheduled departure of your flight with Lufthansa, which may vary according to the airport.
• Lufthansa may charge for checked baggage that exceeds the free allowance in number, size, or weight.
• For added convenience, you can check your baggage online before arriving at the airport.
• Additional fees apply for extra checked baggage, which can be calculated using Lufthansa’s baggage calculator.

Excess & Oversize Baggage

Traveling with more than your baggage allowance or with oversized items on Lufthansa flights requires a bit of planning. Here’s a guide to help you understand the fees, regulations, and procedures for managing oversized and excess baggage.

Excess baggage on Lufthansa flights refers to any checked baggage that exceeds the free allowance in terms of number, weight, or dimensions. Here’s how it works:

• Economy and Premium Economy Class: A piece of baggage is considered excess if it weighs more than 23 kg (up to a maximum of 32 kg) or its total dimensions (width + height + depth) exceed 158 cm, up to a maximum of 292 cm.
• Business and First Class: Baggage exceeding total dimensions of 158 cm, up to a maximum of 292 cm, is regarded as excess. There’s no specific weight restriction mentioned for these classes, but standard airline limits apply.

Fees for Excess and Oversized Baggage

Lufthansa applies flat rates for excess and oversized baggage, which also cover sports equipment exceeding the free baggage allowance:

• Heavier than Free Allowance (24 – 32 kg): Charges are 50 € / USD 70 within Europe and 100 € / USD 150 on intercontinental flights.
• Larger than Free Allowance (from 159 cm): The fee is 100 € / USD 150 within Europe and 200 € / USD 300 on intercontinental flights.
• Both Larger and Heavier than Free Allowance: A combined fee of 150 € / USD 220 within Europe and 300 € / USD 450 on intercontinental flights is applied.

Lufthansa Baggage Allowance for Infants and Children

Lufthansa offers special allowances for infants and children, ensuring they can travel with everything they need.

Infants (0-2 Years Old)

• Infants, regardless of travel class (except Economy Light fare), are entitled to one checked baggage item for free. This item can weigh up to 23 kg and measure up to 158 cm in total dimensions (width + height + depth).
• If you’re traveling with an infant and plan to use a child restraint system on board, you’ll need to purchase an additional seat for the infant.

Children Over 2 Years Old

• Children aged two and above enjoy the same free baggage allowance as adults, according to the travel class booked.

Additional Carry-On Items for Infants and Children

• Alongside the standard carry-on allowance, passengers can bring a suitable child seat, baby basket, or a fully foldable travel pushchair as additional carry-on items at no extra charge.
• Foldable pushchairs will be tagged during check-in and transported in the cargo hold. However, compact “pocket buggies” may be carried on board as part of the standard carry-on allowance.
• For those who prefer to keep the foldable buggy or pushchair with them until boarding, there are provisions to accommodate this request.

Musical Instruments as Carry-on Baggage with Lufthansa

Lufthansa permits you to bring musical instruments into the cabin as part of your carry-on allowance. To qualify as carry-on, your instrument, including its case, must not exceed dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (height x width x depth) and should weigh no more than 8 kg. 

It’s important to note that if you choose to bring your instrument as a carry-on, it will be counted as your allowed piece of carry-on baggage, meaning you won’t be able to bring an additional carry-on item. You can carry a flute, violin, clarinet, trumpet, or a small keyboard as carry-on luggage on Lufthansa flights. 

Booking an Extra Seat

For larger instruments that surpass the carry-on size and weight limits, Lufthansa offers the option to book an additional seat. This ensures your instrument stays safe and secure right beside you during the flight. This booking should be made simultaneously with your ticket purchase. The size and weight limits for instruments that require an extra seat are as follows:

• For instruments placed on the floor in front of the seat: 55 x 42 x 25 cm (height x width x depth).
• For instruments strapped to the seat: 110 x 42 x 50 cm (height x width x depth), with a maximum weight of 75 kg.

PRO TIP: For the most accurate and personalized information, you can use Lufthansa’s baggage calculator, which provides details based on the route, travel class, and fare.

Prohibited and Restricted Items by Lufthansa

When preparing for a flight, it’s crucial to be aware of what items you can and cannot bring in your carry-on and checked baggage with Lufthansa. For safety reasons, certain goods are strictly prohibited, while others may be transported under specific conditions. 

For the safety of all passengers, Lufthansa does not allow the following items in either carry-on or checked baggage:

NOTE: Wheelchairs and other mobility aids powered by lithium batteries are exempt from these prohibitions.

Managing Lost and Delayed Baggage with Lufthansa Airlines

Traveling can sometimes come with its set of challenges, including the unfortunate event of lost or delayed baggage. Lufthansa Airlines has a structured approach to assist passengers in such situations, ensuring that the inconvenience is minimized and resolved as swiftly as possible.

Lost Baggage with Lufthansa

If you find yourself in a situation where your baggage is lost, Lufthansa offers a comprehensive service to help locate and return your items. Here’s what you need to know:

• If your baggage is missing upon arrival, report it immediately at the Lufthansa baggage tracing desk or online.
• You can track the status of your lost baggage using the reference number provided by Lufthansa. This service is available online, offering real-time updates.
• In the unfortunate event that your baggage cannot be located, Lufthansa provides compensation. The amount is regulated by the Montreal Convention, with the current maximum liability amount being approximately €1,500, subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
• Lufthansa’s lost and found service endeavors to locate and return your items as quickly as possible. Detailed descriptions of the missing items can significantly aid in the search.

Delayed Baggage with Lufthansa

Delayed baggage can disrupt your travel plans, but Lufthansa is committed to reuniting you with your belongings promptly. Here’s how they handle delayed baggage:

• Notify Lufthansa of your delayed baggage at the airport’s baggage tracing desk or online without delay.
• Once reported, Lufthansa’s team will actively trace your baggage. If located, it will be forwarded to your destination airport and then delivered to the address you provided.
• Lufthansa understands the inconvenience caused by delayed baggage. You’re entitled to buy essential items like toiletries and clothes and submit the receipts for reimbursement.
• If your baggage is delayed for more than 21 days, you are eligible for compensation. The compensation claim must be submitted within two years of your flight.

In conclusion, Lufthansa Airlines provides a comprehensive baggage policy that accommodates various travel needs. It includes provisions for carry-on, checked, and excess baggage. Additionally, you have learned about the specific guidelines for traveling with pets and special items to be well-prepared for your upcoming journey with Lufthansa Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions