If you’re flying with Lufthansa, it’s essential to understand its carry-on baggage rules, which are different from US airlines. Our Lufthansa carry-on size guide makes it a cinch to understand baggage allowance rules – will help you avoid extra fees and other hassles.
What is the official Lufthansa carry on bag size?
Free carry-on baggage on Lufthansa flights consists of one carry-on bag for Economy Light, Economy, and Premium Economy fares, and two carry-on bags for Business or First Class fares. Passengers in all cabins are also allowed one personal item in addition to their larger carry-on bag.
All carry-on items must fall within specific size requirements, which are outlined below:
As noted in the table, keep in mind that Lufthansa’s 18-lb (8-kg) weight allowance for carry-on bags is significantly lower than that of most US airlines. You may be required to gate check your carry-on bag – perhaps for a fee, which is higher than online or at the check-in counter – if it exceeds the weight allowance.
In order to stay within Lufthansa’s weight allowance, it’s critical to pack your carry-on strategically. Choose a lightweight carry-on, purchase travel-sized toiletries (or just buy them at your destination), and consider wearing your heaviest and bulkiest clothing and footwear to save space and weight.
In addition to a larger carry-on bag, you can also bring an additional personal item (a laptop bag, backpack, small duffle, or handbag, for example). As is the case with other airlines, your personal item should not exceed the specified dimensions and should fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Shopping bags also count as a personal item, so be sure to take that into consideration while browsing airport stores or duty free shops.
How strict is Lufthansa with carry on size?
Like many other carriers, Lufthansa is enforcing its carry-on rules more rigorously, as more passengers attempt to avoid paying checked bag fees. Lufthansa gate agents have been known to weigh bags and check to see if they fit in the sizing devices prior to boarding. Still, whether you’ll be singled out depends on factors like how full the flight is and the discretion of individual employees (some may be more lenient than others).
However, to make your travel experience as smooth as possible, it’s highly recommended to follow the carrier’s rules. Otherwise, you may be facing an unexpected fee to check your carry-on bag (which will be higher than online or the check-in desk) and a more stressful boarding process.
Can I bring extra items on board Lufthansa flights as carry-on baggage?
Lufthansa does allow certain non-baggage items to be brought on board free of charge. However, they must fall within the size and weight limitations noted above, and they do count toward your allowance for carry-on items. They include:
- Musical instruments
- Sporting gear
- Medical supplies or mobility devices, such as foldable pushchairs (however, they must be properly folded).
If you’re still not sure whether a specific item meets Lufthansa’s carry on size requirements, check out KAYAK’s Bag Measurement tool, which is featured in the KAYAK app.
Lufthansa’s policy for carry-on items for babies
Parents or caregivers traveling with infants on Lufthansa may bring one extra carry-on item, such as a diaper bag or infant car seat, free of charge. (However, keep in mind that if you decide to use a car seat, which is voluntary, you will need to purchase a child ticket for the seat.) In addition, passengers can reserve a bassinet for free in advance, which are available for infants weighing less than 24 lbs (11 kg) and measuring less than 26 in (67 cm) in length. Bassinets are only available on long-distance flights.
Lufthansa carry-on tips for your next flight
from expert traveler Blane Bachelor
Passengers who don’t fly frequently with Lufthansa may be caught by surprise by its 18-lb carry-on weight limit, which is notably lower than that of US-based carriers. But it’s an important consideration to keep in mind while packing – and to avoid the hefty fees you may be charged for gate checking an oversized bag.
Don’t worry about using precious bin space with your coat or jacket. Instead, take advantage of the hooks behind every seat on Lufthansa aircraft. It’s a handy extra I wish more US-based carriers would implement.
As with any other airline, Lufthansa prohibits items such as electronic devices and lithium batteries in checked baggage. So it’s essential to stash such items in your personal item, in case you’re forced to check your carry-on bag before boarding.
Lufthansa carry-on FAQs
Still have questions about Lufthansa carry-on baggage size, what counts as a personal item, or anything else? Read on for our expert intel.
Requirements are the same across all cabins. As noted above, the maximum carry-on size for Lufthansa Economy Light is just under 18 lbs (8 kg) and 21.65 x 1 5.75 x 9.06 inches (55 x 40 x 23 centimeters). With an Economy Light ticket, passengers may also check in a maximum of one extra piece of luggage (for an additional fee).
Yes, a backpack is allowed as a personal item on Lufthansa flights as long as it satisfies the standard size dimensions (again, 11.81 x 15.75 x 3.94 in; 30 x 40 x 10cm). Just make sure it can be stored under the seat in front of you.
Yes, backpacks and larger carry-on bags are allowed on Lufthansa flights as long as both items meet the above-mentioned dimensions (and there is space in the overhead bins). Larger wheeled suitcases should be stored in overhead bins, while backpacks can serve as your personal item and should be stored under the seat in front of you. In other words, leave that massive camping rucksack at home.
It’s the same as for domestic flights for both larger carry-on bags and smaller personal items, so you don’t have to worry about navigating different allowances. Lufthansa also offers an online baggage calculator so you can confirm requirements for your specific route, frequent flyer status, and fare class.
⏰ Last update: February 17, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
