Lufthansa Checked Baggage Fees and Guidelines: Everything You Should Know

When booking a flight with Lufthansa, one of the key factors to consider is the checked baggage policy. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or long-term travel, understanding Lufthansa’s checked baggage fees and guidelines can help you avoid surprises at the airport and ensure that your packing process is smooth and hassle-free.

Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, has a comprehensive baggage policy that depends on the class of service, fare type, and destination. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Lufthansa checked baggage policy, the weight and size guidelines, and how to avoid unnecessary charges when traveling with the airline.

1. Lufthansa’s Checked Baggage Allowance: What’s Included?

Before diving into the fees, it’s important to understand what is included in your Lufthansa checked baggage allowance. The airline offers different baggage limits based on your ticket class and route.

Economy Class

• Economy Light: If you’ve booked an Economy Light fare, you will not receive a free checked baggage allowance. This fare class is for budget-conscious travelers who are looking for the lowest possible price and are happy to travel with just a carry-on. However, you can still purchase checked baggage for an additional fee, which you can do during booking or at check-in.

• Economy Standard and Economy Flex: Passengers with Economy Standard and Economy Flex fares are allowed 1 piece of checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.

Business Class

Business Class passengers enjoy a more generous baggage allowance:

• Checked Bags: Passengers in Business Class are permitted to check 2 pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs). This provides extra space for both personal items and business-related materials, such as documents or work equipment.

First Class

First Class passengers benefit from the highest baggage allowance:

• Checked Bags: You can check 3 pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs). This generous allowance ensures you have plenty of space for personal belongings, luxury items, or additional business gear.

2. Lufthansa’s Baggage Weight and Size Limits

While the number of checked bags you’re allowed to bring depends on your class and ticket type, weight and size restrictions apply to all checked baggage, regardless of fare class. Adhering to these restrictions is crucial to avoid paying excess baggage fees.

Weight Limits

• Economy Class: The weight limit for each checked bag in Economy is 23 kg (50 lbs). If your bag exceeds this weight, it will be subject to excess baggage fees.
• Business Class and First Class: Both Business and First Class passengers can check bags weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.

Size Limits

• Total Dimensions: Each checked bag must not exceed a total of 158 cm (62 inches) when you add the length, width, and height. This is the standard size for most luggage, but oversized bags will incur extra charges.
• Oversized Bags: If your luggage exceeds the 158 cm size limit, it will be classified as oversized. Lufthansa offers guidelines for oversized luggage, but fees will apply, so it’s best to pack within the standard size limits whenever possible.

3. Lufthansa Excess Baggage Fees

Lufthansa charges fees for excess baggage, whether it’s because your bag exceeds the weight or size limit. Here’s what you need to know about excess baggage fees:

Excess Weight Fees

If your checked baggage exceeds the weight limit of 23 kg (for Economy) or 32 kg (for Business and First Class), you will need to pay an extra fee:

• For bags between 23-32 kg: You may have to pay a surcharge for overweight luggage. Fees vary based on the route but typically range from €60 to €100 per overweight bag.
• For bags over 32 kg: Bags weighing more than 32 kg are generally not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as freight. In this case, the additional costs can be significant, and it’s best to contact Lufthansa in advance to make arrangements.

Oversized Baggage Fees

If your checked bag exceeds the 158 cm total dimension limit, it will be classified as oversized. The surcharge for oversized baggage typically ranges between €100 and €300, depending on the route and size of the bag.

Additional Baggage Fees

If you need to check more than the standard number of bags (1 for Economy, 2 for Business, and 3 for First Class), you will also incur additional baggage fees:

• The cost of adding an extra checked bag generally ranges from €30 to €100 per additional item, depending on the route.
• Pre-purchasing additional baggage at the time of booking is often cheaper than paying for it at the airport.

4. How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees

Excess baggage fees can add up quickly, but with a little planning, you can avoid these additional costs. Here are some tips for staying within Lufthansa’s checked baggage limits:

Weigh Your Bags Before You Go

One of the easiest ways to avoid paying excess baggage fees is to weigh your bags before heading to the airport. You can easily purchase a portable luggage scale for a small investment. Weigh your bag at home and make sure it’s within the required limits. This gives you the chance to adjust if needed, like shifting some items to your carry-on.

Use Packing Cubes and Compression Bags

Efficient packing can help you maximize the space in your luggage and avoid excess weight. Using packing cubes or compression bags helps you organize your items and compact them as much as possible. For clothing, rolling your items can save space and help reduce the weight per item.

Consider Upgrading Your Fare

If you’re planning to check multiple bags or have a lot of luggage, consider upgrading your fare class. Business Class and First Class passengers enjoy a much more generous baggage allowance, and upgrading may be a cost-effective option if you need the extra space.

Pre-Purchase Additional Baggage

If you’re flying on an Economy Light ticket or expect to have more luggage than the standard allowance, you can pre-purchase additional baggage during booking. Pre-purchasing luggage online is often cheaper than paying for excess baggage at the airport.

Minimize Your Packing

The best way to avoid excess baggage fees is to pack light. Review your items carefully before packing and ask yourself whether each item is truly necessary. Stick to versatile, lightweight clothing and leave behind items that you can buy or do without.

5. Special Baggage Items: What You Need to Know

In addition to standard checked luggage, Lufthansa also allows passengers to bring special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and fragile goods. However, these items may require special handling or incur additional fees.

Sports Equipment

Lufthansa allows travelers to bring sports equipment like skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and bicycles. These items are typically subject to an additional fee, ranging from €30 to €100, depending on the type of equipment and destination. Be sure to pack them securely to avoid damage during transport.

Musical Instruments

If you are traveling with a musical instrument, such as a guitar, violin, or cello, you have two options:

• Carry-On: Smaller instruments may be brought on board as carry-on luggage if they fit in the overhead bin.
• Checked Baggage: Larger instruments that cannot be carried onboard must be checked. Be sure to inform Lufthansa in advance if you are traveling with a musical instrument.

Fragile Items

If you are bringing fragile items such as electronics, artwork, or glassware, be sure to pack them securely in padded cases or bubble wrap. Lufthansa provides fragile labels upon request, but it’s your responsibility to ensure the items are packed well enough to withstand the handling process.

6. Final Thoughts

Navigating Lufthansa’s checked baggage fees and guidelines may seem complicated at first, but with the right preparation, you can avoid excess baggage fees and ensure that your packing process goes smoothly. By understanding the weight and size limits, pre-purchasing baggage, and using smart packing strategies, you can make the most of your checked baggage allowance.

Always check your ticket type, weigh your bags ahead of time, and pack efficiently to stay within Lufthansa’s guidelines. Safe travels, and may your journey with Lufthansa be comfortable and hassle-free!