Deutsche Lufthansa AG — aka Lufthansa — is Germany’s largest airline and Europe’s second-largest in terms of passengers. “Say yes to the world” is the carrier’s corporate motto, and it’s been operating for over 65 years! Today, Lufthansa operates 273 aircraft and flies to 220 destinations. Frankfurt Airport is its central hub, and Munich Airport serves as a secondary one.
Lufthansa Carry-On Cabin Baggage
Lufthansa actively discourages cabin luggage. To that end, the airline even developed an anti-carry-on campaign entitled: Less Carry-on-Baggage, More Comfort. You can check out the video here.
So, as you may surmise, the airline is strict about cabin baggage. Carry on luggage cannot be larger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm; folding garment bags no bigger than 57 x 54 x 15 cm. Unlike other airlines, economy passengers can only bring one piece of luggage or one folding-garment bag, not both.
| Cabin Class | Number of Bags | Number of Personal Items (If Space Is Available | Total Weight Allowance | Size Restrictions |
| Economy Class | 1 | 1 | 8 grams | Item: 55 x 40 x 23 cm / Folding Garment Bag: 57 x 54 x 15 cm |
| Premium Economy Class | 1 | 1 | 8 grams | Item: 55 x 40 x 23 cm / Folding Garment Bag: 57 x 54 x 15 cm |
| Business Class | 2 | 1 | 8 grams | Item: 55 x 40 x 23 cm / Folding Garment Bag: 57 x 54 x 15 cm |
| First Class | 2 | 1 | 8 grams | Item: 55 x 40 x 23 cm / Folding Garment Bag: 57 x 54 x 15 cm |
Lufthansa Checked Baggage
Lufthansa prohibits devices with rechargeable batteries — such as mobile phones and tablets, power banks, and e-cigarettes — in checked baggage. Such items must be carried into the cabin.
Like nearly all airlines, Lufthansa’s checked baggage calculation is a complex formula based on origin, destination, class, season, and fare. To make things easier, they’ve created a handy online calculator that instantly spits out the amount of checked luggage you can bring based on your flight and fare.
Generally speaking, checked baggage included in your fare cannot exceed 158 cm. In the economy classes, it can’t weigh more than 23 kilograms; in business and first classes, 32 kilograms is the limit.
Lufthansa Excess Baggage Policy
If your checked baggage exceeds Lufthansa’s luggage-size and -weight limits, you’ll be subject to excess and bulk baggage fees. For passengers in either economy class, items weighing over 23 kilograms or larger than 158 centimeters must pay extra. Business and first-class travelers can bring baggage that weighs up to 32 kilograms per piece.
Passengers that overshoot their baggage allowance or check bulky luggage will pay a fee between US$40 and US$450 per item! The rate is dependent on the flight route.
Nobody — in any class — can check pieces that weigh more than 32 kilograms or are larger than 292 centimeters. If you’re traveling on Lufthansa and need to transport items that exceed these parameters, your best bet is a luggage shipping service.
Lufthansa Sports Equipment
Lufthansa allows people to check various sports equipment items. However, availability is limited, and they recommend making advanced reservations. If you don’t book space, there’s a possibility you won’t be able to check the equipment onto the flight, which will probably invite a logistical migraine.
You must secure permission several days before takeoff for firearms. If approved, the weapon must be dismantled, packed separately from ammunition, and placed in an appropriate case.
Lufthansa Musical Instruments
Lufthansa allows passengers to carry on musical instruments, free of charge, so long as it doesn’t exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weighs no more than 8 kilograms.
People with instruments larger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm must buy an additional ticket. However, it cannot weigh more than 75 kilograms or exceed 110 x 42 x 50 cm if strapped to a seat. In other words, if you’re one of the world’s two tubax players, you’ll need a shipper.
Checking instruments is also an option. So long as it conforms to Lufthansa’s bulk-baggage parameters, and there’s room on the flight, it shouldn’t be a problem. If your ax must be on the same plane as you, call in advance to secure space.
Contact Lufthansa
Lufthansa Online Support: https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/help-and-contact
Customer Service Phone: 1 (800) 645.3880
Alternative to Excess Baggage Fees
Checking excess luggage can get very expensive very quickly — especially if you’re bringing several months-worth of baggage.
If that’s you, don’t worry — there’s another way.
Luggage shipping services, like Stasher, are the best way to transport lots of baggage. In most cases, it costs less than using airline services — and beyond that, not dealing with luggage while navigating airports is worth its weight in frequent flyer miles.
Keep an open mind and give Stasher a shot. We’ve won several customer service awards and strive to ensure our clients’ smiling satisfaction. The luggage shipping process is a snap, and once you try it, you may never go back to the old-fashioned way of schlepping luggage on flights.
