Lufthansa Baggage Allowance Policy

Flying with Lufthansa Airlines requires understanding their specific baggage allowance rules to avoid hefty fees. This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about checked baggage, carry-on luggage, and special items when flying with Lufthansa.

Checked Baggage Allowances by Class of Service

Lufthansa’s checked baggage policy is primarily based on your class of service – Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First. In addition, frequent flyer status and route affect the checked bags you can transport free of cost.

For Economy class passengers on intercontinental flights, the standard free checked baggage allowance is one piece of luggage up to 23 kg or 50 lbs. On shorter continental flights within Europe, the same single bag up to 23 kg is permitted. Infants under two years of age receive one free checked bag up to 23 kg regardless of cabin class purchased, excluding Economy Light fares.

If you are flying in Premium Economy class, also known as Economy Flex, you can check in two bags up to 23 kg or 50 lbs each on any route. This allows you more flexibility with packing compared to standard Economy.

Lufthansa is more generous when it comes to Business class travelers – they can check in two pieces of luggage up to 32 kg or 70 lbs per bag on any itinerary, intercontinental or continental. This luxury extends to First Class passengers as well, who are entitled to check a maximum of three 32 kg bags per person on all routes.

Frequent flyers with Lufthansa’s Senator, HON Circle or Star Alliance Gold status receive additional checked baggage privileges beyond the standard allowances. For example, Economy class members can check two 23 kg bags, while First class members get three 32 kg pieces plus extra allowance for sports gear.

Excess Baggage Charges

While Lufthansa provides reasonable free checked baggage limits based on your class of travel, exceeding these will incur extra fees. There are three scenarios when you may be charged additional baggage fees:

1. Overweight bags: If an individual checked bag weighs over the class-specific weight limit, fees apply. Within Europe or between third countries, the overweight fee is 50€ per bag, while on intercontinental flights it doubles to 100€. Make sure to weigh your checked suitcases at home to avoid surprises.
2. Oversize bags: Even if your bag is within the weight limit but exceeds the standard size dimensions for checked luggage, Lufthansa levies oversize baggage fees. For Economy and Premium Economy fliers, this ranges from 100-200€ depending on the itinerary. Business and First Class passengers pay relatively lower oversize baggage fees of 100-200€. Use a measuring tape to validate the size of your luggage.
3. Excess bags: More than the permitted number of checked bags for your class of ticket falls under excess baggage. For Economy and Premium Economy tickets, Lufthansa charges 100€ within Europe or between third countries. For intercontinental routes this doubles to 200€. Business Class and First Class tickets do not have fees for excess baggage.

Carry-On Baggage Rules

In addition to restrictions on checked baggage, Lufthansa also has stringent regulations on the number, size and weight of cabin baggage you can take on board. This is to ensure overhead bin capacity limits are respected.

Each passenger’s carry-on is restricted to a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm or 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. It also cannot exceed 8 kg or 18 lbs in weight. Passengers can only take one carry-on bag in Economy class, while Business and First class travelers are allowed two cabin bags each.

You are also permitted one small personal item like a laptop bag or purse that must fit under the seat in front. Jackets, coats and reading materials do not count towards cabin baggage limits.

If you need to transport more carry-on items than permitted for your class of ticket, excess baggage fees apply. Within Europe or between third countries it is 50€ per extra bag, and doubles to 100€ per additional piece for intercontinental routes. Gate checking of bags may be enforced if the overhead bins get full.

Transporting Special Items

Lufthansa has specific policies and fees associated with transporting sports equipment, musical instruments, pets and firearms.

For sports gear like golf bags, bicycles, skiing equipment etc, notify Lufthansa in advance and fees ranging from 100€ to 250€ apply based on the itinerary. Oversized musical instruments can also be carried after paying instrument handling fees between 300-400USD depending on the route.

Small pets up to 8 kg can fly in the cabin for a 100-150€ fee each way. Larger animals must be transported as manifested air cargo with advance arrangements. Certain dog breeds like Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are restricted.

Transporting firearms and ammunition is allowed only for sporting purposes on specific routes after mandatory advance notification. Stringent regulations enforce how weapons must be packed and declared during check-in.

Infants under the age of two can travel on an adult’s lap without requiring a separate seat. However, if you reserve a seat for an infant, it costs 10% of the accompanying adult’s ticket price. Infants always receive a free checked bag allowance of one 23 kg piece regardless of booking class.

Actions in Case of Lost, Damaged or Delayed Baggage

Mishandled luggage is a common issue that air travelers face. If your checked bags are delayed, damaged or lost when traveling with Lufthansa, take the following steps:

• File a report at the airport before you leave the baggage claim area. Provide your flight details and get a case reference number.
• For damaged luggage, submit a report within 7 days of receiving your bags. Photograph any damage caused.
• If bags don’t arrive after 24 hours, prepare an itemized list of contents for Lufthansa as they will request this documentation.
• You can claim compensation as per Lufthansa’s policies and airline passenger rights under international conventions.

By understanding Lufthansa’s baggage allowance inside out, you can smartly pack and fly while avoiding costly surprises. This guide outlines everything you need to know from cabin baggage limits, to fees for special items, and reporting procedures for mishandled luggage. With these tips and information, you can breeze through luggage restrictions and focus on enjoying your travels with Lufthansa Airlines.

Smart Packing Tips for Flying Lufthansa

Packing for a trip while navigating Lufthansa’s baggage policies can be challenging. Use these tips and hacks for stress-free packing:

• Weigh your checked bags at home using a luggage scale to avoid excess weight fees. Adjust contents accordingly.
• Put an ID tag with your name, address and phone number inside each checked bag for easy identification.
• Pack a copy of your itinerary/e-ticket inside your luggage in case the airline tags get torn off.
• Carry essential prescription medication, electronics, travel documents and valuables in your carry-on rather than checked bags.
• Wear your bulkiest clothes and jackets when boarding to save space in your luggage.
• Use packing organizers, cubes, compression bags and toiletry kits to maximize your suitcase capacity.
• Roll clothes tightly instead of folding to squeeze more items into your bag.
• Place any leaky toiletries in waterproof bags to avoid spills and damage.
• Weigh yourself holding your packed carry-on to ensure it’s under the 8 kg cabin limit.
• Arrive early at the airport to allow sufficient time for luggage check-in and security screening.
• Be aware of your passenger rights if the airline damages or loses your baggage.
• Purchase travel insurance for protection against loss/damage of personal items and baggage delays.
• For valuable items, review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy limits for coverage when traveling.

Key Takeaways on Lufthansa’s Baggage Policies

To summarize Lufthansa’s luggage allowances and restrictions:

• Carry-on bags have strict size and weight limits – ensure compliance before flying.
• First Class and Business passengers get the most generous baggage allowances.
• Excess, oversized and overweight bags have associated fees you’ll want to avoid.
• Certain special items like sports gear require advance notice and processing.
• Report mishandled baggage promptly to initiate compensation claims.
• Use smart packing techniques to optimize space and avoid baggage headaches.

Understanding Lufthansa’s baggage policies in detail is key to a stress-free trip. This extensive guide outlines everything you need to know as a passenger on size limits, allowances based on booking class, special items transport, and baggage irregularities reporting. Equipped with this information, you can confidently pack and fly Lufthansa without unpleasant surprises

Answering Common Questions on Lufthansa Baggage Policies

Lufthansa’s baggage allowances and fees can be confusing for many travelers. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the free checked baggage allowance on Lufthansa flights from India to the USA?

• For Economy class, 1 piece up to 23 kg is permitted.
• Premium Economy allows 2 pieces up to 23 kg each.
• Business class travelers get 2 pieces up to 32 kg each.
• First class passengers can check 3 pieces up to 32 kg each.

Can I prepay my Lufthansa baggage fees before check-in?

Yes, Lufthansa offers online prepaid baggage service when you book your flights. You can also pre-pay baggage fees by contacting their reservation center directly. This helps avoid long check-in queues at the airport.

What is the maximum size for a Lufthansa carry-on bag?

Each carry-on can be a maximum of 55 x 40 x 23 cm in size, ensuring it fits in the overhead bins. Personal items have a smaller limit of 30 x 40 x 10 cm.

How much advance notice is required for transporting pets on Lufthansa?

You need to inform Lufthansa at least 48 hours before departure when traveling with a pet. Clearance is required for snub-nosed dogs. Meet all vaccination, health certificate and carrier requirements.

Can I pool my family’s checked baggage allowance on Lufthansa?

No, Lufthansa does not allow pooling of baggage allowances for individual travelers on the same booking. Each passenger is only entitled to the standard allowance based on class of ticket purchased. Excess charges apply individually.

What is the maximum weight for a single piece of checked baggage on Lufthansa?

For Economy and Premium Economy, the maximum weight per checked bag is 23 kg. For Business Class and First Class, each piece can weigh up to 32 kg without incurring overweight fees. All luggage should be within your class allowance.

Carefully going through Lufthansa’s baggage policies and having answers to common questions enables smooth travels. You can fly assured that you have done your homework researching size regulations, allowances, fees and reporting procedures.