Lufthansa Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

November 10, 2025

In order to provide passengers with clarity and convenience on every trip, Lufthansa Airlines Checked Baggage Policy has a well-organized checked baggage policy. Knowing your luggage allowance helps prevent unforeseen costs and guarantees a seamless airport experience, whether you're traveling within Europe or on a lengthy international route. Weight restrictions, allowed bag sizes, class-specific allowances, and other crucial information are covered in this guide to help you travel with Lufthansa in a stress-free and organized manner.

What is the standard checked baggage allowance?

Lufthansa’s checked baggage allowance depends on your route, your travel class, and your fare type.

Here are the rough guidelines:

Weight and size limits

Each piece of checked baggage must have a maximum dimension (length + width + depth) of 158 cm (62 inches).
On many flights the maximum allowed weight per bag is:
- Economy: 23 kg (50 lb).
- Business/First: Up to 32 kg (70 lb) depending on route.
Bags over 32 kg may not be accepted as standard checked luggage and might need to be sent as cargo.

Allowance by class & route

For intercontinental flights (long-haul) operated by Lufthansa:

Economy Class: Typically 1 bag (up to 23 kg).
Premium Economy: Typically 2 bags each up to 23 kg.
Business Class: Typically 2 bags each up to 32 kg.
First Class: Typically 3 bags each up to 32 kg.

For European / intra-Europe flights, the allowances may differ. For example:

Economy Classic/Flex: 1 bag up to 23 kg.
Business Class: 2 bags up to 32 kg each.

Excess weight, oversized items & fees

If your checked bag exceeds the standard allowance (by count, weight or size) here’s what you need to know:

Bags that are overweight/oversize (e.g., heavier than the allowed weight or larger than 158 cm) will incur excess baggage fees.
On intercontinental routes, the fees for larger or heavier bags can be significant. For example: Up to 32 kg but beyond free allowance may incur ~150 € or 150 USD and above.
A Reddit user explains:

“The limit is per bag. Anything over is charged as heavy. One 45kg bag does not equal 2 × 23 kg bags.”
So you cannot combine two bags’ weight in one piece; each piece counts individually.
If a bag exceeds the maximum allowed weight (32 kg typically) or size, it might not be accepted as checked baggage at all and you might need to send it by cargo.

Special cases & items

Infants / children: For children under two years of age (on the lap), there is usually an allowance of one piece of baggage up to 23 kg plus a pushchair etc.
Sports equipment: Equipment like skis, golf bags may be allowed as part of your allowance or with special rules if registered in advance.
Flights to/from or via the USA: On flights to or from the U.S., Lufthansa notes that the rules of the first carrier on your ticket may apply — i.e., if another airline operates the first leg your baggage allowance might follow that airline rather than Lufthansa’s standard allowance.
Other airlines / code-share flights: If your flight is operated by a partner airline (even if marketed by Lufthansa), the baggage allowance of the operating airline may apply. Always check the booking for "operated by" and verify.

Tips to make your journey smoother

Weigh your bag at home using a luggage scale so you avoid fees at check-in.
Check dimensions: Don’t just think of weight — large bags that exceed dimension limits may also incur fees.
Pre-book extra baggage online: It’s often cheaper to add a bag or extra weight online in advance rather than at the airport.
Mark your items clearly: Make sure your bag is easily identifiable and has your contact info—this helps in case luggage is delayed or mis-directed.
Check your fare type early: If you bought a discount fare (like Economy Light), verify if checked baggage is included. If not, consider adding a bag in advance rather than paying higher fees at the airport.
Use baggage calculators: Lufthansa provides a baggage calculator on their site so you can check your specific allowance for your flight (route, fare, class) online.

Conclusion

Are you flying with Lufthansa? You can prevent stress, additional expenses, and unpleasant surprises by being aware of the checked baggage policy. Keep in mind to verify the fare type, travel class, itinerary, and if your flight is operated by a partner or is code-shared. Prior to check-in, weigh and measure your suitcase using Lufthansa's baggage calculator, and if necessary, buy more allowance in advance as it usually costs less.