LufthansaLH

Lufthansa is Germany's flag carrier and one of the world's largest airlines by passengers carried (64.5 million in 2024). The airline operates a fleet of 323 aircraft from hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, offering extensive global connectivity.

As a founding member of Star Alliance (established May 14, 1997), Lufthansa partners with 25 airlines including United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and ANA. The airline is known for precision, premium service, and its exceptional First Class product featuring private terminals and limousine service.

Lufthansa is part of the Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and a 41% stake in ITA Airways. Combined, the group operates 735 aircraft.

Carry-On Allowance

IMPORTANT: Lufthansa strictly enforces an 8 kg (18 lbs) weight limit on carry-on bags. Even 1-2 kg over may incur fees of €50-150.

Personal Item (all classes):

• Slim laptop bag or handbag
• Must fit under seat
• No specific weight limit

Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (22 × 16 × 9 in)
• Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs) maximum—strictly enforced
• Economy/Premium Economy: 1 bag
• Business/First: 2 bags (16 kg total)

Class	Bags	Weight per Bag
Economy	1	8 kg (18 lbs)
Premium Economy	1	8 kg (18 lbs)
Business	2	8 kg each (16 kg total)
First	2	8 kg each (16 kg total)

Checked Baggage

European/Short-Haul Flights:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight	Purchase Price
Economy Light	0	-	€20 (~$22)
Economy Classic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	-
Economy Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	-
Business	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each	-

Intercontinental/Long-Haul Flights:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight
Economy Light	0	€75 (~$82) to purchase
Economy Classic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy	2	23 kg each
Business	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each
First	3	32 kg each

Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) linear (L + W + H) Maximum weight: 32 kg per bag—heavier items must go via cargo

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Short-Haul (European):

Condition	Within Allowance	Additional Bag
Overweight OR oversized (24-32 kg or 159-292 cm)	€50 (~$55)	€130 (~$143)
Overweight AND oversized	€100 (~$110)	€180 (~$198)

Long-Haul (Intercontinental):

Condition	Within Allowance	Additional Bag
Overweight OR oversized	€150 (~$165)	€400 (~$440)
Overweight AND oversized	€300 (~$330)	€550 (~$605)

Elite Status Baggage Benefits

HON Circle, Senators, and Star Alliance Gold members on intercontinental Economy Light fares receive first checked bag free (at check-in counter only).

Special Items

Use Lufthansa's Baggage Calculator for exact fees by route.

Item	Notes
Golf clubs	Fee varies by route
Skis/snowboards	Fee varies by route
Bicycle	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free (1 per child)
Stroller	Free, gate-check available

Fees as of January 2025. Use the Baggage Calculator for current pricing.

Seat Specifications

Class	Pitch	Width	Features
Economy	31-32" (79-81 cm)	17-18"	9-11" screen
Economy (Allegris)	31-34"	-	Personal screens, USB
Premium Economy	38-39" (99 cm)	18-19"	11-12" screen, legrest
Business	46-50"	Full-flat	4K screens, 2m+ bed
First	80-81"	31.5" suite	4K screens, temperature-controlled seat

Allegris (New Long-Haul Product)

Lufthansa's new cabin product on A350 and Boeing 787-9:

• First Class: Private suite with temperature control (warm/cool)
• Business: 2m+ lie-flat beds, wireless charging, noise-canceling headphones, 14" 4K LG monitors
• Premium Economy: 99 cm pitch, fixed shell back with sliding recline
• Economy: USB ports, tablet holders

Entertainment

Long-haul:

• Personal HD seatback screens with on-demand content
• Latest movies, TV series, music, games
• LH Entertainment App: Control screen from personal device (A350, A330, 747-8, 787)

Short/medium-haul:

• Streaming to personal device via FlyNet portal
• ~45 free digital magazines

WiFi (FlyNet)

Service	Speed	Price
Messaging	Up to 150 kBit/s	FREE for Miles & More members
Premium/Surf	Up to 4 MBit/s	~€27 ($30) for long-haul
First Class	Premium	FREE
HON Circle	Premium	FREE

Purchase in advance online for discounted rate.

Catering

Short-Haul Economy:

• Paid "Onboard Delights" service (card only, no cash)
• Pre-order available 4 weeks to 18-24 hours before departure

Short-Haul Business:

• Complimentary meals on flights 35+ minutes
• Hot and cold dishes on china
• Menu developed with celebrity chef Johann Lafer

Long-Haul Economy:

• Complimentary three-course meals
• 2 hot main course options
• Second meal based on flight duration

Long-Haul Business:

• Pre-select main course online (up to 9 choices)
• Exclusive wine selection
• Freshly baked bread by World Baker of the Year 2022
• Fine china service

Booking:

• Economy Light has no checked bag—factor this into total cost
• Book Classic or Flex for transatlantic to include checked bag
• First Class includes limousine service at Frankfurt—worth experiencing

Baggage:

• Weigh your carry-on—8 kg limit is strictly enforced
• Use the Baggage Calculator before booking
• Status holders get first bag free on Economy Light (intercontinental only)

At the Airport:

• Frankfurt First Class Terminal is exceptional—arrive early to enjoy it
• Senator Lounge Z at Frankfurt has good runway views
• Munich Satellite has roof terrace with runway views

Earning Miles:

• Transfer partners: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase, Citi, Capital One
• Star Alliance flights earn Miles & More
• Co-branded credit cards available in Europe

Avoiding Fees:

• Short-haul Economy Light is viable if you travel carry-on only
• Watch the 8 kg carry-on limit—buy checked bag if uncertain
• Pre-order food on short-haul to avoid higher onboard prices

Common Issues:

• Economy Light has no flexibility—changes are expensive
• Fuel surcharges on awards are significant
• Short-haul WiFi for streaming only (no seatback screens)
• Frankfurt is large—allow time for connections