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Lufthansa Airline Baggage Policy, Fees, and Adding Bags Later

1. Free Checked & Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Carry-On / Personal Item Airline Tickets

  • LH allows carry-on baggage subject to route/class: for many fares within Europe one item up to 8 kg is permitted.

  • The maximum dimensions for checked baggage (regardless of class) is 158 cm (sum width+height+depth) per piece.

Checked Baggage (Free Allowance) Cheap Airline Tickets

  • Economy Class (standard) on many intercontinental routes: 1 piece up to 23 kg.

  • Premium Economy: 2 pieces up to 23 kg each in many cases.

  • Business: typically 2 pieces up to 32 kg each (70 lbs) for intercontinental flights.

  • First Class: often 3 pieces up to 32 kg each.

  • For “Economy Light” fares: often no free checked bag is included.

Additionally, passenger status (e.g., HON Circle, Star Alliance Gold) can increase the allowance.


2. Fee Structure – Checked Bags, Additional Bags, Excess & Oversize

Additional / Extra Piece Fees

If you need more bags than your free allowance, LH allows you to buy additional pieces, subject to route. For example:

  • From the U.S. to Germany: 2nd checked bag (up to 23 kg) ~ US $90 (one-way) on some Economy fares.

  • For “Economy Light” fares you can purchase 1 bag up to 23kg online for a fee.

Excess / Overweight / Oversize Baggage Fees

When your checked bag exceeds weight/size limits, or you bring more bags than included, additional fees apply:

  • Economy & Premium Economy: A bag heavier than free allowance (24-32 kg) or larger than 158 cm is considered excess.

  • Within Europe: Example fees: ~ €50 (or USD ~$70) for overweight of 24-32 kg. For larger/oversize items: €100 to €150.

  • Intercontinental: Larger + heavier items may incur much higher fees (e.g., up to $300+).

Sample Fee Table (approximate)

Scenario Fee Estimate
Add 1 extra checked bag online (Europe) ~ €15-30 when prepaid.
Add 1 extra checked bag at airport (Europe) ~ €50+ when paying at counter.
Overweight (24-32 kg) within Europe ~ €50 / US$70.
Oversize (size >158 cm) intercontinental ~ €200 / US$300+.

3. Policy for Adding Bags Later (After Booking)

Here’s how and when you can add or purchase extra checked bags after your original booking, and what to watch out for.

When & How to Add

  • LH allows purchase of additional bags during online check-in (for many fares) or via “My Bookings” on the website.

  • For “Light” fares: you may purchase one piece of checked baggage (up to 23 kg) subject to route.

  • If the online option isn’t available (for example on certain codeshare or partner-segments) you may need to add at the airport check-in desk. Many user reports confirm this.

Fee Implications & Tips Travel Company

  • Pre-purchasing the bag (online or early) often gives you a lower fee compared to paying at the airport. Example: for flights within Germany or Europe, online fee ~ €15-30, airport may be ~ €50.

  • Be aware: for certain fare types and routes (especially Light fares or codeshares) the “Add baggage online” feature may not show until closer to departure (e.g., a few days before).

  • Make sure your booking reference and flight are included within the LH Group or operating carrier’s baggage system — if part of a partner flight you may need to follow partner’s rules.

Best Practices

  • Add early: If you know you’ll need an extra bag, purchase it as soon as you can for a better fee.

  • Check your itinerary: fare class (Light vs Classic/Flex), route (Europe vs intercontinental), and status (Frequent Traveller, Senator, etc) all affect allowance.

  • If online add-bags option is unavailable: plan to arrive extra early at airport check-in.

  • Always confirm the weight & size limits for your ticket and the bag you’re adding — excess charges still apply if over the size/weight even if bag piece count is booked.


4. Summary

The Lufthansa baggage policy is structured by fare type, travel agency class, route and passenger status. Here’s a quick recap:

  • Free checked baggage varies: none for Economy Light; 1 piece for standard Economy; 2 pieces for Premium Economy; more for Business/First.

  • Additional bags, heavier bags or oversized items incur extra fees — more so for intercontinental flights.

  • You can add extra bags after booking (via “My Bookings” or during check-in) and usually save money by doing so online/pre-departure rather than at airport.

  • Always check your fare, route & booking type to understand your specific allowance and fee structure.

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