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