Last updated: 21st April 2026 · Baggage fees and policies change regularly. We update this guide continuously – for binding information, please check lufthansa.com before booking.
How large can my hand luggage actually be on Lufthansa? And what's the difference between Economy Light, Economy Classic and Business Class? Lufthansa is one of the most generous airlines in Europe – you're not only allowed to bring a standard cabin trolley weighing 8 kg, but also an additional small personal item such as a laptop bag or handbag. In our guide, we'll show you all current Lufthansa hand luggage rules for 2026, the actual dimensions and weights, the differences by fare and travel class, plus the new rules for power banks and e-cigarettes that came into effect on 15th January 2026.
Lufthansa Hand Luggage 2026 – Rules at a Glance
On Lufthansa, you can bring at least one piece of hand luggage plus a small personal item free of charge in every fare. In Business and First Class, even two pieces of hand luggage are included. The dimensions and weights are clearly defined and are spot-checked at the gate on fully booked flights.
1. The Standard Hand Luggage Piece
The most important piece of luggage for your flight is the standard hand luggage trolley or cabin bag:
- Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (including wheels, handles and external pockets)
- Weight: max. 8 kg
- Storage: in the overhead compartment above your seat
- Suitable options: Cabin suitcases in 55 × 40 × 20 cm, standard hand luggage trolleys or cabin backpacks
Most standard hand luggage suitcases in 55 × 40 × 20 cm fit easily within Lufthansa's dimensions – Lufthansa is actually more generous than most budget airlines with 23 cm depth.
2. The Personal Item
In addition to standard hand luggage, you may bring a small personal item that fits under the seat in front:
- Dimensions: 40 × 30 × 10 cm
- Typical items: laptop bag, handbag, small shoulder bag, camera bag
- Storage: under the seat in front
- Suitable options: small shoulder bags, underseater bags or compact backpacks
Important: A large backpack counts as hand luggage on Lufthansa – not as a personal item. Anyone with a 45L hiking backpack cannot bring an additional hand luggage trolley. Mind the 40 × 30 × 10 cm limit for personal items.
- 1× Trolley 8 kg
- + Personal Item
- 1× Trolley 8 kg
- + Personal Item
- 2× Trolley each 8 kg
- + Personal Item
- 2× Trolley each 8 kg
- + Personal Item
Overview: Lufthansa Hand Luggage by Travel Class
| Travel Class | Hand Luggage Pieces | Total Weight | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light/Classic/Flex | 1 × Trolley 55 × 40 × 23 cm | max. 8 kg | + 1× 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| Premium Economy | 1 × Trolley 55 × 40 × 23 cm | max. 8 kg | + 1× 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| Business Class | 2 × Trolley 55 × 40 × 23 cm | each max. 8 kg | + 1× 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| First Class | 2 × Trolley 55 × 40 × 23 cm | each max. 8 kg | + 1× 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
Lufthansa Checked Baggage 2026 – Allowances by Fare
Unlike hand luggage, checked baggage on Lufthansa is fare-dependent. In the cheapest Economy Light fare, no checked baggage is included – you must add it for an additional fee.
Allowances at a Glance
| Fare | Checked Pieces | Weight per Piece | Max. Sum L+W+H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 0 (can be added) | – | – |
| Economy Classic | 1 | 23 kg | 158 cm |
| Economy Flex | 1 | 23 kg | 158 cm |
| Premium Economy | 2 | each 23 kg | 158 cm |
| Business | 2 | each 32 kg | 158 cm |
| First | 3 | each 32 kg | 158 cm |
Costs for Extra Luggage in Economy Light
- Within Europe (e.g. Frankfurt → Rome): from approx. £55 when booked online for 1 piece up to 23 kg
- Booked at airport: from approx. £75 – significantly more expensive
- Long-haul: Extra luggage varies between £85–260 depending on route
Money-saving tip: With the Economy Light fare, it's worth comparing directly with the Economy Classic fare. Often Classic with included checked luggage is only £25–40 more than Light – cheaper than Light + extra luggage at the airport.
Excess Weight & Oversize on Lufthansa
If your suitcase is heavier or larger than permitted, excess baggage fees apply. Lufthansa defines as follows:
- Excess weight: Suitcases from 23 kg (Economy/PE) or 32 kg (Business/First)
- Oversize: Sum of length + width + height over 158 cm
- Absolute maximum: 32 kg individual weight (ground staff health & safety)
- Maximum external perimeter: 292 cm (girth L+W+H)
The additional fees for excess weight or oversize are £40–85 per sector in European traffic, £85–260 on long-haul. If you cannot repack your luggage, you should book the excess costs online in advance – it almost always becomes more expensive at the counter.
New Rules 2026: Power Banks and E-Cigarettes
Since 15th January 2026, stricter rules for lithium batteries in hand luggage apply for the Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Eurowings and Brussels Airlines):
- Max. 2 power banks per person (no longer 20 as before)
- Power banks must be carried on your person or under the seat in front – not in overhead bins
- Use on board prohibited: Neither power banks nor e-cigarettes may be charged or used
- Checked luggage: Power banks and e-cigarettes are completely banned there
- Wh limits: up to 100 Wh permitted, 100–160 Wh only with airline approval (maximum 2 pieces), over 160 Wh completely banned
Background: Following several fires caused by overheated batteries in overhead bins, the Lufthansa Group has standardised rules across Europe. Violations risk fines and being refused boarding.
Liquids in Lufthansa Hand Luggage
Lufthansa, like all airlines in Europe, follows EU-wide liquid rules. In your hand luggage, you may only carry liquids in small quantities:
- Individual containers with maximum 100 ml
- All containers together in a transparent, resealable plastic bag (1 litre)
- Maximum one bag per person
- Remove separately from hand luggage at security control
At airports with modern CT scanners (e.g. Frankfurt, Munich), liquids may now be carried up to 2 litres at certain control lanes. More details can be found in our comprehensive guide Liquids in hand luggage. Find the suitable flight bag in our shop.
What's Allowed in Lufthansa Hand Luggage – and What's Not?
Permitted in Hand Luggage
- Laptop, tablet, smartphone, e-book reader, camera
- Power banks up to 100 Wh (max. 2 pieces, not for use/charging)
- Medicines (in original packaging, with medical certificate if needed)
- Baby food in required quantities for the flight
- Pushchair/buggy can be checked at gate
- Musical instruments up to hand luggage size (advance notification recommended)
Prohibited in Hand Luggage
- Sharp objects (knives from 6 cm blade, scissors, metal nail files)
- Tools over 6 cm (screwdrivers, hammers, pliers)
- Flammable substances (lighter fuel, gas, spray cans over 100 ml)
- Firearms, ammunition, fireworks
- Liquids over 100 ml per container
- Lithium batteries over 160 Wh without approval
Which Suitcase Fits Lufthansa Hand Luggage?
For Lufthansa, we recommend one of the following luggage types depending on your trip. All linked categories contain only models in suitable dimensions:
- Short trip / city break (1–3 nights): Hand luggage trolleys in 55 × 40 × 20–23 cm
- Backpack fan: Cabin backpacks from Eastpak, Osprey, Herschel or Samsonite
- Soft bag: Travel bags in hand luggage format – more flexible, often lighter
- Business trip: Business trolleys with laptop compartment
- Long holiday with checked luggage: Suitcases & trolleys for 23-kg checked luggage
A good rule of thumb: empty weight under 3 kg, 4 smooth-running double wheels and a separate laptop compartment – so business essentials fit optimally into your 8 kg hand luggage.
5 Money-Saving Tips for Your Lufthansa Hand Luggage
- Compare Light vs Classic: Economy Classic with included 23-kg luggage is often only £25–40 more than Light + extra luggage. Usually pays off from one night's holiday.
- Online instead of at airport: Extra luggage costs at least £20 more at the airport. Better to book directly when booking or up to 6 hours before departure online.
- Make use of personal item: The 40 × 30 × 10 cm laptop bag additionally – this fits power bank, charger, headphones, snacks and travel documents.
- Choose lightweight suitcase: Every kilo of empty weight is deducted from your 8-kg packing limit. Modern hand luggage suitcases often weigh under 2.5 kg.
- Plan for gate checks: On fully booked flights, Lufthansa spot-checks dimensions and weight at the gate. Better not expand suitcases with expand function and keep all external pockets closed.
Lufthansa vs. Ryanair & Eurowings
Lufthansa is one of the most generous airlines in Europe for hand luggage. A comparison with budget airlines shows the differences:
| Airline | Free Hand Luggage | Additional Item |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg | + 40 × 30 × 10 cm (incl.) |
| Eurowings (Basic) | 40 × 30 × 25 cm, 8 kg | 55 × 40 × 23 cm only in Smart/Bizclass |
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm, no weight limit | 55 × 40 × 20 cm only with Priority (£5–30) |
For those wanting to know more about cheaper alternatives, our guides contain the details: Ryanair hand luggage 2026. The airport process is also slightly different with each carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lufthansa Hand Luggage
How large can my hand luggage be on Lufthansa?
Standard hand luggage on Lufthansa may measure a maximum of 55 × 40 × 23 cm and weigh 8 kg. Additionally, a small personal item of 40 × 30 × 10 cm that fits under the seat in front is permitted.
Can I bring a handbag in addition on Lufthansa?
Yes, in addition to the hand luggage trolley, a small personal item up to 40 × 30 × 10 cm is permitted – typically a handbag, laptop bag or small shoulder bag. A large backpack, however, already counts as hand luggage.
How many pieces of hand luggage can I bring in Business Class?
In Business and First Class, you may bring two pieces of hand luggage with a maximum of 8 kg each. Plus a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 10 cm.
Is checked luggage included in the Economy Light fare?
No, no checked luggage is included in the Economy Light fare. You can add an additional piece of luggage up to 23 kg from approx. £55 online – it becomes significantly more expensive at the airport (from £75).
Can I bring my power bank on Lufthansa?
Since 15th January 2026, a maximum of 2 power banks per person are permitted on the Lufthansa Group. They must be carried in hand luggage (not in checked luggage) and may not be charged or used on board. Permitted up to 100 Wh; between 100–160 Wh only with prior airline approval.
What does excess weight cost on Lufthansa?
For excess weight (23–32 kg in Economy/Premium Economy) or oversize (over 158 cm L+W+H), Lufthansa charges £40–85 additional fee within Europe, £85–260 on long-haul. Absolute upper limit: 32 kg per suitcase.
Other Airlines – Hand Luggage Rules
Travelling with another airline? Here you'll find the current size & weight rules:
- Hand Luggage Suitcases 2026 – all airlines compared
- Ryanair hand luggage dimensions
- Eurowings hand luggage dimensions
Coming soon: Easyjet, Wizz Air, Condor & KLM. All information as of 2026, without guarantee.
