Lufthansa generally allows one cabin bag up to 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 23 cm in Economy and Premium Economy, while Business and First Class passengers can usually take two 8 kg cabin bags. However, there is an important exception: Economy Basic on short- and medium-haul flights includes only one personal item measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
That small fare difference can completely change how you need to pack. Lufthansa’s current official carry-on baggage rules should therefore be checked against the fare printed on your booking, not simply against “Economy Class.”
What Is Lufthansa’s Hand Luggage Allowance?
Here is the quickest way to check your allowance before leaving home:
| Lufthansa fare/class | Cabin bag allowance | Personal item |
|---|---|---|
| Short/medium-haul Economy Basic | No standard cabin bag included | 1 item, 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Economy Light, Comfort, Flex | 1 bag, max 8 kg | 1 personal item |
| Long-haul Economy | 1 bag, max 8 kg | 1 personal item |
| Premium Economy | 1 bag, max 8 kg | 1 personal item |
| Business | 2 bags, max 8 kg each | 1 personal item |
| First Class | 2 bags, max 8 kg each | 1 personal item |
A standard cabin bag can measure no more than 55 × 40 × 23 cm, roughly 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 inches. A folding garment bag can measure up to 57 × 54 × 15 cm and weigh up to 8 kg, but it counts within your permitted cabin allowance.
Packing tip: weigh your bag fully packed, including chargers, laptop accessories and anything bought before reaching the airport. An apparently small hard-shell case can cross 8 kg surprisingly quickly.
Also read – Italy’s ITA Airways Is Now 90% Owned by Lufthansa Group
Does Lufthansa Weigh Hand Luggage at the Gate?
Yes. Lufthansa says it may check the number, dimensions and weight of cabin bags at the airport. An oversized or overweight bag can be taken at check-in or the boarding gate and placed in the hold.
The expensive part is leaving the problem until boarding. Lufthansa currently states that non-compliant hand luggage taken at the airport can cost roughly €60–€110, CHF60–CHF110 or US$75–US$125 depending on the route, and these gate charges can be substantially higher than arranging checked baggage earlier.
Best move: if your case is already close to 8 kg at home, do not plan on “getting away with it.” Move non-essential items or arrange checked baggage before reaching the gate.
What Are Lufthansa’s Liquid Restrictions?
For flights within the EU, German domestic flights and connections departing from the EU, liquids must normally be in containers holding no more than 100 ml each. All containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one litre per passenger.
The detail travelers often miss is this:
Security looks at the container’s stated maximum capacity—not how much liquid remains inside.
A 150 ml sunscreen bottle containing only 40 ml can therefore still be rejected. Use an actual 100 ml-or-smaller travel container.
Liquids include more than drinks:
- Toothpaste
- Creams and lotions
- Perfume
- Hair gel
- Shaving foam
- Sprays and aerosols
- Soups, syrups and similar mixtures
Essential medicines, baby food and special dietary liquids may qualify for exceptions. The European Commission’s current liquids guidance confirms the standard 100 ml/one-litre rule and its main exemptions.
Can You Carry a Power Bank on Lufthansa?
Power banks belong in the cabin, not checked baggage. Lufthansa currently permits up to two power banks per passenger up to 100 Wh each under its standard rules. Units above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh require airline approval.
There is another important restriction: Lufthansa says power banks must not be used or charged during the flight and must not be stored in the overhead locker. Keep them on your person, in the seat pocket or in cabin baggage underneath the seat.
If your cabin trolley is unexpectedly gate-checked, remove the power bank, medicines, valuables, phone, tablet and other battery-powered devices before handing the bag over.
Which Lufthansa Hand Luggage Rule Applies on Codeshare Flights?
The operating airline’s cabin baggage rules apply. An LH flight number does not automatically mean Lufthansa baggage limits apply if another airline actually operates the aircraft.
Also watch for regional restrictions: Lufthansa notes that on some flights involving countries including India and the United States, Business and First Class passengers may have to check their second cabin bag.
The 30-Second Lufthansa Packing Check
Before leaving for the airport:
- Check your exact fare, especially Economy Basic.
- Keep the main cabin bag within 55 × 40 × 23 cm and 8 kg.
- Keep the personal item within 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
- Put EU-security liquids in 100 ml-or-smaller containers inside one one-litre clear bag.
- Keep power banks in the cabin and out of the overhead locker.
- Recheck the operating airline if your trip is a codeshare.
Those six checks can prevent a security-bin surprise, an expensive gate charge or a last-minute repacking session while everyone else is boarding.
