Lufthansa’s cabin baggage policy is generally one of the more generous among full-service European carriers, but a new fare tier introduced in 2026 has changed what’s included for some Economy passengers. This guide covers everything you need to know about Lufthansa’s cabin baggage allowance, so you can pack correctly and avoid surprises at the gate.

Quick Answer

• Cabin bag dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (including handles and wheels)
• Cabin bag weight: 8 kg
• Personal item dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
• Checked baggage: Included on most fares except Economy Basic and Economy Light
• Fare dependency: Since May 2026, Lufthansa’s new Economy Basic fare on short and medium-haul routes only includes the personal item, the cabin trolley must be added for a fee

Most Lufthansa fares include both a cabin bag and a personal item free of charge, but it’s worth double-checking your specific fare given the newer Economy Basic tier.

Cabin Baggage Allowance Explained

Lufthansa allows passengers in Economy and Premium Economy to bring one cabin bag into the overhead locker, with Business and First Class passengers permitted two.

Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels

Weight limit: 8 kg per bag, regardless of cabin class

The 8 kg weight limit applies uniformly, even Business and First Class passengers with two cabin bags must keep each individual bag under 8 kg rather than having a combined higher allowance.

A frequent misunderstanding involves Lufthansa’s newer Economy Basic fare, introduced on short and medium-haul routes from May 2026. Unlike the standard Economy Light fare (which includes the cabin trolley), Economy Basic only includes the smaller personal item free of charge, the 55 x 40 x 23 cm cabin bag needs to be purchased separately if you’re on this fare. It’s worth checking your fare name carefully at booking, since Basic and Light can look deceptively similar in price.

Personal Item Allowance

Every Lufthansa fare, including Economy Basic, includes a free personal item.

What qualifies:

• A handbag
• A laptop bag
• A small backpack

Common examples: A laptop bag with a tablet and charger, or a small backpack with a book and travel documents, both fit within Lufthansa’s personal item allowance.

Under-seat storage: The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Size restrictions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (some routes list 40 x 30 x 10 cm, so it’s worth checking your specific booking if you’re travelling with a bag close to this limit).

Because the personal item is included on every single Lufthansa fare, including Economy Basic, it’s technically possible to travel with just this bag and no fee at all, provided you can fit everything you need into 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

Cabin Bag vs Personal Item

Lufthansa’s cabin bag is the larger of the two allowances, designed for the overhead locker and intended for clothing, toiletries and the bulk of your belongings. The personal item, smaller and stored under the seat, is better suited to things you want accessible during the flight.

For example, an Economy Light passenger might use the 55 x 40 x 23 cm cabin bag for clothes and toiletries, while carrying a 40 x 30 x 15 cm laptop bag as their personal item with a tablet, charger and travel documents.

An Economy Basic passenger travelling light, on the other hand, might choose to bring only the 40 x 30 x 15 cm personal item, packing efficiently enough to avoid paying for the larger cabin trolley altogether.

Can You Take a Cabin Suitcase?

Yes, a cabin suitcase is a completely standard choice for Lufthansa’s main cabin bag allowance, provided it stays within 55 x 40 x 23 cm including wheels and handles, and weighs no more than 8 kg.

If you’re travelling on Economy Basic and want to avoid the added cost of the cabin trolley, it’s worth considering whether a compact bag within the 40 x 30 x 15 cm personal item allowance could work instead, since this travels free on every fare. For longer trips where a full-size cabin bag is necessary, choosing a lightweight case helps maximise how much you can pack within the 8 kg limit.

Restricted Items

Standard EU restrictions on cabin baggage contents apply to all Lufthansa flights.

• Liquids: Containers must be 100ml or less, packed within a single transparent, resealable bag
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets and cameras are permitted, though larger electronics may need to be removed at security
• Batteries: New rules affecting power banks and e-cigarettes came into effect in January 2026, so it’s worth checking the latest guidance if you’re travelling with either
• Sharp items: Scissors, knives and similar sharp objects are not permitted in cabin baggage
• Food: Solid food is generally permitted, though liquid or gel-based foods fall under standard liquid restrictions

What Happens if Your Bag is Too Big?

Gate checks: Oversized or overweight bags will typically be caught at check-in or at the gate using a standard bag sizer.

Extra charges: If your bag exceeds 55 x 40 x 23 cm or 8 kg, it will need to be checked into the hold, and a fee will likely apply, particularly if you’re on Economy Basic and hadn’t already paid for a cabin trolley.

Possible delays: Being asked to check a bag at the gate takes time and can affect boarding, so it’s best to confirm your bag fits before travelling.

Tips for Avoiding Extra Fees

• Double-check your fare name at booking, Economy Basic and Economy Light look similar but include different cabin baggage allowances
• Weigh your cabin bag at home before travelling, keeping it comfortably under 8 kg
• If you’re on Economy Basic, consider whether a compact bag within the 40 x 30 x 15 cm personal item limit could work for your trip, since this travels free on every fare
• Choose a lightweight cabin case to maximise how much you can pack within the 8 kg limit
• If you know you’ll need checked baggage, add it online in advance rather than at the airport, where fees are typically higher

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a backpack? Yes, a backpack can serve as either your cabin bag or your personal item, depending on its size.

Can I bring duty free? Yes, duty-free purchases are generally permitted in addition to your cabin bag and personal item.

Can I take a handbag as well? Your personal item allowance can be a handbag. Lufthansa permits one cabin bag and one personal item, so a handbag typically serves as the personal item rather than an additional item.

Can I carry medication? Yes, medication is permitted in cabin baggage, though liquid medication over 100ml may require supporting documentation.

Can I take a laptop? Yes, laptops are permitted in either bag and are commonly carried in the personal item for convenience during security.

Does Lufthansa weigh cabin bags? Yes, the 8 kg weight limit is actively enforced, particularly at busy European gates.

What size suitcase fits? A cabin case around 54 x 39 x 22 cm gives a small margin under Lufthansa’s 55 x 40 x 23 cm maximum.

Can I take a coat? Yes, wearing a coat onto the flight doesn’t count toward your cabin baggage allowance.

What’s included in Economy Basic? On short and medium-haul routes, Economy Basic (introduced May 2026) only includes the personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm) free of charge. The cabin trolley must be added for a fee.

Is checked baggage included on every fare? No, Economy Basic and Economy Light fares don’t include checked baggage as standard, it must be purchased separately. Economy Classic, Green and Flex fares typically include one checked bag.

Do Business and First passengers get two cabin bags? Yes, Business and First Class passengers can bring two cabin bags, each still subject to the 8 kg weight limit, plus one personal item.

What’s the maximum checked bag size? Checked bags must not exceed 158 cm total dimensions (length plus width plus height), with weight limits varying by cabin class and fare, typically 23 kg in Economy.

Conclusion

Lufthansa’s cabin baggage allowance remains generous overall, an 8 kg, 55 x 40 x 23 cm cabin bag plus a free personal item, though the new Economy Basic fare on short and medium-haul routes changes what’s included by default. Checking your exact fare type before you travel is the best way to avoid an unexpected fee at the gate. Since airline baggage policies are updated periodically, it’s worth confirming the latest rules directly with Lufthansa before you fly.