Lufthansa carry-on baggage: dimensions, weight, and rules in 2026

Lufthansa allows one carry-on bag of 55 x 40 x 23 cm with a maximum weight of 8 kg, supplemented by one personal item of 40 x 30 x 10 cm to be stowed under the seat. These rules apply to all flights, both short and long-haul, and the carry-on bag remains included in all Economy fares, including Economy Light.

Key points to know about Lufthansa carry-on baggage in 2026

What is carry-on baggage at Lufthansa?

At Lufthansa, carry-on baggage, also known as hand luggage, refers to what a passenger keeps with them in the cabin without needing to check it in. It consists of two items: a main piece of baggage (suitcase, bag, or tote) and a smaller item called a personal item (handbag, satchel, small backpack).

The main piece must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels, or a weight of 8 kg. The personal item is limited to approximately 40 x 30 x 10 cm and must fit under the seat in front of you.

These dimensions apply to all travel classes. It is the number of carry-on items allowed that varies according to the class and fare chosen, not their size.

What has changed at Lufthansa in 2026

In 2026, Lufthansa further differentiates its Economy fares (Light, Classic, Flex), but a common misconception persists: no, the Economy Light fare does not eliminate carry-on baggage. What Economy Light removes on European flights is checked baggage, as well as some flexibility (more restrictive changes and cancellations). The 8 kg carry-on bag and the personal item remain included in all Economy fares.

Furthermore, Lufthansa has harmonized its baggage rules with other airlines in its group, such as SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. As the exact conditions may vary depending on the date, route, and airline partner, always check your allowance on the official Lufthansa hand luggage page before traveling.

Lufthansa carry-on dimensions in 2026

Maximum authorized dimensions

For Lufthansa flights, the main carry-on bag is limited to 55 x 40 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels, with a weight of 8 kg per piece, regardless of the class (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First).

Additionally, each passenger may carry one personal item (handbag, small backpack, tablet sleeve) of approximately 40 x 30 x 10 cm, to be placed under the seat. Certain routes outside Europe may apply slightly different limits: when in doubt, the exact rule for your flight is available on the airline's official website.

Compatibility with standard suitcases and bags

The vast majority of suitcases labeled "carry-on," ranging from 55 x 40 x 20 cm to 23 cm, remain compliant with Lufthansa requirements. You can therefore use your usual Lufthansa 55x40x23 carry-on suitcase, hard or soft-sided, provided that retractable handles and wheels do not cause it to exceed the dimensions. To compare formats for each airline, consult our guide to carry-on suitcase sizes by airline.

Be careful if you are carrying multiple bags: only one piece will be accepted as the main bag and another as the personal item. Extra pouches or camera bags risk being refused or re-sorted by ground staff.

Special baggage: strollers and instruments

Collapsible strollers can generally travel in the cabin if they meet the carry-on format. If too large, they go into the hold but are often returned directly at the aircraft door. For an infant, a stroller can be transported free of charge and entrusted to cabin staff.

Small musical instruments (violin, guitar) may be accepted as carry-on baggage if they meet the authorized format. Large instruments must be checked in or require the purchase of a dedicated seat. The precise dimensions for these specific cases should be confirmed with Lufthansa when booking.

Weight allowance for Lufthansa carry-on baggage in 2026

Weight limit by travel class

On the majority of Lufthansa flights, the limit is 8 kg per main carry-on bag. In Economy and Premium Economy, you are entitled to one 8 kg carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm) plus a personal item under the seat.

In Business and First class, the limit remains 8 kg per piece, but you may take two carry-on bags, for a total of 16 kg, in addition to the personal item.

What happens in case of excess?

If your carry-on bag exceeds 8 kg or the dimensions, staff at the counter or gate may require it to be placed in paid checked baggage. Fees vary by route and fare but can reach several tens of euros per non-compliant bag, especially when paid at the airport.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, weigh your luggage before leaving and distribute your belongings well. Our guide on how to weigh a suitcase at home helps you stay under the 8 kg limit.

Items, liquids, and electronics in the cabin

Lufthansa strictly monitors the cabin at the counter and at the boarding gate. Beyond the dimensions, certain contents are regulated or even prohibited.

Authorized and prohibited items

You may carry your personal effects, clothing, documents, toiletries, electronic devices, and travel medicines. However, the following are prohibited: explosives, fireworks, compressed gases (excluding small authorized medical bottles), corrosive liquids, firearms, long fixed-blade knives, defensive sprays, as well as certain electrical devices such as hoverboards and electric scooters. Details are provided in our article on prohibited carry-on items.

Liquids rules

Departing from the European Union, liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit in containers of 100 ml maximum, grouped in a transparent resealable plastic bag of approximately 1 liter. Essential liquid medicines and baby food can be transported in the necessary quantity, outside of this bag, upon presentation at security.

Electronic devices and batteries

Laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras must be removed for a separate check. Lithium-ion batteries and external batteries (power banks) travel only in the cabin, within the generally accepted limit of 100 Wh per battery. Beyond that, prior agreement from the airline is required.

What are the differences according to the Lufthansa travel class?

The class chosen influences the number of bags, checked baggage allowance, and flexibility, but not the carry-on baggage format, which is identical everywhere.

Economy and Economy Light

Standard Economy class includes a comfortable seat, onboard catering, and, depending on the fare, checked baggage. The Economy Light fare offers a reduced price: it removes checked baggage on European flights and limits changes, but keeps the 8 kg carry-on bag and personal item. This is the ideal option if you are traveling light with carry-on only.

Premium Economy

Premium Economy offers a more spacious seat, improved catering, and priority baggage handling, with the same carry-on allowance (one 8 kg bag plus a personal item). A good comfort compromise on long-haul flights, comparable to the practice of Air France.

Business and First Class

Business Class entitles you to two carry-on bags of 8 kg, in addition to lounges, priority check-in, and premium service. First Class remains the pinnacle of the Lufthansa offer on long-haul flights, with ultra-personalized service and the same enhanced baggage facilities.

FAQ

What are the dimensions allowed for a Lufthansa carry-on bag in 2026?

Lufthansa allows one main carry-on bag of 55 x 40 x 23 cm maximum, including handles and wheels, for 8 kg per piece. You may add a personal item of approximately 40 x 30 x 10 cm to be placed under the seat.

What is the maximum weight of a Lufthansa carry-on bag?

The maximum weight is 8 kg per carry-on bag, regardless of the class. In Economy and Premium Economy, one carry-on bag is included. In Business and First, you may take two, each up to 8 kg.

Is a carry-on bag included in the Lufthansa Economy Light fare?

Yes. The Economy Light fare retains the 8 kg carry-on bag and the personal item. What Economy Light removes on European flights is checked baggage and some flexibility, not the carry-on bag.

Can you take a personal item in addition to the carry-on bag?

Yes, in addition to the carry-on bag, Lufthansa allows one small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) that must fit under the seat in front of you, within the limit of approximately 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

What happens if my carry-on bag exceeds 8 kg or the dimensions?

It may be removed at the counter or boarding gate and placed in the hold, with additional fees often higher than those for checked baggage reserved in advance. It is better to weigh and measure your baggage before departure.