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

Lufthansa allows one carry-on bag measuring 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weighing a maximum of 8 kg, supplemented by a personal item measuring 40 x 30 x 10 cm to be placed 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 information about Lufthansa carry-on baggage in 2026

What is carry-on baggage with Lufthansa?

With 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 bag (suitcase, soft bag, or tote) and a smaller item called a personal item (pouch, satchel, small backpack).

The main bag must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels, and must not weigh more than 8 kg. The personal item is limited to approximately 40 x 30 x 10 cm and must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

These dimensions apply to all travel classes. It is the number of carry-on bags allowed that varies depending on 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 misconception persists: no, the Economy Light fare does not remove carry-on baggage. What Economy Light removes on European flights is checked baggage, as well as some flexibility (more restrictive modifications and cancellations). The 8 kg carry-on bag and personal item remain included in all Economy fares.

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

Lufthansa carry-on baggage dimensions in 2026

Maximum allowed dimensions

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

In addition, each passenger may bring a personal item (handbag, small backpack, tablet sleeve) of approximately 40 x 30 x 10 cm, to be placed under the seat. Some 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," measuring around 55 x 40 x 20 cm to 23 cm, remain compliant with Lufthansa requirements. You can therefore use your usual carry-on suitcase, rigid or soft, provided that retractable handles and wheels do not cause the dimensions to exceed the limits. To compare the formats of each airline, consult our guide to carry-on luggage sizes by airline.

Be careful if you combine several bags: only one item will be accepted as main baggage and another as a personal item. Extra camera bags or pouches may be refused or adjusted by ground staff.

Special baggage: strollers and instruments

Foldable strollers can usually travel in the cabin if they respect the carry-on baggage format. If too bulky, they go in 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 the cabin crew.

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

Lufthansa carry-on baggage weight allowance in 2026

Weight limit by travel class

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

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

What happens if the weight is exceeded?

If your carry-on bag exceeds 8 kg or the dimensions, staff at the counter or at the gate may have it placed in the paid hold. Fees vary depending on the 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 baggage before you leave and distribute your belongings properly. Our guide on how to weigh a suitcase at home helps you stay below the 8 kg limit.

Items, liquids, and electronics in the cabin

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

Allowed and prohibited items

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

Rules on liquids

Departing from the European Union, liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml maximum, grouped in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of approximately 1 liter. Essential liquid medications and baby food can be carried in necessary quantities, outside of this bag, upon presentation at security.

Electronic devices and batteries

Laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras must be removed for separate screening. 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 by Lufthansa travel class?

The chosen class influences the number of bags, checked baggage allowance, and flexibility, but not the carry-on baggage size, which is identical across all classes.

Economy and Economy Light

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

Premium Economy

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

Business and First Class

Business Class allows for two carry-on bags of 8 kg each, in addition to lounge access, priority check-in, and premium service. First Class remains the pinnacle of Lufthansa's long-haul offering, with ultra-personalized service and the same enhanced baggage facilities.

FAQ

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

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

What is the maximum weight for Lufthansa carry-on baggage?

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

Is carry-on baggage included in Lufthansa's Economy Light fare?

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

Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on baggage?

Yes, in addition to carry-on baggage, Lufthansa allows a 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 best to weigh and measure your baggage before departure.